LGBTQ+ Facts
Tacoma area is one of the friendliest areas for LGBTQ+ people in the United States. In 2012, The Advocate even named Tacoma as the “Gayest City in America.”
While there isn’t a designated LGBTQ+ district, there is still an extensive and vibrant queer community all around town. One of the best LGBTQ+-friendly bars is called The Mix.
In addition, the Rainbow Center is one of the best resources for queer folks in the Tacoma area. This community center dedicates itself to education, advocacy, and empowering the city’s LGBTQ+ population. There is also a local branch of PFLAG in Tacoma.
Mental Health in Tacoma, WA
One study from the journal PLOS ONE evaluated more than 200 Seattle-area children and teens at three stages: before the onset of the pandemic, during the first lockdown phase, and six months after that, when schools in the region were still operating remotely.
The study concluded that the spread of COVID-19 and economic hardships and social isolation contributed to stress, depression, and anxiety among children and teens.
Some factors that improved mental health during the earlier portion of the pandemic were a daily routine, good sleep quality, and less screen time, as reported by researchers at Harvard University and the University of Washington.
The study featured two groups of Seattle-area children from ages 7 to 10 and teens ages 13 to 15. About half of the people surveyed were female, and about one-third were kids of color.
**Note: This language features gender dichotomously as that is what is indicated in the research, and it does not talk about any variability. We have used the language in these statistics because this is what was reported in the study.
Children are continually struggling with their mental health due to the effects of the pandemic. However, there is help available in the Tacoma area. To find a psychologist for kids in this region, check out our listings at LGBTQ and ALL. In addition, we have an extensive list of mental health care providers for children in areas all over the world.
Top Features for Tacoma, WA
Tacoma is a city in Washington, located on the banks of Puget Sound. One of its top attractions is the Museum of Glass, featuring works by the talented glass artist Dale Chihuly. Included in these exhibits are installations on the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. In addition, the Tacoma Art Museum focuses on displays from the Northwest region. Finally, the Washington State History Museum offers interactive exhibits and an impressive model railroad.
Facts
- The name Tacoma translates to “Mother of the Waters.”
- The Tacoma port covers more than 2,400 acres, making it the sixth-largest port in North America.
- Stadium High School was initially meant to be a luxury hotel; however, in 1893, during the depression, they halted its construction.
History/Data
The Puyallup people first inhabited the region for thousands of years, residing in settlements on the delta.
In 1872, Tacoma was officially settled by teetotaler and general Morton Matthew McCarver. He gave the city its first name: Commencement City. In the same year, Tacoma had developed into a thriving town with a lumber mill, two stores, a saloon, a hotel, a jail, a blacksmith. At the time, there were about 100 residents.
Now, in 2021, Tacoma reached its highest population of all time: 221,259 people.