LGBTQ Community Events in Olympia, WA

Pizza Klatch emerged from tragedy and community determination in Olympia, WA. In 2007, following a series of suicides among LGBTQ+ youth in Thurston County, concerned therapists, community leaders, and mental health professionals partnered with the North Thurston School District to create a lifeline for struggling teens. What began as an after-school support group quickly evolved into the lunchtime Pizza Klatch in February 2008—a program that has since transformed the lives of hundreds of young people seeking acceptance, support, and community. The organization's mission centers on fostering resilience in LGBTQ+ youth and creating safe, positive school experiences through support, education, and empowerment. Pizza Klatch groups are uniquely responsive to participant needs, allowing each gathering to develop organically based on what youth bring to the table. Participants describe these spaces as consistent sources of positive connection and understanding—places where they can be heard, celebrated, and accepted without judgment or fear of violence or discrimination. Built on genuine community organizing principles, Pizza Klatch has grown through the dedication of volunteers, staff, board members, and community partners including PFLAG, Stonewall Youth, and local therapists. Today, serving the Olympia and Thurston County area, the organization operates 28 groups weekly across schools, reaching nearly 440 students who find in Pizza Klatch a refuge where friendships form, identities develop safely, and youth discover they are not alone. The program stands as a testament to what happens when communities come together to protect their most vulnerable members.

Founded in 1993, PFLAG Olympia represents a local expression of a national movement that began in 1972 when Jeanne Manford marched in New York's Gay Pride Parade carrying a sign that read, 'Parents of Gays: Unite in Support of Our Children.' Today, PFLAG Olympia continues that legacy of familial love and acceptance, serving as the extended family of the LGBTQ community in Olympia, Washington. The organization brings together LGBTQ individuals, family members, and allies who share a common vision: a society where everyone is celebrated, valued, and treated with respect and dignity regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. What makes PFLAG Olympia unique is its inclusive approach—the chapter welcomes all who share its values, from longtime allies to those just beginning their journey of understanding and acceptance. With more than 200,000 members across over 500 chapters nationwide, PFLAG has established itself as a trusted voice in the struggle for LGBTQ rights and family acceptance. In Olympia, the chapter provides a welcoming space where people can find understanding, build meaningful connections, and work together toward positive change. The organization believes that only through respect, dignity, and equality for all can communities reach their full potential. By gathering regularly and engaging in open dialogue, PFLAG Olympia demonstrates that love, acceptance, and support transcend differences and create stronger, healthier families and communities.