BY PAULO MURILLO
WEST HOLLYWOOD
KATY PERRY PERFORMS AT BEACHES TROPICANA
Katy Perry marked the release of her highly anticipated album 143 with a celebration at Beaches Tropicana in West Hollywood last month. Crowds waited upwards of five hours for an intimate night with the pop icon. Carmen Electra hosted the event. The Teenage Dream singer thanked the LGBTQ community for their support and performed a medley of some new material from the upcoming 143 album, as well as some of her biggest hits to a packed dance floor. The Evita Party at Beaches Tropicana hosted Ashlee Simpson Ross last month to celebrate 20 years of her debut album Autobiography. The official release of Katy Perry’s seventh studio album is scheduled for September 20.
PALM SPRINGS
THE BARRACKS CLOSES AFTER 31 YEARS
The Barracks Bar in Cathedral City closed last month after 31 years in the Palm Springs area. The bar’s owner, Scott Murchison blames local and state regulations, making it impossible to continue to stay in business. In a social media post Murchison wrote that „it is with profound sadness that we announce that The Barracks Bar that has existed as a staple of the Cathedral City LGBTQ+ Community for the past 31 years will officially close its doors for the last time at the close of business Sunday, August 4, 2024. The state of California is revoking our license to serve alcohol as of August 5, 2024.” The bar is moving
to Arizona.
LOS ANGELES
L.A. COUNTY LGBTQ+ ELECTED OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION INSTALLS FOUNDING BOARD MEMBERS
The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Elected Officials (LACLEO) celebrated the installation of its founding board members last month, marking a significant milestone for the newly established nonprofit. The ceremony, held at the historically exclusive California Club, underscored the organization’s inclusive mission as it prepares for the upcoming November elections. LACLEO, formed in April, aims to support LGBTQ+ officials and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The association aspires to create a model in Los Angeles County that can be replicated statewide and nationally.
SAN DIEGO
UC SAN DIEGO TO HOST LGBTQIA+ FRESHMAN ORIENTATION EVENT
The University of California, San Diego’s LGBT Resource Center is organizing a special orientation event for incoming LGBTQ-identifying freshmen and transfer students on Wednesday, Sept. 25, during the university’s “Welcome Week.” The annual “LGBTQIA+ Community Welcome” is part of the university’s broader efforts to support diverse student communities, offering identity-based events throughout the academic year. These include the “Trans Day of Remembrance” and “Rainbow Graduation” ceremonies for LGBT-identifying students. This event follows the university’s history of hosting identity-based programs, including racially segregated orientations and themed graduation ceremonies.
LONG BEACH
DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH HOSTS BIG GAY PINE AVE TAKEOVER
A portion of downtown Long Beach was closed off Saturday, August 31, for the Big Gay Pine Ave Takeover, a free community event on Pine Avenue between Broadway and Third Street.
The event featured drag performances, live entertainment, carnival games, a full bar, shopping, and dancing. Founded by Sal Flores, the event also serves as a fundraiser for the upcoming Be Proud Fest, a queer Pride celebration.
