There’s a reason that Seattle has always been a leader in creating a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ community and why it’s received a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for over five (5) consecutive years: where others see hate, #weSEAlove. Seattle is a city that favors inclusion over exclusion. This series goes ‘behind-the-image’ of some of the most poignant photos from the @weSEAlove Instagram handle – celebrating stories that showcase how Seattle approaches the world: with love and acceptance. Join us in shifting our country’s narrative one image and one story at a time. Discover more moments at weSEAlove.com and follow along at @weSEAlove on Instagram.

The city of Seattle is unique in that all their professional sports teams have publicly come out in support of the LGBTQ community through an initiative, “Equality is a Team Sport.” In this episode, we go ‘behind-the-image’ of Seattle Sounders FC’s 2017 Pride Match with Stefan Frei, vice-captain and goalie for Seattle’s MLS franchise.  He, and the team, are outspoken allies for the LGBTQ community. This year’s Sounders FC Pride match is June 29 and the team will trade in their regular jerseys for rainbow ones to show their support with all Matchday elements centered around Pride.  Where others see hate, #weSEAlove. Join us in shifting our country’s narrative one image and one story at a time. Discover more moments at weSEAlove.com and follow along at @weSEAlove on Instagram.

Although she lived in many places around the world, Lonness never truly felt she was home until she landed in Seattle. Born as intersex, she has become a vocal advocate for the trans community around the city. In this episode, we go behind-the-image of the “fairy godmother of Seattle” to understand why she has made it her mission to help others along on their journeys. Where others see hate, #weSEAlove. Join us in shifting our country’s narrative one image and one story at a time. Discover more moments at weSEAlove.com and follow along at @weSEAlove on Instagram.

Vlada’s life changed forever when her youngest child came out to her as transgender at the age of four. In this episode, we go behind-the-image of her family marching together during Seattle’s Transgender Pride Parade in support of their daughter/sister. Here, she shares her story of why she’s so glad to have Seattle’s supportive community surrounding her family and how this entire journey has given her newfound strength. Where others see hate, #weSEAlove. Join us in shifting our country’s narrative one image and one story at a time. Discover more moments at weSEAlove.com and follow along at @weSEAlove on Instagram.

In 2014, Zac and Sam were living in Minnesota when they won an all-expenses-paid wedding through Visit Seattle’s #MarryMeInSeattle sweepstakes. Never even having visited the state of Washington, they took the leap and embraced the opportunity with open arms. In this episode, we go behind-the-image of their wedding day. The city made them feel so welcome, and was so affirming of their love for each other, that after they said “I do,” they knew they had found their new home and made the move out west. Where others see hate, #weSEAlove. Join us in shifting our country’s narrative one image and one story at a time. Discover more moments at weSEAlove.com and follow along at @weSEAlove on Instagram.