Solidarity March, Rally For Gay Chechens
In an urgent effort to help stop the atrocities happening against LGBT people in the Russian republic of Chechnya—in which hundreds of gay men are reportedly being kidnapped and tortured in concentration camp-like facilities to “purge” the country of homosexuality—a solidarity march and rally—“Eyes On Chechnya”—was held downtown last month.
Additionally Los Angeles City Council members Mitch O’Farrell, Mike Bonin and Paul Koretz, and Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, as well as LA LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean held a press conference at LA City Hall last month to speak out against and condemn the atrocities being committed against gay men.
As part of the global effort to save innocent lives—Lithuania has helped two gay Chechens to escape Russia and their foreign minister said an international effort was underway to protect others. The US, on the other hand, has denied visas to roughly 40 gay Chechens, according to a Buzzfeed report.
John Heilman: New WeHo Mayor
John Heilman was sworn in as West Hollywood’s new city Mayor and John J. Duran as Mayor Pro Tempore at the city’s annual City Council Reorganization and Installation meeting last month. Mayor Heilman and Mayor Pro Tempore Duran are openly gay and they serve as two of three openly gay members on the five-member City Council.
En Vogue To Headline San Diego Pride
All girl musical group En Vogue is scheduled to headline this year’s musical stage at San Diego Pride weekend. This year’s SD Pride musical lineup also include Hector Fonseca, Cazwell, Kodie Shane, Cakes Da Killa, Lucia Mendez, Jessica 6 featuring Nomi Ruiz and Paris Sukomi Max. More talent to be announced in later this month. Pride Music Festival will take place at Marston Point, Balboa Park on Saturday July 15, from 12pm to 10pm, and on Sunday, July 16, from 11am
to 8pm.
For more information, visit sandiegopride.org.
Orange County “As One“ LGBT Pride
Join Orange County LGBT Pride on Saturday, June 24 as it celebrates their 9th annual festival. Located on the East End in front of The Yost Theater stretching between 3rd and 4th Street, this hip and trendy location coupled with the Orange County LGBT Pride Parade is sure to draw even bigger crowds than ever. The Parade and Vendor areas are free.
Kicking-off this year’s “As One” Main Stage will be their Official OC Pride Rainbow Dancers and Host; the one-and-only Dita Vodka. Other performers include Adore Delano, Katya, Dev and Adam.
Keeping the love alive well into the night will be their Celebrity Grand Marshals of the PRIDE Parade and Host of the “As One” Main Stage—Billboard Top 20 Dance Artist, Adam Barta, and Logo’s very own Prince Charming—Robert Sepulveda Jr.
For more information log onto prideoc.com.
Cooley Hosts Benefit for Pulse Memorial
David Cooley, the owner of The Abbey Food & Bar and The Chapel is partnering with Barbara Poma, the owner of Pulse Nightclub in Orlando for a fundraiser to benefit the onePulse Foundation, the official charity created by the Pulse Nightclub owners. The event is taking place at The Chapel next to The Abbey on June 5, in recognition of the one-year mark of the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting on June 12, last year. The $150-ticketed event will a hold a cocktail reception and a multi-course dinner, followed by a charity drag show that will be open to the general public. Several survivors are expected at the event to share their stories.
Tickets are limited to 125 people. They can can be purchased at theabbeyweho.com/onepulse.
