Welcoming Angel: A Californian in Washington

My name is Angel Patterson and I am a trans non-binary person who uses they/them pronouns that grew up in Southern California. After too many hot summers and not enough greenery or rain, I have decided to head north! Some may say that my sarcastic love of the Twilight books/films led me here. And although they are right, ever since my first visit, Seattle has had my heart. A few of the pieces that make up who I am include an undying love for Paramore, an ability to quote movies and tv shows in everyday conversation, a keen sense of direction, and a newfound appreciation for spiders. My professional background is incredibly diverse, having worked retail, food service, sales, administration, and most favorably, non-profit hospitality and events. I am incredibly passionate about helping folks and creating memorable experiences.

What fuels me every day is my desire to utilize the skills I have to serve the Black trans community, and that the work I am doing alongside my colleagues is making a direct impact. With Lavender Rights Project, I get to blend my love of events and hospitality with a mission that encompasses my whole heart: uplifting Black trans women and femmes.  The idea that I can have access to spaces that will make tangible change is something that I have been longing for. In my opinion, there is crossover in the hospitality work and the community work that I do—where I can create something that has value, that has impact, that has a takeaway for folks to feel seen and engaged.

I am excited to bring all of the knowledge I have gained across my career to my role as development and communications associate. I feel that my specific knowledge of events and hospitality will help Lavender Rights Project become an even stronger staple for Black trans communities in the Pacific NorthWest. I am excited to be a fresh face with new ideas and different perspectives in the Seattle/Tacoma area. One of the things that excites me the most about this role is how forward facing it is and how I can be a friend, mentor, guide, professional example and so much more to the folks we serve. I am over the moon to be a part of this team and I am humbled to be serving y’all!


Angel Patterson (they/them) is a trans, non-binary, sunny Southern California transplant. Angel's hospitality mindset, love for community work, and passion for creating events have brought them to LRP. Angel earned their bachelor's degree in hospitality at San Jose State University where they also had the pleasure to work with other LGBTQIA+ orgs in the Bay Area. Angel’s vision for all of their projects is to create experiences that are inclusive, impactful, educational, and memorable. Angel can be found either on the hunt for the best new vegan eats in the city, at a concert, or curled up on the couch with tea and a movie they have watched 1000 times before.