the pride
03.06.2020 – 03.19.2020 ISSUE NUMBER 33, VOLUME 5 | MAR. 06 – MAR. 19, 2020
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THE LOS ANGELES LGBT NEWSPAPER
New Pride Event Coming to LA! The latest addition to the lineup of Los Angeles-area Pride festivals SEE MORE, PAGE 10
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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.
ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1
BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. } Have any other health problems. } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. } BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
Get HIV support by downloading a free app at
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BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x11-7_ThePrideLA_KeepEmpowering_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages
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POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. } The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. GET MORE INFORMATION } This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. } Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP EMPOWERING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0103 02/19
03.06.2020 – 03.19.2020
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KEEP EMPOWERING.
Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.
Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.
8/23/19 3:03 PM
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Senior Housing at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s McCadden Campus 98 new units for lowincome seniors By Staff Writer The City of West Hollywood has closed the application for new affordable housing by the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Senior Services program for the forthcoming McCadden Campus senior housing site, which will offer 98 new, affordable, low-income units designed for people who are ages 62 and over. The LGBT Center’s McCadden Campus
A rendering of the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s McCadden Campus.
Photo: Courtesy.
senior housing is anticipated to be completed in fall 2020 and will feature studios and onebedroom rentals. There will be fully accessible units for people with mobility hearing, and/ or vision disabilities. Future residents will be welcomed into the LA LGBT Center’s wide range of community programming specializing in HIV+ wellness, gender identity, and LGBT social and cultural support. Other services will include meals, case management, employment training, and more. The new senior housing site will be located adjacent to the Center’s Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Senior Center at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus on N. Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood, just east of the City of West Hollywood, and is a project of the Los Angeles LGBT Center and Thomas Safran & Associates. The City of West Hollywood contributed $2.1 million to the project from the City’s local housing trust fund. For more information about McCadden Campus senior housing, please contact the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Senior Services program by calling (323) 860-5830 or visit http://mccaddencampus.com/seniorhousing. html.
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Confronting Meth Crisis in California’s LGBTQ Communities Senator Wiener introduces bill to confront meth crisis using contingency management intervention By Kerry Slater Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has introduced a bill to address the increase in meth usage and overdose deaths, a crisis that has impacted LGBTQ communities, particularly for gay, bi and trans men. This legislation, SB 888, expands substance use disorder treatment options covered under Medi-Cal, requiring MediCal to pay for contingency management. Contingency management has proven to be the most effective method of treatment for methamphetamine addiction. Contingency management describes the practice of giving those struggling with drug addiction financial rewards if they test clean. There is currently no form of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for meth use, unlike with opioids where treatment options such as methadone are available. Meth use has spiked all over California and is having an outsized impact on the LGBTQ and black communities. Meth use is on the
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rise in LGBTQ communities, particularly for gay, bi and trans men, as a party drug known to enhance sexual experiences. The SFDPH also reports that the mortality rate is highest among African American men. “We need to employ every possible tool to help people recover from this powerful addiction. Contingency management is an effective and essential tool in treating meth addiction – particularly given the lack of effective medical interventions – and we must expand access to it. This is a science-based approach to treating meth addiction, and it’s time for California to embrace it,” Wiener said. According to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, in one year of the PROP program, 63% of participants stopped using meth entirely and another 19% reduced their use. This approach, coupled with community support meetings, proves time and time again to be an effective method of treating meth addiction. This bill intends to make these programs accessible on a wider scale by authorizing them to be reimbursable by MediCal. The bill would also require the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to issue guidance and training on the use of contingency management programs for MediCal patients.
Photo: Courtesy.
03.06.2020 – 03.19.2020
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LGBTQ Politician Honored
Santa Monica honors LGBTQ politician and Heal The Bay CEO on 100th anniversary of U.S. women’s right to vote By Staff Writer
Amidst an election year and the 100th anniversary of the landmark 19th Constitutional Amendment, granting women the right to vote in the United States, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women, and Organization of Women Leaders (OWL) will host an inspirational celebration in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. The 2020 theme, reflecting the centennial of the Suffragette movement, is “Valiant Women of the Vote.” Each year, “Owlies” are honored in relation to the Women’s Day theme for their commitment to the community. The 2020 OWL honorees include Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, District 3, and Heal The Bay CEO Dr. Shelley Luce. “Supervisor Kuehl and Dr. Shelley Luce are perfect honorees for such a momentous celebration and both embody the values of our community,” says Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Laurel Rosen. “We are grateful for their continued contributions and the monumental changes they have enacted in each of their roles.” This motivational event gathers top women business leaders to share their insights with attendees during a dinner program of speakers, performers, singers and more from the surrounding community. Past “Owlies” include former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson, actress Jennifer Garner, Julie Pilat, film producer Amy Ziering, Elaine Polachek, Bettina Duval (California List), Mallika Chopra (Living With Intent), Santa Monica Chief of Police Jacqueline Seabrooks, and Channel 11 news anchor Christine Devine. Supervisor Sheila James Kuehl was first elected to represent Los Angeles County’s Third District on November 4, 2014. She assumed office on December 1, 2014, and was reelected to her second term on November 6, 2018. As a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and immediate past Chair, she has led the way and worked on a great many initiatives and motions to improve people’s lives and reform systems in the County. Before her service on the Board, Supervisor Kuehl served eight years in the California State Senate and six years in the California State Assembly. She was the first woman in California history to be named Speaker Pro Tempore of the Assembly, and the first openly gay or lesbian person to be elected to the California Legislature. She served as chair of the Senate Health and Human Services
Photos: Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
L-R: Supervisor Kuehl, Dr. Shelley Luce.
Committee, Natural Resources and Water Committee, and Budget Subcommittee on Water, Energy, and Transportation, as well as the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Dr. Shelley Luce is President and CEO of Heal the Bay, and is responsible for determining Heal the Bay’s science and policy priorities, creating strategic partnerships, and growing public participation across greater Los Angeles. She holds a Doctorate of Environmental Science and Engineering from UCLA, and has been a tireless advocate for clean water since she began her career as staff scientist at Heal the Bay in 2001. She has held executive director positions at the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, the Bay Foundation, and the Environment Now Foundation, as well as a teaching position at Loyola Marymount University. Understanding and advocating for legal protections for coastal environments, preventing pollution and restoring rivers and wetlands have been major focus areas for Shelley’s work at all three organizations. Shelley led the Malibu Lagoon restoration project completed in 2012, and supervised innovative stormwater capture projects in the highly urbanized LA landscape. She has deep experience in Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and Coastal Act permitting processes through her involvement in discharge permits, dredge and fill permits, ESA consultations, and other work on coastal streams and wetlands protection and restoration. Shelley has also launched programs in environmental research, kelp forest regeneration, MPA monitoring, and public education. In her roles on the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Board and the Wetlands Recovery Project Science Advisory Panel, Shelley helps guide
planning and implementation of open space protection and restoration throughout coastal
Southern California.
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“Pose” Actress and Transgender Rights Advocate Angelica Ross Among the Honorees Truth Awards The annual awards show to honor and recognize LGBTQ + African Americans and their allies By Staff Writer
Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) in association with award-winning actress/ activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and her non-profit organization, The DIVA Foundation, are excited to announce that critically-acclaimed actress and transgender advocate Angelica Ross is among this year’s impressive list of award-winning honorees for the sixth annual Truth Awards. The Truth Awards will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Taglyan Cultural Complex, located at 1201 Vine Street in Los Angeles. The private and ticketed festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. with red carpet arrivals and a VIP reception. One of the most successful dance club artists in the history of US Hot Dance/Club Play Charts, CeCe Peniston will serve as the evening’s musical guest. She scored five major hit number one hits within a three-year span, including her signature dance hit, “Finally.”
The black-tie affair will honor trailblazing LGBTQ+ African-Americans whose personal and professional accomplishments have positively impacted the perception and image of the Black LGBTQ+ community. Also, BBLA will dole out scholarships to LGBTQ+ youth, pursuing vocational training and higher education. The Truth Awards embody the belief that members of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies who embrace and live their truth should be celebrated and honored. Best known for her beloved breakthrough role of Candy Ferocity, co-founder of the House of Ferocity on the popular FX show, “Pose,” Angelica Ross will be feted with the Arts & Culture Award. A trendsetter and a trailblazer, she is the face of the new Louis Vuitton ad campaign. Plus, Ross is the first female transgender actress to land two series regular roles on television – that is, FX’s “Pose” and the current season of “American Horror Story: 1984,” both shows, helmed by the prolific creator/writer/producer Ryan Murphy. Since studying theater at Florida Atlantic University, Ross has been featured in film, television, and live theatre. In addition to “Pose” and “American Horror Story,” her tv and film credits include the Emmy-winning series, “Her Story,” “Transparent,” and the
short film, “Missed Connections.” Her starring role in the Emmy-winning short form series “Her Story,” received Special Recognition at the GLAAD Media Awards, and her segment on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Talk Show Episode. Ross also works behind the camera. She executive produced and starred in the short film “Missed Connections,” which went on to be an official selection at Outfest, the La Femme International Film Festival and the Baltimore International Black Film Festival in 2017. Ross will continue to combine her passion for acting and her skills as a producer in her newest endeavor as executive producer for the “King Ester,” a short-form web series with filmmakers Dui Jarrod and Caralene Robinson. Ross is also president of Miss Ross, Inc. and the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, a program that helps people lift themselves out of poverty through technical training, digital work creating a social impact and bringing economic empowerment to marginalized communities. From the boardroom to tv and films sets to the Obama White House, Ross is a leading figure of success and strength in the movement for trans and racial equality. Named the “1st Food Soldier of the Year” in 2015 by social/ political commentator Melissa Harris Perry, and one of the Top10 LGBT+ Executives
Cheryl Dunye
Angelica Ross.
Photos: Courtesy
by Financial Times, Ross is dedicated to empowering trans and gender nonconforming people through TransTech.
Truth Awards, see page 8
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Los Angeles Premiere of Latinx LGBTQ Film at Outfest Fusion
“Acuitzeramo” screening March 9 By Staff Writer
Outfest Fusion presents the Los Angeles premiere of Cabaldana Alchemy’s short film “Acuitzeramo” on Monday, March 9 9:30 pm at the iconic Plaza De La Raza in Los Angeles. “Acuitzeramo”, which had its world premiere at the 17th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM) in Mexico, is directed
by award-winning director Miguel Angel Caballero and features NCLR Bravo Award nominee Sal Lopez and Independent Shorts Award winning actor Luis Aldana. “With ‘Acuitzeramo’ I wanted to explore a segment of the Mexican LGTBQI community rarely taken into account; gay elders,” says writer, director Miguel Angel Caballero. Caballero, a son of immigrant farm working parents, grew up splitting time between the U.S. and Mexico. “’Acuitzeramo’ is a universal story
reflecting every town where tolerance and acceptance are lacking. So often in society, it seems our elders, especially our queer elders, are pushed aside and forgotten. I wanted this
story to remind us to acknowledge those we are prone to forget and that compassion and love are essential at all stages of our lives ” added Caballero.
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“We’re Here” Debuts this spring
By Staff Writer Learn more about a new HBO series debuting this spring that revolves around drag shows in small-town America featuring Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara and Shangela Laquifa Wadley. The New HBO series “We’re Here” debuts April 23 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), on HBO. The six-part unscripted series recruits smalltown residents across America to participate in a one-night-only drag show. In each episode, renowned drag queens Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara and Shangela Laquifa Wadley will inspire and teach their own “drag daughters” to step outside their comfort zone for a night of no-holds-barred, full-on drag. “We’re Here” is created and executive produced by Stephen Warren and Johnnie Ingram; directed and executive produced by Peter LoGreco; executive produced by Eli Holzman & Aaron Saidman for Industrial
Media’s The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC). Caldwell Tidicue (Bob the Drag Queen), David Huggard (Eureka O’Hara) and D.J. Pierce (Shangela) serve as consulting producers. Visit @werehere on Instagram for more updates.
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Douglas: What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting By Chole Marie Rivera
The theater is dark and light casts a purple glow on the outline of a cartoon dog in a gilded frame, presumably the eponymous, Douglas. We’ve all surrendered access to our phones ages ago and we’re exhausted from small talk. Strangers with watches are popular. We wait. When Hannah Gadsby finally walked onto stage for the 9:30 show on Saturday, the crowd of about 1,600 roared. “I haven’t done anything yet! Slow down!” Gadsby shot her new comedy special in downtown Los Angeles at the Theatre at Ace
Hotel. Gatsby’s first comedy special, Nanette was released on Netflix in 2018 to wide acclaim including an Emmy for Outstanding Writer in a Variety Show and a GLAAD Media Award. If you saw Nanette you know Gatsby is witty and cerebral and serious and deeply affecting. She talks about trauma and deconstruct the role of jokes on the marginalized. She repeatedly muses that she should quit comedy. How do you follow…that? Gadsby immediately addresses the elephant in the room. “…If you’re here because of Nanette, why
Photo: Courtesy.
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are you here?” Exactly. She continues, “I have no idea of telling what people are expecting from the show.” Neither does the audience. Here’s what to expect: Expect Douglas to be lighter than Nanette. Douglas, named after Gatsby’s dog, opens with an outline of the show in detail. Professor Gadsby give the syllabus: a story, a misdiagnosis, railing against misogyny, a joke section, some needling and a lecture. Throughout, Gadsby tells the audience that although she will tell them exactly what to expect they still won’t see it coming. The effect of the outline makes it feel like every joke is a call back. Somehow Gadsby
has heightened the suspense by removing it. Everything joke about the patriarchy or prepositions is funnier. Douglas is brilliant. Gadsby is an architect, with tightly constructed wordplay. Actually a student of art history, she’s an art-chitect of humor. There is no way to leave the show Douglas without knowing a little more about the Renaissance artist Donatello. Professor Gadsby tells you the ending of her show before it starts. And then sooner than you expect it the show is over, just like she said. Hannah Gadsby’s second comedy special is currently touring. It will be be released on Netflix in 2020.
Truth Awards, from page 6
honorees, visit https://pitchengine.com/ wyllisa-bennett-publicist-du-jour/2020/02/26/ living-our-truth/002518195537058020865 The DIVA Foundation and its founder Sheryl Lee Ralph are especially pleased to continue their partnership with Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) on this effort. Both organizations believe a healthy Black community – one where individuals are allowed to live their truth, free of shame and stigma, and are recognized as equal and rightful members of the community – is a critical piece in the fight to also end HIV/ AIDS. This year’s honorees were picked from various fields, including entertainment, fashion, beauty, business, finance and media. “Times are certainly changing!” said Ralph. “In this current political environment, it’s important that we continue to support our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community, and make it possible for them to live out loud and openly for the world to see.” She added, “Our acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community will encourage, inspire and motivate others to live their truth, unapologetically.
In season 2 of “Pose,” Ross’ character dies, shedding a light on the violent plight of trans women, especially women of color. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HNC), 2019 saw at least 26 transgender or gender nonconforming people fatally shot or killed by other violent means. And the murder rate of transgender women continues to escalate. Alongside Ross, the Truth Awards will honor celebrity stylist and interior designer power couple Jason Bolden and Adair Curtis, stars of Netflix’s “Styling Hollywood,” and owners of JSN Studio with a Business Leadership Award; producer/director Cheryl Dunye of OWN’s “Queen Sugar” with a Media & Arts Award; CNN political commentator and New York Times best-selling author Keith Boykin with the Advocate Award; Dr. Shaun Harper, director of USC Race & Equity Center, with the Excellence in Education Award, and finally, Jeffrey Wallace, president and CEO of LeadersUp with the Passing the Torch Award. For more about the 2020 Truth Awards
03.06.2020 – 03.19.2020
LOS ANGELES
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George Take to Discuss his Graphic Memoir Little Tokyo Branch Library on Saturday, April 4 at 12:30 p.m. By Staff Writer George Takei, renowned actor, proponent of LGBT rights and author of the graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy, will be honored at the 34th Author Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, April 4, at 12:30 p.m. at the Little Tokyo Branch Library, 203 S. Los Angeles St. RSVP is required and must be made by March 28 to Janet Minami at (818) 222-4865 or jkminami@aol.com. “The Little Tokyo Branch Library has a long history of uniting Japanese Americans and encouraging them to share their stories,” Takei said. “I am honored to share my own story at the library so we can learn from our troubled history and take steps to make sure it
is not repeated.” They Called Us Enemy, a New York Times Bestseller, recounts Takei’s childhood years with his family at two American concentration camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. The experience shaped Takei’s career as a human rights activist, social media superstar, Grammy-nominated recording artist and pioneering actor spanning six decades. “We are deeply honored that George Takei, who has done so much for our community, has agreed to present his new memoir at the Little Tokyo Branch Library,” said James Sherod, the Branch’s Senior Librarian. “His graphic memoir reminds us how important it is to treat all people fairly and equally.” The luncheon is sponsored by the Library and the Friends of Little Tokyo Branch Library. The deadline to RSVP for the free 12:30 p.m. program with Takei is March 28. Pre-purchased Bento lunches ($15 for
Friends members, $20 for non-members) will be served at 11:30 a.m. Free valet parking is available, with library validation, at STOA apartments on Los Angeles Street The graphic memoir will be available for purchase for $19.99 (plus tax). Only this book, purchased at the event, will be signed at the end of the program. No other memorabilia or books will be signed. A recipient of the nation’s highest honor for library service—the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest and most diverse urban population of any library in the nation. Its Central Library, 72 branch libraries, collection of more than 6 million books, state-of-the art technology accessible at lapl.org, and more than 25,000 public programs a year provide everyone with free and easy access to information and the opportunity for lifelong learning.
George Takei
Photo: LAPL.
Virginia Becomes 20th State to Protect LGBTQ Youth from Conversion Therapy
With Governor’s signature, VA becomes first Southern state to end harmful practice By Sam Catanzaro
Monday Governor Ralph Northam signed a historic bill making Virginia the twentieth state to protect LGBTQ minors from conversion therapy, the harmful practice which seeks to change a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill, which passed both chambers of the VA legislature in February, will go into effect on July 1. The Governor’s signature also makes Virginia the first state in the South to end the practice that has been widely condemned by every leading medical and mental health organization in this country. Virginia joins 19 other states, the District of Columbia, and more than 60 municipalities that have adopted similar protections. “Across the country, state legislatures are recognizing that the harm caused by conversion therapy is a public health crisis,” said Mathew Shurka, a conversion therapy survivor and Co-Founder of Born Perfect. “Virginia is the twentieth state to pass a law protecting LGBT youth, and the first to do so in the South. As the leading national campaign working to end conversion therapy, Born Perfect will not rest until LGBT youth are protected in every state.” “As a Virginia survivor who has been working to pass this bill for more than two
years, I am grateful to our state legislators and Governor Northam for listening to survivors and their families,” said Adam Trimmer, a conversion therapy survivor and Born Perfect Virginia Ambassador. “No young person should be subjected to this abuse, and no family should be exploited by unethical therapists who lie to parents and cause lifethreatening harm.” “The campaign to end conversion therapy is by far the largest and fast-growing LGBTrelated movement in this country,” said
Virginia, see page 10
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LOS ANGELES
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New Pride Festival for Los Angeles Area Welcoming Glendale Pride By Staff Writer A new Pride festival is coming to the Los Angeles area this May. This year, for the first time, City of Glendale, California, also known as the ‘Jewel City,’ is offering a fully immersive Pride held on Saturday, May 30, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Glendale’s Central Park, 216 South Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91203.
Pride is the grassroots effort of several Glendale-based organizations and volunteers including glendaleOUT, Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society (GALAS), Equality Armenia, The Blunt Post, and with media sponsorship by Revry. The festival is strategically located in Downtown Glendale’s shopping and nightlife district, adjacent to the library, the Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria. The Pride festival and its programming will raise awareness and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community as well as individuality,
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empowerment, and inclusivity within Glendale. With a focus on family-friendly art, events and community connection, the event will include storytelling time for kids and more to celebrate love in every color. The festival will feature diverse music and entertainment by a local DJ and emcee and wrap-up with a dance party at sundown. “Silverlake, West Hollywood … why do I have to export my gay? Why can’t I be gay where I live? So, I set about doing that. With Gary Freeman and Nick Macierz, with ace/121 gallery and Roslin Art Gallery, with Arno Yeretzian at Abril Books. Soon it was with Gay Straight Alliance chapters in the Glendale Unified School District and Alicia Harris,” said Grey James, Founder of Glendale Pride. “The dots started connecting quickly. People are showing up. Like everyone’s been waiting for this moment. I look at the group that is working on this and I am so amazed and grateful. It’s very satisfying to witness this momentum and all the individuals driving it so kindly,” he added. The festival will be a free community
Virginia, From page 9
National Center for Lesbian Rights Legal Director Shannon Minter. “Since California passed the first law in 2012, the visibility of this issue has increased dramatically, and more and more survivors have come forward. Virginia is the first Southern state to pass a law, but it will not be the last.” For more than 25 years, NCLR has been leading the fight against conversion therapy. Since 2014, NCLR’s Born Perfect Campaign has brought survivors and legal experts together to support legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy.
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Photo: Morgan Genser. LA Pride in 2019.
event, without an entrance fee, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. A Kids’ Village will create a special space for Rainbow Families with unique programming such as “Drag Story Telling.” For more information about Glendale Pride, please visit GlendalePride.org
Momentum on this work continues to build, with a record-breaking number of states and localities taking action to protect youth in the past 12 months, including North Carolina, Kansas City, Missouri, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Most recently, rules were adopted in the conservative state of Utah that protect LGBTQ minors from conversion therapy According to an estimate from the Williams Institute from UCLA Law, more than 350,000 LGBTQ minors have been subjected to the dangerous practice of “Conversion Therapy,” which studies have linked to these youth being more than twice as likely to experience depression, and nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide.
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Los Angeles LGBT Center Sets $51K Fundraising Goal For Big 5K Run
March 7, Dodger Stadium By Staff Writer
Celebrating its 51st year of helping LGBT people thrive, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has set a goal to raise $51,000 ahead of the family-friendly LA Big 5K on Saturday, March 7. This is the Center’s first time participating in the iconic run through Los Angeles, which is open to everyone of all abilities. To date, the Center’s 5K contingency— known as the Center Crew—has raised nearly $20,000. Proceeds will benefit the Center’s vital programs and services. “The new year and the new decade are in full swing, and our eyes are set on the next wave of the LGBT movement. The Center’s vitality depends and thrives on our collective engagement, so I encourage you to join our Center Crew,” said Rani DeMesme-Anders, the Center’s membership manager. “We will run, walk, dance, and fundraise our way together to equality and dignity for the LGBT community!” To register for the Center Crew, or to donate to the team, visit give.classy.org/lalgbtbig5k. All Crew members receive a specially designed Center Crew T-shirt and pair of
socks in addition to fundraising coaching and invitations to Crew meetups. For more information about the LA Big 5K run, visit labig5k.com. About the Los Angeles LGBT Center Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 800 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories:
Photo: Courtesy The Big 5K 2019.
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