A state committee has made significant progress in establishing a new memorial for Cal Anderson, Washington’s first openly gay legislator and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Months after the previous tribute was removed, the State Capitol Committee unanimously selected a site for the new memorial, which will be situated east of the Sunken Garden on the Capitol grounds.
The proposed memorial will encompass thoughtful elements reflecting Anderson’s nature as a collaborator and activist. Plans include a semi-circular retaining wall with seating for contemplation and a polished granite boulder standing four feet tall, symbolizing Anderson’s influential legacy in shaping the future of the state. The design will be aesthetically harmonious, with landscaping that complements the surrounding gardens.
While the committee has approved the location, the design concept still requires final approval, and the Legislature will need to allocate funding for the project, which is estimated to cost about $312,000. Nevertheless, designating a location signifies considerable progress in a process that has seen its challenges.
Randy Bolerjack, a committee member, expressed relief that the previous issues have been resolved thoughtfully, emphasizing Anderson’s qualities of hopefulness and kindness. He believes the memorial will resonate with future generations of legislators.
Anderson was a pioneering figure in Washington politics, appointed to the state House in 1987 and later transitioning to the Senate. He bravely announced his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1995, a complication of AIDS, and passed away shortly thereafter. Throughout his political career, he fervently advocated for civil rights protections for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to significant legal changes over the years.
The original memorial, established in 1996, was removed in August 2023 during routine maintenance when a nearby cherry tree was cut down. This removal led to public outcry, prompting actions by Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Governor Jay Inslee, both of whom had connections with Anderson, labeling the removal as a desecration.
With early funding of $75,000 allocated for the project’s pre-design phase, HBB Landscape Architecture has been engaged to create the plans. On Monday, principal Aaron Luoma presented impressive sketches to the committee, receiving positive feedback on their potential to bring Anderson’s enduring legacy to life in a concrete and meaningful way. Following the completion of final designs in the coming months, the project will move forward to the construction phase.
This initiative to honor Cal Anderson not only serves to recognize his contributions but also reflects a growing acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ history and the importance of inclusive representation in public spaces. It stands as a hopeful reminder of progress and the ongoing journey toward equality for all.