In this episode of the Move to Tacoma Podcast we interviewed Matthew Wilson and Quincy Tyson. Matthew is the Executive Director of the Oasis Youth Center. Oasis is Pierce County’s only LGBTQ+ youth center. Founded in 1985, Oasis is a drop-in, resource, and support center. Oasis is a safe space for Queer youth to learn, connect, and thrive. Oasis envisions a world where Queer youth are valued as strong, creative leaders. Quincy is the new executive director of Tacoma’s Rainbow Center. Through education, advocacy, and celebration, Rainbow Center expands resources and safe space for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, two-spirit, and allied (LGBTQ2SA) community.

Matthew and Quincy shared about how Tacomans can support the queer community in Tacoma. In addition to attending Pride 2023, they shared their ideas on how all Tacomans can be allies. They also shared the biggest obstacles facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Tacoma and Washington State right now.

Tacoma Pride is in July because it gives people the opportunity to go to Pride Events in Seattle and June. “The nice thing about being queer in Tacoma is that we get two pride months!” says Quincy. Pride is more than the big event on July 8th. It will be held at 9th and Pacific Avenue in Downtown Tacoma from Noon to 6pm. There’s a series events put on by a bunch of different community partners. Tacoma Pride kicks off June 30th at 9:30am raising the pride flag at the Tacoma Dome. For a complete list of Tacoma Pride events check out TacomaPride.org.

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