Cal Anderson

Calvin Bruce Anderson (May 2, 1948 – August 4, 1995) was an American military officer and politician who served as a member of the Washington State Senate, representing the 43rd district in 1995. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995, and was the first openly gay member of the Washington State Legislature.

Anderson was born in Seattle, Washington, and educated at Foster High School. He became involved in politics at a young age working for his father's city council campaign and Warren Magnuson's Senate campaign. Following high school he joined the United States Army and worked as a court reporter for the 23rd Infantry Division. He came out as gay to his parents during his time in the military.

He worked for multiple Seattle city officials and held positions in the Young Democrats and Washington State Democratic Party. In 1987, he was selected to fill Representative Janice Niemi's vacant seat in the state house and during his tenure he faced homophobic attacks from a member of the state legislature and in the Democratic primary. Anderson briefly served in the state senate, where he was Assistant Majority Whip, until his death from AIDS in 1995. His memorial was attended by thousands and a park in Seattle was later named after him.