In the heart of Pride month, Seattle proudly celebrated its status as a haven for LGBTQIA+ unity and merriments all year round. Visit Seattle, the recognized destination marketing organization for the region, extended invitations to LGBTQIA+ duos from across the globe to participate in a vow renewal ceremony aboard the illustrious Argosy cruise ship, now rechristened as the Love For All Boat. This significant event, held on May 30th, witnessed 56 couples renewing their vows, etching their names in history with a new world record.
The jubilant occasion was masterfully led by Seattle’s very own BenDeLaCreme, a celebrated star from RuPaul’s Drag Race, while the esteemed Justice Mary Yu officiated the proceedings. The event’s proceeds were generously directed towards the GSBA Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ and ally students in Washington.
Michael Woody, who participated in the vow renewal alongside his husband Kevin, expressed his heartfelt sentiments: “There’s a certain magic in celebrating LGBTQIA+ love through a shared experience like this. Knowing that Seattle and this special occasion will forever hold a cherished place in the narratives of so many couples is something our organization will hold dear.” Woody, who serves as the chief communications officer for Visit Seattle, further emphasized, “This event was a testament to our city’s unwavering commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, as a place where they can always feel secure in expressing their love openly and embracing their genuine selves.”
Amplifying this unwavering commitment to diversity, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell officially proclaimed May 30th as Love For All Day. Deputy Mayor Greg Wong made this momentous announcement during the event, coinciding with the illumination of prominent Seattle landmarks, including the Seattle Great Wheel and T-Mobile Park, in vibrant hues of support.
“It brings me immense joy to proclaim May 30th as Love For All Day in Seattle,” declared Mayor Bruce Harrell. “We take great pride in honoring LGBTQIA+ love in Seattle. Our city stands as a beacon where both residents and visitors alike can revel in their true identities and celebrate their love, enveloped by the unwavering support of our community. Seattleites have a long-standing legacy of championing their LGBTQIA+ neighbors, pioneering the nation in LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy and Pride festivities. My heartfelt congratulations to the couples who renewed their vows aboard the Love For All Boat, and to Seattle Pride on its remarkable 50-year legacy.”
The celebrations were hosted on the Salish Explorer, an Argosy vessel meticulously adorned for the occasion, as it embarked on a picturesque voyage around Puget Sound against the backdrop of a mesmerizing sunset. Guests were treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Olympic Mountains and Seattle’s dazzling skyline, complemented by delectable local delicacies and fine wines. The evening was further enhanced by captivating performances from BenDeLaCreme, culminating in an unforgettable cake-cutting ceremony.
Justice Mary Yu, a trailblazing figure as Washington’s first openly gay Asian American and Latina justice, presided over the vow renewals, inscribing their names in the annals of history with a world record acknowledged by RecordSetter. Notably, among those renewing their vows were Sara and Emily Cofer, the first same-sex couple she had the honor of marrying in 2012.
To further amplify the occasion, Visit Seattle forged partnerships with 13 local hotels to offer exclusive packages, granting couples complimentary access to the event. The Love For All Boat event seamlessly aligns with Visit Seattle’s dedication to inclusive marketing initiatives, marking a decade since their groundbreaking ‘Marry Me in Seattle’ campaign. This campaign was meticulously crafted to commemorate marriage equality in Washington and offered dream weddings to out-of-state LGBTQIA+ couples. Among those celebrating their enduring love were Zac and Sam Baker, who relocated to Seattle following their wedding.
Seattle, boasting one of the highest concentrations of LGBTQIA+ residents in the nation, eagerly anticipates its 50th Pride anniversary. The city is brimming with excitement to host a multitude of events under the overarching theme ‘Now!’, resonating with the historical call to action for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. As Pride festivities unfold, visitors can immerse themselves in a spectrum of themed offerings from participating local hotels, ranging from room upgrades and dining credits to romantic indulgences like spa treatments and in-room amenities.
