A state panel has made significant progress in the establishment of a memorial dedicated to Cal Anderson, Washington’s first openly gay legislator and a key advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. This decision comes after the earlier removal of a tribute, which sparked controversy and discussions within the community.
On Monday, the State Capitol Committee unanimously approved a site for the new memorial on the Capitol grounds, specifically on a plot of land east of the Sunken Garden. The proposed design will highlight Anderson’s reflective and collaborative characteristics, including a semi-circular retaining wall with seating for meditation, along with a polished granite boulder standing 4 feet tall, symbolizing Anderson’s pivotal role in shaping the state’s future. The memorial will be artistically integrated into the landscape, aligning with the height of nearby hedges.
Randy Bolerjack, the committee member and deputy secretary of state, expressed relief at the advancement of the project, noting the emotional weight that the previous removal had on the community. “Characteristics that shone through to me in testimonials from his colleagues are his hopefulness and kindness, and I believe this memorial will serve as a reminder of those for future generations serving the state from Olympia,” he said.
Cal Anderson served in the Washington House of Representatives starting in 1987 and later was elected to the Senate. Throughout his career, he championed civil rights, pushing for the inclusion of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. His efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual passing of legislation banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in 2006.
The original memorial was established in 1996 but was removed in August 2023 during maintenance work, prompting strong reactions from leaders including Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and Gov. Jay Inslee. Both officials knew Anderson personally and were advocates of restoring his legacy. The state has currently allocated $75,000 for preliminary design work, which is being carried out by HBB Landscape Architecture in Seattle.
On Monday, the design firm presented sketches that wowed committee members, including Heck, who said, “That’s just a spectacular way to begin to visualize and imagine what that space might look like.” The final designs are expected to take about eight months to complete, with an estimated construction cost of $312,000, and a building timeline of approximately six months.
This memorial not only honors Cal Anderson’s legacy but also symbolizes Washington’s ongoing commitment to equality and representation for all its citizens. The approval of the memorial’s location is a positive step forward in recognizing the contributions of a trailblazer who fought vigorously for civil rights in the state.
In summary, Washington is moving toward honoring Cal Anderson with a thoughtful memorial on the Capitol grounds, reflecting on his significant contributions and promoting a legacy of hope and inclusivity.