The Pride LA - July 2023

Los Angeles LGBT Center Responds to Supreme Court Ruling On 303 Creative and Affirmative Action Decision

CEO of LA LGBTQ Center Decries Ruling On Last Day Of Pride Month

By Dolores Quintana

On the final day of Pride Month, the Supreme Court ruled on 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, a case that raised concerns regarding private businesses’ ability to discriminate against protected classes. In response to this decision, the Los Angeles LGBT Center issued a statement expressing their dismay.

Joe Hollendoner, Chief Executive Officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, remarked, “In the case of 303 Creative, we witness the nation’s highest court legalizing

LA LGBTQ Center, see page 10

LGBTQ+ride: Safe and

Inclusive Transportation for the

LGBTQ+ Community, Disabled, and Allies

Rides Are Currently Available In Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Orange County

By Dolores Quintana

LGBTQ+ride is a new ridesharing app that started service in June and has pledged to provide safe, friendly, and non-discriminatory rides for LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and allies, as ABC 7.com reported. The founders, Stephen Ridl and Robert Tanner are from Palm Springs and saw a need for a rideshare app that was LGBTQ+ friendly after

watching a friend be refused a ride after a drag show in Palm Springs.

Stephen Ridl said, as reported by ABC 7, They just saw me and pulled away from me, and now I don’t have a ride,’ after Ridl and Tanner saw a rideshare car pull away from one of their friends and then they asked what happened.

The app is available in the app stores, and

rides are now available in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, West Hollywood, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County, Sacramento, and

surrounding areas. They also pride themselves on offering rides in luxury vehicles for comfort and safety.

Los Angeles County Faces Alarming Rise in Mpox Cases, Urges Vigilance, Vaccination

Six New Cases Reported in a Week, Which Is a Notable Increase

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has notified residents and healthcare providers about a troubling increase in Mpox cases. Six new cases have been reported in Los Angeles County in the past week, marking a significant rise from an average of fewer than one case per week in the previous four weeks. For the most up-to-date information and resources, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/mpox or contact the Public Health Call Center at 1-833-540-0473.

Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, primarily spreads through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets, such as kissing, coughing, or sneezing. Symptoms include the appearance of a rash or unusual sores resembling pimples or blisters on the face, body, and genitals, accompanied by fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or swelling of lymph nodes. Early detection, testing, and vaccination are crucial in controlling the spread of this disease and safeguarding the health of Los Angeles County residents.

Given the recent surge in cases, Public Health strongly recommends the following measures:

Testing: Individuals who experience symptoms consistent with Mpox, such as rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes, should promptly seek medical attention and undergo testing. Healthcare providers should be mindful of the possibility of mpox and report suspected cases to Public Health for appropriate testing and interventions.

These are the most up-to-date numbers on Mpox infections and confirmed cases in Los Angeles County.

Vaccination: Mpox vaccination not only reduces the risk of severe illness but also helps to limit transmission. The vaccine is available

to everyone, with special emphasis on the following subgroups:

• Men or transgender individuals who engage in sexual activity with other men or transgender individuals.

• Individuals of any gender or sexual orientation who engage in sex or intimate physical contact during large public events or partake in commercial and/or transactional sex.

• Individuals living with HIV, particularly those with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease.

• Sexual partners of people in any of the above groups.

Individuals in high-risk categories are strongly encouraged to complete the full vaccination regimen of two doses for optimal protection. The second dose can be administered regardless of the time elapsed since the first dose. Residents may choose to receive the mpox vaccine subcutaneously (in the upper arm) or intradermally (under the skin on the arm or back). Currently, booster doses are not recommended.

Public Health is actively collaborating with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promptly and effectively address the resurgence of mpox. Enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and outbreak investigations are underway to identify potential sources of infection and prevent further transmission. Public Health’s mobile vaccination units are offering free vaccinations at various Pride events this season, and additional walk-up vaccine clinics can be found at https://myturn. ca.gov/.

Address:2304 Sawtelle Blvd 90064

California Attorney General Releases 2022 Hate Crime Report, Calls for Action Against Rising Hate Incidents

Statistics Shows Increase in Reported Hate Crimes Against LGBTQ Rose 29 Percent

By Dolores Quintana

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has unveiled the 2022 Hate Crime in California Report, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat hate across the state. The report reveals a 20.2% increase in reported hate crime events, rising from 1,763 in 2021 to 2,120 in 2022. Among the key findings, hate crimes targeting Black individuals saw a 27.1% surge, while anti-Asian hate crime events decreased by 43.3%. Additionally, hate crimes based on sexual orientation bias increased by 29%.

Amidst the alarming rise in reported hate crimes, Attorney General Bonta urges local partners and law enforcement to review

the provided resources and renew their commitment to taking action. As part of these efforts, an updated Law Enforcement Bulletin has been issued, outlining California criminal laws that prohibit hate crimes and provide enhanced penalties for hate-related acts. In response to the report, Attorney General Bonta stated, “This report is a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done to combat hate in our state. I urge local partners and law enforcement to review these findings and recommit to taking action. Our office continues to work with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across the state to increase awareness and bolster responses to hate crimes. An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us. The alarming increases in crimes committed against Black, LGBTQ+, and Jewish people for the second year in a row illustrates the need for our communities to join together unified against hate. It takes all of us working together to combat extremism and foster a safe and inclusive environment for all Californians.

Crime Report, see page 7

Crime Report, from page 6

Now, more than ever, it is critical that we stand united — there is no place for hate in California.”

Some of the key findings from the 2022 Hate Crime in California Report include:

• Reported hate crime events increased overall by 20.2%, from 1,763 in 2021 to 2,120 in 2022. A hate crime event is a single occurrence that may involve more than one offense. For example, a person may be threatened and assaulted at the same time; this would involve multiple hate crime offenses within the same hate crime event.

• 2,589 hate crime offenses were reported in California, increasing by 16.6% from 2021.

• Hate crime events motivated by a sexual orientation bias increased by 29% from 303 in 2021 to 391 in 2022.

• Anti-Black or African American bias events increased 27.1% from 513 in 2021 to 652 in 2022.

• Anti-Hispanic bias crimes rose from 197 in 2021 to 210 in 2022.

• Anti-Asian bias events fell from 247 in 2021 to 140 in 2022, a decrease of 43.3%.

• Anti-Jewish bias events increased 24.3% from 152 in 2021 to 189 in 2022.

• Anti-Protestant bias events rose from 2 in 2021 to 12 in 2022.

• Anti-Islamic (Muslim) bias crimes rose from 18 in 2021 to 25 in 2022.

• Anti-transgender bias events increased from 38 in 2021 to 59 in 2022.

• Anti-gay (male) bias events increased 28.4% from 211 in 2021 to 271 in 2022

• Anti-lesbian bias crimes rose from 27 in 2021 to 33 in 2022.

• From 2021 to 2022, the number of hate crimes referred for prosecution increased 5.9%, from 610 in 2021 to 647 in 2022. Of the 647 hate crimes referred for prosecution, 456 cases were filed by district and elected city attorneys. Of the 122 cases with a disposition available for this report, 43.4% were hate crime convictions, and 45.9% were other convictions.

The California Department of Justice acknowledges the historical underreporting of hate crimes and recognizes that the data presented may not fully reflect the actual number of incidents. Reports of hate incidents can also be made to the California Civil Rights Department CA v. Hate hotline and online portal at any time in 15 languages or by calling (833) 866-4283 or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and talking to a trained civil rights agent in over 200 languages. Outside of those hours, people can leave a voicemail or call 211 to report a hate incident and seek support from a professional trained in culturally competent communication and trauma-informed practices.

Attorney General Bonta’s commitment to combating hate crimes is demonstrated through the establishment of the Racial Justice Bureau and the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement. The Attorney General has been actively engaging with local city leaders and recently appointed a hate crimes coordinator to assist law enforcement efforts. Members of the public are encouraged to explore the most recent hate crime data on OpenJustice.

Outfest Los Angeles Will Screen A Full Slate Of Films At Their Festival This Month

Selections Include Opening and Closing Films By Trans Directors and Festival Favorites

By Dolores Quintana

The Los Angeles LGBT Center held its firstever Trans Town Hall at the Renberg Theatre in the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza. The event marked the start of Trans Pride LA (TPLA), a two-day celebration dedicated to the trans and nonbinary community. Angel City FC proudly presented TPLA, while the Trans Town Hall was curated and hosted by Raquel Willis, an activist, and author of the forthcoming book, “The Risk It Took to Bloom.”

As the evening program began, Raquel Willis expressed gratitude to those fighting for trans liberation in the face of unjust circumstances. She highlighted the over 500 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation this year, with many targeting transgender individuals.

She affirmed, “We’re going to say f— no to all of that. They seek to take us away from our families, criminalize our healthcare, ban our freedom of expression, and ultimately, erase us.”

The Town Hall commenced with a stage blessing by members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, followed by a discussion on the state of drag in the U.S. featuring Kylie Sonique Love, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Athletes Chris Mosier and Cecé Telfer engaged in a conversation about the presence of transgender athletes in sports. At the same time, journalist Thomas Page McBee led a discussion on trans visibility in media with Isis King, Trace Lysette, and Laith Ashley.

Journalist Shar Jossell moderated a panel on direct action and advocacy, featuring Trans Wellness Center program manager Mariana Marroquín, Kaleef Starks from the National Institute for LGBTQ+ Intimate Partner Violence, and LGBTQ+ youth trauma specialist Jordan Held. The Trans Town Hall also welcomed Montana State Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the first openly transgender woman elected to the Montana legislature, who faced Festival Favorites, see page 9

Festival Favorites,

from page 8

retaliation from colleagues for opposing a measure banning gender-affirming care for minors.

Kylie Sonique Love said, “It’s okay to be inspired by people for sure, but try and figure out who you are... Create your own recipe for who you are instead of trying to mimic the life of somebody else. You create your own recipe, find the spice of life that works for you.”

Jordan Held said, “There are so many myths being perpetuated in media right now, specifically around gender-affirming care for minors, and it’s more important than ever that we get our facts right. Because facts and science are what this movement was built on, and there are so many young people who are in desperate need of the facts. Because when it comes to their mental health, we’re talking about life and death.”

Rep. Zooey Zephyr stated, “So much of the legislation we see is designed to instill fear and hopelessness, really trying to make the community feel small and vulnerable. But I know from traveling the country and being in my community that we are anything but small, and we are anything but vulnerable. If we peel back all the layers of stuff going on with the trans community, at the very center of it is love. And you cannot take that away from us.”

During the event, other notable insights were shared by the participants. Chris Mosier spoke about sports being a haven where he

could authentically express himself even before understanding his transgender identity.

Isis King emphasized the importance of positive representation in media.

The evening concluded with a surprise staff award presentation and a special commendation by Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez to Gina Bigham, program manager of the Center’s Trans* Lounge and longtime organizer of TPLA. Bigham expressed pride in the growth of Trans Pride, stating, “We are immense, and we are abundant.”

The Trans Town Hall served as a platform for advocacy, dialogue, and celebration, underscoring the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s commitment to supporting and empowering the transgender community.

LA LGBTQ Center,

from page 1

discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals while imposing a narrow interpretation of Christianity upon the American public. Rather than upholding secularism, which is fundamental to our nation and our freedoms, the Court is now permitting private businesses to openly discriminate against marginalized communities, including individuals of various faiths, such as Muslims and Jews, as well as BIPOC communities.”

This ruling echoes the 2018 Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case, in which the court delivered a limited decision in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to serve same-sex couples. However, the court did not clearly delineate when businesses are entitled to exemptions under the First Amendment. The decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis addresses this very question.

“What is deeply troubling, and what the public needs to be aware of, is that no same-sex couple sought the services of 303 Creative for a website design. This situation is a contrived tactic stemming from the political agendas of far-right, white Christian extremists actively shaping over 500 pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation currently affecting the nation. Their objective is to undermine secularism and curtail our freedoms, and unfortunately, they are succeeding.

Secularism has been undermined within the Supreme Court. With the ruling in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, public-serving businesses are now legally permitted to discriminate against our community based on a weak interpretation of religious freedom,” added Hollendoner.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court, significantly transformed by the conservative movement and the Donald Trump presidency, also made a decision to end race-conscious affirmative action programs at colleges and universities across the United States. Hollendoner commented on these cases, saying, “Each of these cases reaffirms a disturbing trend of coordinated far-right bias and hostility aimed at reshaping the public consciousness in their own image. The attack on Affirmative Action mirrors the assault on LGBTQ+ curriculum in schools and the undermining of civil rights education that honors the contributions of Black Americans, among other concerning developments. This farright movement is gaining ground, but the Los Angeles LGBT Center refuses to allow them to prevail. Now more than ever, we need a coalition to demonstrate to our elected officials and our courts that we will not regress. Our movements have always resisted oppressive structures, including the Supreme Court. It is time to return to the roots of our movements, organize, and fight back. The Center remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community and will continue to fight on the front lines every day until we achieve victory once again.”

Outfest Unveils Honors Melissa McCarthy, Amandla Stenberg, and Ben Falcone

Festival Also Announces Trans, Nonbinary, and Intersex Summit and Featured Films.

By Dolores Quintana

Outfest, the esteemed Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting queer and trans creators in the entertainment industry, has announced the complete lineup for its 41st Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Festival. Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America, the festival will take place from July 13 to 23 at various venues across Los Angeles, with its headquarters at the Directors Guild of America in West Hollywood. Tickets and passes are available starting today for Outfest members and will be open to the general public from Friday, June 23rd.

In an exciting development, the festival will honor Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone with the James Schamus Ally Award during

the closing night event. This prestigious recognition celebrates their efforts as allies in promoting queer and trans films and amplifying our communities’ stories to a wider audience. McCarthy and Falcone also serve as executive producers of “Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story,” a short documentary directed by Zeb Newman and Michiel Thomas. The film, which will be featured at this year’s festival, follows a West Hollywood candle shop owner who provides employment opportunities for unhoused and newly sober individuals.

Spanning 11 days, the festival will present an impressive program of over 170 titles from more than 25 countries, encompassing narratives, documentaries, shorts, and an episodic showcase. Among the highly anticipated films is the world premiere of “Truth Be Told,” a feature documentary directed by Emmy Award-winner Nneka Onuorah (known for Lizzo’s “Watch Out For the Big Grrrls”) and produced by MACRO, producers of “Judas and the Black Messiah,” which gives a probing, heartfelt, and often humorous exploration of the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the Black church, featuring interviews with Billy Porter, Meagan Good, Cedric The Entertainer, David Mann, Tamela Mann, and Kev on Stage; “Acsexybility”, a feature doc from Brazil by Daniel Gonçalves about the sexual lives and desires of people with disabilities will also hold its world premiere at the fest, with Gonçalves attending.

Fabian Stumm’s Berlinale title “Bones and Names,” an ensemble dramatic comedy about married men who seek new experiences outside their humdrum relationships, will hold its North American premiere with writer/ director/star Stumm attending, and the U.S. premiere of Venice Film Festival highlights “Le Favolose,” The Fabulous Ones), which will also take place.

Outfest will hold its seventh annual Trans, Nonbinary, and Intersex Summit on Saturday, July 22nd, which will welcome a keynote speech and drag performance from rising star Vico Ortiz who currently portrays non-binary pirate

Jime on the wildly popular Max Original Series Our Flag Means Death; a showcase that highlights the TNBI community’s contribution to the art of drag featuring performances from Them Fatale Drag Kings and recent cast members of the AMC and Shudder hit The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula and several commissioned one-minute films from TNBI filmmakers on the rise featuring TNBI talent from ActNow, LA’s LGBTQ+ Acting Class. Outfest will also honor actor, producer, and musician Amandla Stenberg with its Platinum Maverick Award, and the Platinum Alchemy Award to musician Madame Gandhi.

“The depth of the talent and the boundless creativity we saw in the work we reviewed this year speaks to how wonderfully gifted LGBTQ+ artists are,” said Outfest’s Director of Programming Mike Dougherty. “One festival could not hope to contain all the fantastic films available from our community this year, but rest assured, Outfest Los Angeles will be bursting with captivating cinema, and we hope to continue the celebration year-round.”

The Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Festival promises to be a captivating celebration of diverse storytelling, offering a platform for marginalized voices within the queer and trans community.