BY PAULO MURILLO
LOS ANGELES
LA LGBT CENTER RAISES $1M BENEFITING COMMUNITY
The Los Angeles LGBT Center raised over $1M to support its lifeline services and advocacy benefiting the LGBTQ community during The Center Gala fundraiser at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Over 800 supporters came together as the Center honored author and activist Pamela Anderson, Emmy-winning actress Keke Palmer, and the beloved entertainer Leslie Jordan (posthumously) for their contributions to the LGBTQ community. The gala was hosted by social media and television sensation TS Madison, and featured a special performance by R&B-soul artist Durand Bernarr. Anderson accepted the Vanguard Award for her long history of activism and allyship.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
NEW RESOLUTION DECLARES WEHO SANCTUARY CITY FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE
The City Council of the City of West Hollywood adopted a resolution last month declaring the City of West Hollywood a Sanctuary City for Transgender People. Across the nation, there is an unprecedented wave of legislation targeting the transgender and LGBTQ+ communities. 2023 marks the fourth consecutive record-breaking year for anti-trans legislation in the United States.
So far in this year’s legislative session, 492 anti-trans bills have been introduced that restrict fundamentals such as healthcare, housing, education, and the freedom of expression for transgender people. The specific definition of a “sanctuary city” changes from bill to bill, but it is generally defined as a state, county, or municipality that has policies or laws in place to protect or grant freedom from persecution of a particular group.
PALM SPRINGS
“DRAG NOW. DRAG FOREVER” THEME OF PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced that the theme for Pride Week, to be held in November, will be “Drag Now. Drag Forever,” and that the city will be a sanctuary for drag and all forms of self-expression.
“Greater Palm Springs Pride declares Palm Springs, the Mother Church for Drag in the Coachella Valley, supports drag queens, kings, drag mothers, and baby queens regardless of their realness, flawlessness, disheveled presentation, or fierceness,” reads a press release from the group. “Drag is not a crime. Drag is art. Drag is entertainment and has existed for hundreds of years and is part of everyday life.”
SAN DIEGO
FIRST LGBTQ YOUTH HOMELESS SHELTER
The city of San Diego is opening its first LGBTQ homeless shelter for youth. The San Diego Housing Commission selected the LGBT Community Center to run the shelter. The center was recommended by commission staff over Father Joe’s Villages, the Salvation Army and Equitable Social Solutions LLC , which had also applied to run the shelter. The commission authorized $704,000 for the project, including $325,000 for start-up costs, for an initial term running through June 30. The annual budget will be $1.6 million, with two one-year options for renewal. The shelter may open sometime this year in one or two interim locations before a permanent site is located.
ANAHEIM
DISNEYLAND AFTER DARK: PRIDE NITE COMING IN JUNE
Disneyland Park will host the first ever Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite during a separately ticketed evening event on Pride Month. The pride celebration will take place on Tuesday, June 13 and Thursday, June 15, 2023. Guests can enjoy special after-hours park access to shorter attraction wait times, special entertainment, Character experiences, photo opportunities and much more. Pride Nite event highlights will include early admission to Disneyland Park beginning at 6:00 PM; no theme park reservation required. There will be a Rivers of America Dance Party, Ohana Dance Party, character experiences and so much more. More information is available at disneyland.com.
