A state committee in Washington has selected the location for a new memorial honoring Cal Anderson, the state’s first openly gay legislator and a prominent advocate for gay rights. This decision comes after the previous memorial was controversially removed, sparking public outcry.
The State Capitol Committee, which reached a unanimous agreement, has chosen a site east of the Sunken Garden for the new tribute. The planned memorial is designed to reflect Anderson’s thoughtful character and collaborative spirit, featuring a semi-circular retaining wall with seating for contemplation, as well as a polished granite boulder that symbolizes his contributions to the state.
While the design concept still requires committee approval and legislative funding for the estimated $312,000 cost, selecting a location marks significant progress in addressing past grievances. Randy Bolerjack, deputy secretary of state and a committee member, expressed relief at the decision, acknowledging the emotional weight of the process and emphasizing the memorial’s potential to inspire future generations.
Cal Anderson, who served in the House starting in 1987 and subsequently held a Senate seat, was a tireless advocate for gay rights, proposing legislation each session to expand civil rights protections. Although he passed away in 1995 due to complications from AIDS, his legacy gradually led to significant legal advancements, including the passing of a law in 2006 that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The original memorial, erected in 1996, was removed in August 2023 during the chopping down of a nearby cherry tree. In response to this action, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and Gov. Jay Inslee described the removal as disrespectful, prompting efforts for restoration. The state has allocated $75,000 for pre-design work, and HBB Landscape Architecture has been brought on board to develop the project.
The committee received inspiring initial designs on Monday, with principal Aaron Luoma showcasing sketches that elicited excitement from committee members. Follow-up work on final designs will take around eight months, and once completed, the project could proceed to construction within an estimated six-month timeframe.
This initiative to honor Cal Anderson’s legacy represents a collective movement towards recognizing and celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ figures in state history, fostering inclusivity and hope for future activism.
Summary: A state committee in Washington has unanimously selected a site for a new memorial honoring Cal Anderson, the first openly gay legislator in the state. The memorial is designed to reflect Anderson’s character and advocacy for gay rights. The project is now moving forward after addressing previous concerns surrounding the original tribute’s removal, with a focus on inspiring future generations.