Starting this Wednesday, the city of Everett will be the new temporary home for the "Love, Equally" exhibit, a poignant exploration of marriage equality's history in Washington. Originally crafted by Legacy Washington in 2023, it has greeted visitors at the Washington State Capitol Building before its recent stint at the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts. Now, the Everett Municipal Building welcomes this emblem of progress to be showcased until September, as reported by the city's official announcement.
In an attempt to not just paint a picture but to also inspire reflection, the exhibit narrates the struggle and triumph of LGBTQ civil rights advocates in Washington. Scheduled to coincide with the Everett Pride’s Annual Block Party, it opens on a day when love in its manifold forms will be celebrated, also featuring special Saturday hours on June 21, as per the city's statement.
Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin characterized the exhibit as a "moving tribute to resilience and love," and voiced the city's honor in hosting it. According to the city's release, Franklin stated, "This exhibit tells the story of people who refused to be silent, who stood up and spoke out, and who helped bend the arc of our history a little closer to justice." Reflecting Everett's commitment to inclusivity, the Mayor emphasized that "everyone deserves to live openly, safely and without fear - regardless of who they are or whom they love."
Love, Equally is not only a retelling but a recognition of the tide of change that has swept through Washington and beyond. From a time when the state could legally discriminate against gay and lesbian workers and deny them marriage rights, to the watershed moment in 2012 when voters championed marriage equality. This transformation has been nothing short of historic—a moment aptly described by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs as going from "outlaws to in-laws," when told the Everett government officials. Hobbs appreciates the exhibit's celebration of those dedicated to LGBTQ civil rights, its documentation of their faces and stories, its ripples still pushing the boundaries of societal acceptance.
Open to all from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, the exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to engage with the narratives woven into the fabric of Washington's progressive history.
