3/30: Troy Christensen of Rainbow Center

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Becky interviews Troy Christensen, executive director of the Rainbow Center that advocates, educates, and celebrates on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals in and around Tacoma. Troy talks about social groups for LGBTQ+ folks, demystifies pronouns, explains why a Pride flag now includes black and brown stripes, and invites listeners to a virtual dance party.

Interview begins at 6:47.

WASHINGTON STATE

  • If you or a loved one is having a difficult time coping with the outbreak and want to seek outside help, the State Department of Health recommends speaking to a trained counselor at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. You can also text TalkWithUS, all one word, to 66746.
    • The department also advises contacting your physician or insurance company consultation lines to ask health-related questions or to seek mental health support.
  • The Washington Department of Licensing is now temporarily allowing driving schools across the state to go web-based instead of the previous model of in-person driver’s ed.
    • The DOL also notes that the Federal REAL ID Act that had been scheduled to take effect Oct. 1, 2020 has been postponed, with a new deadline yet-to-be set, so residents should stay home and stay healthy.
    • Drivers license and State ID card renewals can be processed online at dol.wa.gov.

TACOMA

  • The Tacoma City Council has temporarily suspended the city’s “Bring Your Own Bag” ordinance during the declared state of emergency, in order to meet increasing demand for groceries and other supplies, and to protect the health of grocery workers and shoppers.

PIERCE COUNTY

  • The Pierce County assessor-treasurer has extended property-tax due date from April 30th to June 1st in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The extension is applicable to property owners who pay the tax themselves, rather than through a mortgage lender or service.
  • Pierce Transit has reduced weekday bus service by about 28 percent until further notice. Weekday routes will start and end around the same timeframe as a typical weekday, but buses will run less frequently.
    • Route 102 in Gig Harbor will not run during this time, since riders from the Gig Harbor area can reach Tacoma using other bus routes.
    • Riders can check routes online at PierceTransit.org
    • You can check when your next bus comes by texting 253.533.7084 from their bus stop and entering the bus stop number found on the pole, or by using a bus locator app, such as Transit or One Bus Away.
    • You can also sign up for route text alerts by visiting PierceTransit.org/StayConnected.
    • Fare collection is still suspended on buses and SHUTTLE vehicles, and customers are being asked to board buses using rear doors only, unless they need mobility assistance.
    • For any questions, call Pierce Transit’s Toll-Free Line at 1.800.562.8109