BY PAULO MURILLO
SAN DIEGO
PRIDE ROCKED BY KEHLANI CONTROVERSY AND INTERNAL STRIFE
More than 30 community members have signed an open letter calling for urgent reforms at San Diego Pride, citing a crisis in leadership, staff departures, canceled programs, and a breakdown in transparency. The letter demands governance changes, an independent audit, and clearer leadership practices just weeks before the 2025 Pride festivities.
The organization is also facing sponsor withdrawals and community backlash over headliner Kehlani’s pro-Palestinian views. San Diego Pride clarified it does not endorse performers’ political stances, while Kehlani denied accusations of antisemitism, stating she is speaking out against genocide and violence.
PALM SPRINGS
TERROR THREAT INTENSIFIES DEBATE OVER CLOSING ARENAS ROAD FOR LGBT SAFETY
Discussions about closing gay section of Arenas Road in Palm Springs to vehicle traffic are intensifying after a recent terrorist attack raised safety concerns. Some residents and business owners support making the road pedestrian-only to protect the LGBTQ+ community, citing it as a potential target. However, others worry about losing already limited parking, which could hurt retail businesses. Mayor Ron deHarte and police officials emphasize the importance of broader public safety measures and community outreach rather than street closures. No decision has been made, but locals say Arenas remains a vital community space.
LOS ANGELES
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES SHUTS DOWN TRANSGENDER CARE PROGRAM
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is shutting down its Center for Trans Youth Health and Development and its gender-affirming surgical program, citing financial and legal pressures, including executive orders from President Donald Trump and California’s budget crisis. The hospital warned it could lose critical federal funding tied to Medicaid and Medi-Cal if it continued transgender care for youth. Officials said the hospital could only operate for 50 days without that support. The closure is set for July 22, with families being notified and assistance offered to find alternative care. The Los Angeles LGBT Center organized a rally in response. LA city councilmembers, advocates, medical professionals, parents, and community leaders stood together to demand life-saving healthcare for trans youth.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
HAMBURGER MARY’S BREAKS WORLD RECORD
Hamburger Mary’s WeHo was presented with a certificate of world greatness by the Guinness World Records, recognizing it as the Longest-Running Drag-Themed Restaurant in the world. Drag historian Joe E. Jeffreys presented the certificate to owners Dale Warner and Ruben Lopez, along with cast members of the Sunday Drag Brunch, last month. Jeffreys stated that Guinness reached out to him as part of an initiative to expand their drag-related categories. This led to Hamburger Mary’s being recognized for its continuous operation since it was first founded in San Francisco in 1972, marking 52 years of serving gourmet burgers alongside glitter, glamour, and groundbreaking drag performances.
SANTA MONICA
SANTA MONICA CELEBRATES PRIDE WITH CITYWIDE FESTIVITIES
Santa Monica held its annual SaMo Pride celebration last month with citywide events including drag performances, beach volleyball, live music, and comedy shows. The festivities, which began in 2019, aimed to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity for all ages. The day also coincided with Make Music Day, featuring free outdoor concerts. Additional Pride events continued throughout June.
