Welcoming LGBTQ+ and Marginalized Communities: Preparing for an Influx to the Pacific Northwest

As a Tacoma real estate agent specializing in relocation the trend of people with identities that have been politicized moving from states like Florida and Texas is something I'm familiar with. Whether you're in real estate, HR, or non-profits, you probably have an awareness that the region will be seeing an increase of people moving to the Pacific Northwest for their safety.

This conversation is especially relevant in the wake of last weeks US Presidential Election. Open Reddit or community conversation groups on platforms across the US and you will see people asking questions about how to move somewhere safer than where they are.

As we see increasing numbers of people fleeing states where their rights and safety are being legislated away there's an awareness that many of the folks are coming here to the Pacific Northwest. Whether it’s LGBTQ+ families, parents of trans children, or others from marginalized groups, they’re seeking refuge in regions like Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland, where communities promise greater safety and rights.

As the implications of the election hit me last week I had questions running through my mind:

• Is it really safer for people here? Will we be able to hold our ground and keep the laws we have?
• Will we be able to continue to protect LGBTQ adults and kids with a federal government so hostile to their existence?
• With housing already incredibly expensive, will locals try to close the door on people? AKA Build a wall and make Florida pay for it?

With housing already incredibly expensive, will locals try to close the door on people? AKA Build a wall and make Florida pay for it?

I reached out to Tori Williams Douglass, creator of White Homework, and asked if we could have a conversation on Instagram Live to discuss this important question: Should People Move to Tacoma in 2025?

Here are some of the key takeaways from our discussion tailored to our industries. To hear the full conversation you can watch the Instagram Live with Marguerite and Tori Here.

Understanding the Opportunity and Responsibility

The Pacific Northwest is becoming a destination for people seeking refuge, and that comes with both challenges and opportunities. For real estate agents and relocation professionals, it’s about more than just helping people find homes. It’s about helping them find community and stability.

"Being a region that’s seen as a safe haven is an incredible honor, but it’s also a call to action." - Tori Williams Douglass, Creator of White Homework

As Tori noted, being a region that’s seen as a safe haven is an incredible honor, but it’s also a call to action. “Being the safe place is awesome,” Tori said. “It’s a huge opportunity to invest in community, creativity, and solutions.”

We have a role in shaping this narrative and building the infrastructure—both physical and social—to support these newcomers.

Balancing Growth with Local Concerns

Growth often comes with concerns: housing affordability, increased traffic, stretched resources. While these are valid, Tori challenged us to reframe the conversation. “People aren’t just bringing their cars or their kids,” she explained. “They’re bringing skills, tax dollars, and energy.”

For those of us in real estate and relocation, this means working collaboratively with local communities to ensure we advocate for policies that promote housing affordability and tenant protections. Supporting initiatives that create more housing—especially affordable housing—is essential to fostering long-term success for both existing and new residents.

Advocacy and Action: Where to Plug In

Whether you’re a real estate professional, a relocation expert, or someone working in nonprofit services, there are clear steps you can take to contribute positively to these changes:

1. Support Housing Advocacy Efforts: Organizations like Tacoma for All and tenants’ unions are doing critical work to protect renters and expand affordable housing options. Lending your voice, time, or resources to these groups can make a significant impact.
2. Champion Inclusive Policies: From advocating for zoning changes to supporting renter protections, we can use our platforms to influence local policies that ensure equitable housing for all.
3. Collaborate with Existing Movements: Instead of reinventing the wheel, align with grassroots organizations already making progress. In Tacoma, for instance, groups like Tacoma for All have been instrumental in securing tenant protections. Organizations like Oasis Youth Center have a proven track record of supporting LGBTQ Youth in Tacoma. They need our support.

Folks already living in the Pacific Northwest are not immune to the impacts of what is coming. If you're a member of the LGBTQ community in the Pacific Northwest it's worth looking into what you can do to protect yourself and your family before the arrival of the next administration. My friend and Seattle Real Estate Agent Chavi Hohm recently created this guide, "Guide for Protecting LGBTQ Families in a Trump 2.0 World." It's a great place to start!

Direct Aid: A Personal and Professional Opportunity

Beyond systemic change, Tori emphasized the power of direct aid—helping individuals and families meet their immediate needs. This could mean pooling resources to help a family make rent, organizing community fundraisers, or simply being aware of who in your network might need support.

For relocation professionals and nonprofits, this is a reminder to think beyond transactions. How can we connect clients and new residents with the services and support networks they need to thrive? How can we ensure that families moving into our region are not only housed but also welcomed into a community?

Most importantly, now is the time to begin organizing your networks to prepare to pool money and other resources to support people directly. Especially when helping certain people might become difficult or even illegal for nonprofits.

Building Resilient Communities

Tori also shared an upcoming workshop on building resilient communities, focusing on the skills we’ll need to foster interdependence and mutual support. As professionals facilitating relocation, it’s worth considering how we can cultivate these skills in our own networks.

Whether it’s creating resource-sharing groups or collaborating with nonprofits, we have an opportunity to redefine what it means to “help someone move.” It’s not just about the physical move—it’s about helping them find safety, belonging, and stability in their new home.

Tori will be hosting a workshop called, "Skills for Building Resilient Community" on November 25th, 2024 at 6pm.

“When we’re paying attention to the most marginalized people and meeting their needs, our cities become better for everyone.” - Tori Williams Douglass, Creator of White Homework

Moving Forward

The question for those of us living in Tacoma and in the PNW at large isn’t just whether people should move to the Pacific Northwest—they will. The real question is: How will we meet them? With resistance or with open arms? With outdated systems or with innovative solutions?

As Tori said, “When we’re paying attention to the most marginalized people and meeting their needs, our cities become better for everyone.” Let’s be proactive in shaping a future where our communities are both welcoming and resilient.

For more insights and resources, follow Tori Williams Douglass on Instagram at @WhiteHomework. If you’re interested in continuing this conversation or collaborating, feel free to reach out here or through MovetoTacoma.com.

Marguerite Martin is a Tacoma real estate agent and is the creator of the website MovetoTacoma.com. Marguerite?helps people find their place and their real estate agent in Tacoma, the City of Destiny.

She also helps agents learn to attract amazing clients so they have businesses that support their quality of life. Marguerite is currently working towards her Professional Certificate in Coaching at Henley Business School in the UK. She brings an energetic, humorous, and creative approach to training agents and coaching business owners across the US.