“Voices Of Hope” In Beverly Hills
On December 1, which World AIDS Day, The Advocate hosted a community event “Voices of Hope” at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, where three panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt were on display. Speakers included Olympic gold medalist and advocate Greg Louganis, Here Media CEO Paul Colichman, Beverly Hills Councilmember and former mayor the Honorable Lili Bosse, Beverly Hills community leader Michael Libow, actor and advocate Mel England, and the Black AIDS Institute’s Programs Coordinator Gerald Garth.
WeHo Murderer Appeal Rejected
A state appeals court panel upheld a man’s 12-year prison sentence last month for fatally stabbing and mutilating his live-in boyfriend at their West Hollywood apartment, reports wehoville.com.
The three-justice panel rejected the defense’s contention that Andre Davids should have been sentenced to six years in prison for the March 29, 2014, death of Kurtland Ma.
Davids, now 39, was convicted last December of voluntary manslaughter. Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee called it “absolutely one of the most gruesome crime scenes that I or the homicide detectives have ever seen.”
The prosecutor noted that Ma suffered about 40 stab wounds, was “disemboweled,” with some of his organs stuffed into his mouth, and pill bottles and pills shoved into his body cavity in a killing motivated by Ma’s decision to break up with Davids.
Health Services At L.A. LGBT Center
To better serve the growing number of people who want a medical provider or therapist who specializes in caring for LGBT people, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has added four new medical providers; shortened the wait time to see a doctor or therapist; opened a new, larger pharmacy with free monthly prescription delivery; and launched a new secure patient website that facilitates communication with providers and offers a number of conveniences.
To learn more about the Center’s health and medical services and to schedule an appointment, visit lalgbtcenter.org/health.
Trans Police Officer Kept Out Of Trans Event
Christine Garcia, San Diego’s first transgender police officer, helped plan the Transgender Day of Awareness event held Nov 17, on Centre Street, but was denied access to the event that she helped organize, because people felt her police uniform would upset those in attendance.
Garcia, who transitioned last year, was part of the police department security detail during a march honoring the trans community down University Avenue. After the march, Garcia tried to enter the event as a member of the LGBT community, but was asked to leave.
Leaders of The Center directly apologized to Garcia and San Diego police Chief Shelley Zimmerman after the incident. Delores Jacobs, CEO of The Center, said the occurrence was a regrettable misunderstanding.
John Duran Is Honor 41 Recipient
West Hollywood Council member John Duran is one of 41 hispanic recipients to receive this year’s Honor 41 Award, which acknowledges Latin activists in the LGBTQ community. Honor 41 is a national Latina/o LGBTQ non-profit organization that promotes positive images in the LGBTQ community, creates awareness on issues and builds an online family community. Duran is a civil rights attorney who has been very active in LGBT and other human rights issues.
Sheriff’s Training In Case Of Aactive Shooters
In response to attacks like the one experienced at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando Florida where 49 people lost their lives, the City of West Hollywood hosted a public safety training regarding active shooters at the House of Blues building. The training was conducted by personnel from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. It provided readiness skills to people who work in local businesses and nighttime establishments. Instructors discussed recent active shooter incidents, what was learned from them, how to deal with an incident and basic gunshot first aid training. Attendees also learned how to evaluate workplaces for a quick and effective evacuation. The training featured live action drills.
