It’s officially PRIDE MONTH, which means YAY to all the businesses out here putting rainbows on everything *insert sarcasm*

Annnnnnd, I know what you're thinking, “well isn’t that what you’re doing by making a pride post?” Well, yes, and no… Instead I am going to use this post to not only boost my friends, mentors, and idols, BUT to consistently bring visibility to LGBTQIA+ owned businesses throughout The Pacific Northwest or wherever my photography journey takes me.

Pride is a historic month that annually marks when the 1969 Stonewall Riots of New York occurred. These riots changed the gay community and liberation movement forever, many lives in the LGBTQIA+ community were lost and threatened. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk.” [source: The Trevor Project] Pride month commemorates not only the lives lost many years ago during Stonewall, but the lives that were [and continue to be] lost due to the lack of access to healthcare, including governmental and community support which often times increases the risk of suicide within the queer community.

Seattle Pride was unofficially established in 1974 with the first pride parade having less than 200 attendees, today Seattle, WA welcomes more than 500k community members and allies. “Over the years, we’ve come to understand that Pride parades and other celebrations are crucial. But they’re not enough. We’re continually expanding our advocacy and allyship efforts year-round to promote diversity and inclusivity—and to call our community to action.” [source: Seattle Pride]

As an ally and Seattle based photographer myself, my goal when working with clients from all backgrounds is to be that safe space for you to express your inner truth and be unapologetically who you are. Your time with me will be encompassed with strength and validity. So, bring that pride and hold your head up high, because it’s your time to shine!!

“I love the fact that I can make people happy, in any form. Even if it's just an hour of their lives, if I can make them feel lucky or make them feel good, or bring a smile to a sour face, that to me is worthwhile.” ~ Freddie Mercury

Inclusivity. It is a human right. Speaking of human rights, a quick shoutout to The Human Rights Campaign; “The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. We empower our 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community.” [source: hrc.org] So, this handful of LGBTQIA+ businesses, I love so much, deserve to be in the spotlight for the world to see!!

Jamie Buckley Photography

“I am Jamie, originally from Glasgow, Scotland I currently reside in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our pitbull, Loki. I've lived in Seattle for four years now and there's no place in the world I'd rather be. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and a gorgeous city skyline, I'm constantly inspired to create beautiful images.”

F*ck Yeah Weddings (Photography, consulting and Coordination)

“I'm Loren (they/them), the brains behind Fuck Yeah Weddings. With an endless enthusiasm for weddings, a dedication to not letting anyone "should" on my couples- I am the wedding professional you want in your corner.”