A state committee has made significant progress on establishing a new memorial for Cal Anderson, a pioneering lawmaker who was Washington’s first openly gay legislator and a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. This decision comes after the recent removal of his previous memorial ignited considerable discussion.
During a recent meeting, the State Capitol Committee unanimously approved a location for the new memorial, which will be situated on a section of land east of the Sunken Garden. The memorial will feature a semi-circular retaining wall with a seating area for contemplation and meditation, along with a 4-foot-tall polished granite boulder that symbolizes Anderson’s legacy as a trailblazer in shaping Washington’s future. The design aims to be harmonious with the surrounding gardens, ensuring it does not exceed the height of nearby hedges.
Randy Bolerjack, the deputy secretary of state and a member of the committee, expressed relief at the thoughtful resolution of the memorial’s placement, reflecting on the pain that surrounded its previous removal. He emphasized that the memorial will encapsulate Anderson’s spirit of hopefulness and kindness, serving as a lasting reminder of his contributions to the state’s legislative history.
Cal Anderson was appointed to the Washington House of Representatives in 1987, later securing a Senate seat in 1994. His legacy includes relentless efforts to pass civil rights protections for the LGBTQ+ community, culminating in the 2006 law that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various sectors.
Following the demolition of the original memorial in August 2023—prompted by the removal of a cherry tree adjacent to it—Lt. Gov. Denny Heck labeled the action a “desecration,” leading to Governor Jay Inslee’s order to restore the tribute. To facilitate this, state lawmakers allocated $75,000 for the preliminary design phase, with HBB Landscape Architecture, based in Seattle, appointed to develop the project.
At the committee meeting, Aaron Luoma from HBB presented impressive sketches and renderings, which garnered much enthusiasm, including a strong endorsement from Lt. Gov. Heck. The next steps involve finalizing the designs within eight months, with an estimated construction budget of $312,000 and a projected six-month build time.
This renewed effort to honor Cal Anderson signifies a commitment to recognizing not only his personal contributions but also reflecting the progress made in the struggle for equality. It serves as a hopeful testament to the values of inclusion and respect that Anderson championed throughout his career, echoing a vision of a more equitable society for future generations.
This project not only memorializes an influential figure but, importantly, reinforces the ongoing commitment to diversity and equality in legislative achievements. The thoughtful nature of the designs and the community engagement reflect a burgeoning acknowledgment of the importance of remembering the past while striving for a better future.