The Seattle Gay News (SGN) was founded in 1976 to provide news coverage focusing on Seattle’s gay community; it is the third oldest LGBTQ+ newspaper in the US. Seattle Gay News started as a newsletter produced by the Gay Community Center. It provided news to a community that was largely ignored by mainstream newspapers and advocated for gay rights in numerous campaigns. Especially during the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, it was an important source of information and helped members of the community to support each other. Since its founding, the SGN has widened its focus to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community more broadly.

This issue was published on November 9, 2012 and its headline celebrates the passage of Referendum 74, which allowed marriage equality for same-sex couples in Washington. Other front page stories celebrate the reelection of LGBTQ+ friendly candidates, including Barack Obama as US President and Maria Cantwell as US Senator for Washington. Washington’s other US Senator, Patty Murray, is also congratulated for her success in helping elect more Democrats to the Senate.