Letter to the editor Celebrating July as Disability Pride Month in Edmonds

Mayor Rosen will proclaim July as Disability Pride Month in Edmonds on July 22, 2025, inviting the community to attend the City Council meeting. Councilmember Jenna Nand, a representative with a neurodiverse disability, underscores the need for inclusion in decisions affecting disabled individuals. She highlights that over 1. 3 billion people globally live with disabilities, advocating for their visibility and acknowledgment in public life. The meeting will allow community members to share their insights and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging.

The article also reports on the closure of the LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which has supported LGBTQIA2S+ youth since its launch in 2022. This closure is expected to increase demand on the main 988 Lifeline and could diminish visibility for LGBTQIA2S+ needs. Michele Roberts from the Washington State Department of Health expresses concern about the loss of this vital service while reaffirming the state's commitment to supporting all individuals. The intersection of Disability Pride Month and the closure of the subnetwork highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable access to resources for marginalized communities.