BY PAULO MURILLO
LOS ANGELES
ZAYA WADE HONORED WITH MODEL OF PRIDE AWARD
Zaya Wade will be honored with the Model of Pride Award at the 34th annual Models of Pride event on Oct. 10 at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The 19-year-old transgender advocate, model, and founder was featured as a keynote speaker and honoree. “Now more than ever, our community needs to stand united so every young person can grow up knowing their truth is their power,” Wade said. She founded the nonprofit Translatable with her father, retired NBA star Dwyane Wade, in 2024 to provide safe communities and resources for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Publicly coming out at age 12, Wade has built an impressive platform, making her runway debut for Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week and starring in campaigns for major brands. The event gathered LGBTQ+ youth ages 24 and under for a free day of activities and resources.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
RAINBOW DISTRICT CELEBRATES CALIFORNIA’S FIRST DOLLY PARTON DAY
West Hollywood’s Rainbow District marked California’s first Dolly Parton Day on Sept. 25 with drag shows, movies, themed cocktails, and country fashion. Established via SB 931, the state holiday honors Parton’s legacy following her passing at age 80, celebrating her extensive charity and the Imagination Library. Local venues went all out: Micky’s transformed its drag show into a Dolly tribute, GYM Bar screened 9 to 5 with themed food specials, Schmitty’s hosted a Western-wear photo booth with Tennessee Tea, and V Wine Room held classic film screenings.
LESBIAN HISTORY MEETS CONTEMPORARY ART
AT MAZER ARCHIVES
“Monica Majoli: Countervision” opened Sept. 19 at the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives. The exhibition pairs new drawings by Los Angeles-born artist Monica Majoli with historical materials from the former Sisterhood Bookstore. Majoli’s work draws inspiration from iconic lesbian photographers and feminist communes. In keeping with the Mazer’s setting, unframed drawings were displayed in flat files, inviting visitors to engage directly with the artwork and archival history.
PALM SPRINGS
INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE FOLLOWING TUCSON SHOOTING
A deadly shooting at an LGBTQ+ bar in Tucson prompted increased police visibility in Palm Springs’ Arenas District. While officials confirmed there is no specific local threat, officers walked the district to reassure residents and assess concerns. Local business owners expressed sadness over the tragedy but emphasized their collective resolve, noting that the community will continue to live openly and support one another without fear.
SAN DIEGO
VIDA HOSTS BINATIONAL LGBTQ+ HEALTH CONFERENCE
VIDA will host “Pride Without Fear,” a first-of-its-kind binational conference on HIV prevention, care, and LGBTQ+ health, on Oct. 16 at San Diego’s New School of Architecture & Design. The event bridges the U.S.—Mexico border, bringing together community leaders and health professionals before concluding on Oct. 17 with visits to two HIV clinics in Tijuana. For over a decade, VIDA has worked to expand health access and combat stigma within Latine LGBTQ+ communities.
