BY PAULO MURILLO
LOS ANGELES
DONATELLA VERSACE NAMED GLOBAL AMBASSADOR OF THE LA LGBT CENTER
Donatella Versace became the first-ever global ambassador of the Los Angeles LGBT Center at a star-studded fundraiser at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus. Basketball icon Dwyane Wade co-hosted the event which garnered an impressive $700,000 in support of the Center’s vital services. Ms. Versace and Mr. Wade presented an award to youth client Jade Miller. Ms. Versace’s return to the Center, following her visit in March to launch a scholarship program for LGBTQ+ students interested in fashion careers. Mr. Wade’s involvement with the Center began with support for the Trans Wellness Center, evolving into a substantial donation for affordable housing for LGBTQ+ seniors.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
LA DODGERS EXECUTIVE ERIK BRAVERMAN TO PURCHASE GYM SPORTSBAR
Erik Braverman, the openly gay senior vice president of the Los Angeles Dodgers, his husband Jonathan Cottrell, and other investors under Bravecoot Ventures LLC, are on the verge of acquiring Gym Sportsbar and Grill in West Hollywood located at 8919 Santa Monica Blvd (also known as Gym Bar). The purchase is currently pending approval according to the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Braverman resides in West Hollywood with his husband. They both made headlines after they exchanged vows in front of close friends and family at Dodgers Stadium on January 2022.
CATHEDRAL CITY
CATHEDRAL CITY CELEBRATES 8TH ANNUAL LGBT DAYS
Cathedral City Celebrated California’s first Pride event of the season at eighth annual LGBT Days in Cathedral City from March 8 to March 10. Presented by Agua Caliente Casinos, the Pride celebration delivered a dynamic array of activities, including live performances, the whimsical parade of beds, a lively champagne brunch bash, craft vendors, and more. Kicking off the festivities was the official Pride flag raising and the illuminating ceremony at City Hall, followed by a complimentary screening of Mike Nichols’ classic film “The Birdcage” (1996).
LONG BEACH
CITY OF LONG BEACH TO PAY FOR PRIDE PARADE THIS YEAR
Long Beach Pride Parade, a cornerstone event for the LGBTQ+ community, will be under the city’s management for 2024 as Long Beach Pride, the nonprofit typically organizing the parade, cited financial constraints. Despite the transition, Long Beach Pride will retain oversight of the festival scheduled for May 18 and 19 along Shoreline Drive in downtown. Scheduled for May 19 along Ocean Boulevard, the 41st Long Beach Pride Parade will now be officially hosted and funded by the city, following a recent approval by the City Council to allocate $80,000 in one-time funds. This decision, described as a temporary measure, aims to ensure the continuity of the parade while Long Beach Pride undergoes organizational restructuring.
SAN DIEGO
SD PRIDE ORGANIZER AND LGBT TRAILBLAZER JERI DILNO DIES AT 87
Jeri Dilno, a revered figure in the LGBTQ+ community and a stalwart advocate for equality, passed away on this past February at the age of 87. Her remarkable legacy encompasses decades of tireless activism and pioneering leadership, leaving an indelible mark on San Diego’s LGBTQ+ landscape. Dilno, a veteran, Pride organizer, and lesbian activist, played a pivotal role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in San Diego. Her profound impact was eloquently acknowledged by State Senator Toni Atkins, who described her as “one of its pillars” and a “trailblazer” whose dedication and spirit will be sorely missed.
