Photo: Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang
Driven by a commitment to ensure measures are in place to protect, preserve and advance the LGBTQ+ community, especially in light of the increasing attacks on their rights, the Los Angeles County Lgbtq+ Elected Officials (LACLEO) association has been established.
The newly-minted LACLEO had been meeting unofficially over the past several months as it worked to officially register the organization as a 504 C4 California Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation focused on education, advocacy and mutual support.
That was accomplished April 13 when the organization met in downtown Los Angeles at its inaugural meeting and elected Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang as president, Claremont City Council member, Ed Reece and Burbank Council member Nikki Perez as vice presidents, Pasadena City College Trustee Alton Wang as treasurer and El Monte City Council member Martin Herrera as secretary. In attendance and addressing the group were U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach) and State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
“With our vast number of LGBTQ+ elected officials in Los Angeles County, we have a stronger voice when we speak with a unified voice,” Assessor Prang said. “With the increase in public homophobia and anti-LGBTQ legislation opposition to our community here and nationally, it’s vital we have a united front to protect our rights and liberties. As elected officials our voices will resonate strongly as we advocate for policies, programs and legislation that will ensure equality and safety for everyone.”
Los Angeles County is home to over 50 out LGBTQ+ elected officials, including officials elected to serve on water boards, school and college boards, city councils, mayors, as well as city clerks, legislators, county officials, and Congress; 3/5 of the officials identify as people of color. Although the LGBT community has been politically focused on the Westside, with the City of West Hollywood as its historic political hub, elected officials are now more common in the San Gabriel Valley and other parts of the County.
“The demographic and geographic diversity of the officials demonstrates the growth and progress that has been made for LGBTQ rights throughout the region,” Prang said.
Despite its large population, Los Angeles County has few politically and civic-oriented organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community. LACLEO is certain become an important voice on issues affecting the LGBTQ community in the region.
