the pride
Teens Arrested in Stolen Car, Armed Robbery Suspect Caught in Santa Monica
West Hollywood Man Charged With Killing Dog, Burglary of Former Roommate’s Home
Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful
Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
Defense Denies Homophobic Slurs Were Used as Investigators Review Motive
Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video
By Dolores Quintana
A Texas man accused in the fatal shooting of “King of the Hill” voice actor Jonathan Joss has been indicted on a murder charge, though authorities have not said whether they believe the killing was motivated by anti-LBGTQ+ bias.
27-Year-Old Suspect Faces Animal Cruelty and Burglary Charges
After a Violent Attack
Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is facing criticism from conservatives following the circulation of a video showing him being spanked by a drag queen during an event on the weekend of September 10. Anthony has responded that some of his critics are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the incident was harmless.
A Bexar County grand jury issued the indictment Monday against 57-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, who is charged in the June 1 shooting outside the San Antonio home Joss shared with his husband. The residence had been destroyed
by fire months earlier, and the couple was retrieving their mail at the time of the confrontation, according to police.
all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a prominent hate group.
Questions remain about whether the case will be prosecuted as a hate crime. San Antonio police did not respond to inquiries on Wednesday about whether investigators believe Joss’ sexual orientation factored into the attack. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office also declined to comment.
In a post on his Instagram account, Anthony stated, “For several days, extremist right-wing organizations, including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate. I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”
Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has alleged the gunman shouted “violent homophobic slurs” before firing at the couple. Attorneys representing Ceja Alvarez have denied that claim. One of the defense lawyers, Alfonso Otero, said in June that his client was innocent and had not used any hateful language.
Ceja Alvarez, who was arrested after the shooting, remains free on a $200,000 bond while awaiting further court proceedings.
In the video, posted by the Wisenuts podcast, Mayor Anthony is seen being spanked by a drag artist, backed by the Village People’s “Macho Man.” Anthony described the events as “shenanigans” and emphasized that it was
Prosecutors have filed multiple felony charges against a 27-year-old man accused of breaking into his former roommate’s West Hollywood apartment, killing the victim’s small dog, and damaging property during the incident.
He added, “On a busy Saturday filled with various independent gatherings, I attended the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ private fundraiser for their organization. Notably, there were no officially endorsed candidates or state and federal political figures present. The event was open to young adults ages 15 and above. However, there were no attendees below 18. Additionally, no children were present.”
While not specifying the particular hate group in question, it is possible that Anthony was referring to the Twitter account, now known as X, called “Libs of TikTok,” which
vulnerable and that Bhatia knew or should have known this at the time of the crime.
about his actions to communicate with him directly via email at kanthony@burbankca. gov. He stated, “If you want to talk to me about what happened over the weekend, send me an email. Send me an email. I will talk to
you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It
Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Case Challenging Marriage Equality Ruling
The attack occurred around 11:30 p.m. on September 4, when Bhatia allegedly forced his way into the apartment.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what they referred to as “fake outrage.”
Anmol Bhatia faces one count each of first-degree residential burglary, felony animal cruelty, and vandalism involving more than $400 in damage. Prosecutors have also alleged that the victim, who is at least 65 years old, was particularly
SCOTUS Quietly Rejected Kim Davis’ Appeal Over Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
Investigators said video evidence shows him violently slamming the dog to the ground, stomping on it, and then throwing the lifeless animal off a balcony onto a nearby construction site, where it was
Beverly Hills police arrested Bhatia on September 21 following a two-week search.
The case is being handled by the
Cruelty Section of the
Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts
Airport Courthouse and entered a not guilty plea. Bail was set at $175,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for
Sheriffs
In a decision welcomed by LGBTQ advocates, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to revisit its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, the landmark decision that made same-sex marriage legal across the nation.
By Dolores Quintana
Say a Man Was Arrested After Allegedly Exposing Himself to a Woman
LGBTQ rights organizations hailed the move as a quiet but significant affirmation of marriage equality at a time when national conversations about the future of LGBTQ rights have grown more urgent. The Supreme Court’s refusal to take the case arrived three years after its conservative majority struck down Roe v. Wade, sparking fears among advocates that Obergefell could also be targeted.
Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened.
Lung stated, “Our standard security measures remained in place during this time, and the screening commenced with a slight delay. To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.”
Those fears deepened when Justice Clarence Thomas, in a concurring opinion in the abortion decision, called for reconsidering several landmark cases involving personal freedoms, including the rights to same-sex intimacy, marriage equality, and access to contraception.
County District Attorney’s Office and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,
WeHo LASD Detectives Seek Possible Additional Victims After Indecent Exposure Arrest
with an incident that occurred on Sept. 19, 2025. Investigators said Harrington allegedly approached a woman inside a laundry room and exposed himself before leaving the area. No further confrontation was reported.
Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station are asking for the public’s help in identifying additional victims following the arrest of a man accused of indecent exposure.
Jackie Harrington was taken into custody on Sept. 28, 2025, in connection
The justices rejected an appeal from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky clerk who became a national figure after refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following the Obergefell decision. Davis sought to overturn a lower court order requiring her to pay $360,000 in damages and legal fees to a couple she denied a license. The court denied her appeal without comment, effectively leaving the 2015 decision intact.
The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a momentary setback on Saturday night due to a bomb threat. Judy Lung, TIFF’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, confirmed to CTV News Toronto via a written statement that the festival was alerted to an investigation “in the vicinity of the red carpet” at Roy
Authorities believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact West Hollywood Station Detectives at 310-855-8850. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), using the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said, in a statement, “Today, love won again. When public officials take an oath to serve their communities, that promise extends to everyone — including LGBTQ+ people. The Supreme Court made clear today that refusing to respect the constitutional rights of others does not come without consequences.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Even if the court had agreed to hear
Davis’s case and later reversed Obergefell, marriage equality would remain protected at the federal level. In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and requires federal and state recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages.
Still, LGBTQ advocates say the stability of those rights depends on continued vigilance. While the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the Davis appeal leaves Obergefell intact for now, many in the community see the decision as a reminder of the ongoing need to defend equality — both in the courts and beyond.
later found dead. Authorities also accuse Bhatia of vandalizing property inside the home before fleeing.
October 9.
If convicted on all counts, Bhatia could face up to seven years and eight months in state prison.
Animal
Los Angeles
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 e ects, including:
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. 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, and may give you HBV medicine.
ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. 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. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.
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 a ect 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.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, 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 that may have been hidden in your body. 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 e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative side e ects 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.
“I Was Born This Way” Honors Archbishop Carl Bean’s Legacy of Love and Activism
New Documentary Celebrates the Black Queer Trailblazer’s Journey From Motown Artist to Founder of the Unity Fellowship Church
The life and legacy of Archbishop Carl Bean, the pioneering Black queer activist, singer, and founder of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement, will be celebrated in the new feature documentary I Was Born This Way.
Directed by Academy Award® winner Daniel Junge and Academy Award® nominee Sam Pollard, and produced by Wellington Love and Jed Alan, the film explores Bean’s lifelong message that “love is for everyone.”
The film, executive produced by Questlove, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Billy Porter, features interviews with Lady Gaga, Dionne Warwick, Rep. Maxine Waters, Questlove, and Porter.
Six years in production, I Was Born This Way traces Bean’s journey from his early life in Baltimore—marked by racism, homophobia, and personal hardship—to his rise as a gospel and
disco performer and, later, a spiritual leader and advocate for equality. Bean’s 1977 Motown hit “I Was Born This Way,” widely regarded as the first openly gay anthem, became a defining statement of pride and self-acceptance, inspiring Lady Gaga’s global hit of the same name more than three decades later.
Through a mix of archival footage, intimate interviews, and newly restored recordings, the documentary chronicles Bean’s transition from music to ministry. He founded the Minority AIDS Project in Los Angeles during the height of the AIDS crisis to serve Black and Brown communities often excluded from care, and later established the Unity Fellowship Church, the first LGBTQ+ affirming ministry for people of color. The movement has since expanded to cities across the country.
The film paints a portrait of Bean as a visionary who bridged faith, activism, and art — a man who used music and ministry to preach radical love and inclusion long before it was widely accepted.
A testament to Bean’s enduring influence, I Was Born This Way invites a new generation to rediscover the trailblazer whose message of compassion and justice still resonates today.
WINTERLAND
Photos with Santa • Christmas Tree Lightings
Menorah Lightings • Live Entertainment • Exclusive Offers And the season’s best in shopping, dining and gi ing.
Family-Owned Jewelry Brand Elevates Everyday Style With Handcrafted, Made-in-USA Designs
Mother–Daughter–Son Team Shares How Their Growing E-Commerce Brand Blends Artistry, Durability, and Personal Connection in Every Piece
In a digital-first world dominated by mass production, one small family-owned jewelry company is carving out a distinct space by championing craftsmanship, durability, and meaningful design. Run by a mother, daughter, and son, the brand seamlessly blends old-world artistry with a modern e-commerce experience, offering timeless, handcrafted pieces made in the USA. Their mission stretches far beyond selling jewelry; they’re building a community centered on connection, intention, and everyday luxury.
Our interview with the family shares insight into their work, their values, and the growing world of handcrafted jewelry.
When you say it is an e-commerce company, what does that mean?
Being an e-commerce company means our brand operates primarily online, giving our customers the convenience to explore and shop our pieces from anywhere. Our focus is delivering high-quality jewelry with a seamless digital experience — and while we thrive online, one of our biggest goals beyond quality is opening our first permanent physical location in the near future.
What is your specialty? What types of jewelry do you specialize in?
We specialize in timeless jewelry designs that feel elevated yet wearable. Our pieces range from everyday essentials to statement pieces for special occasions, offering versatility, elegance, and intention in every collection. You say that your company is familyowned. How does that affect how you do business?
Being family-owned means every piece truly matters. We pour care into our curation, our brand, and our community. We strive every day to build more than a jewelry company — we’re building a community of individuals who value meaning, craftsmanship, and connection. How is your jewelry made? Is it handcrafted?
Yes — our jewelry incorporates handcrafted elements and is thoughtfully made in the USA. We source our materials from trusted U.S. vendors to ensure quality, craftsmanship, and consistency, creating meaningful pieces designed to last.
Do you ever do pop-ups? If so, where are they located?
Yes, we do monthly pop-ups at Bluemercury in El Segundo. It’s an opportunity for our clients to connect with us in person, try on pieces, and experience the brand firsthand. We announce our pop-up dates monthly on our social media platforms, so our community always knows when and where to find us.
What do you think is the biggest trend in jewelry right now?
We see intentional jewelry leading the trend — meaningful pieces, timeless silhouettes, and designs that blend personal expression with everyday wear. To keep our community inspired and informed, we release monthly blog posts that highlight trending styles, material education, and the history and craftsmanship behind jewelry. Is there anything that you would like our readers to know about your company?
Our mission goes beyond selling jewelry. We are building a brand rooted in craftsmanship, emotion, and community. Each piece is chosen to empower
confidence, celebrate individuality, and bring beauty to everyday life. We’re growing, connecting, and expanding our presence both online and through monthly pop-ups. We’d love for you to follow our journey and be part of our story.
NOW ENROLLING TK - KINDERGARTEN
Urban Jungle: Deck The Halls This Holiday Season With Plants
The holiday season is fast approaching.
To make your holidays more sustainable, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery on Lincoln Boulevard, encourages people to avoid the artificial greenery and decorate with fresh, natural greenery instead.
Holiday plants are in full stock at Urban Jungle. Natural, meaningful and full of life, plants are the perfect way to brighten homes, lift spirits and transform both indoor and outdoor spaces.
During the calm or the storm of the upcoming holiday season, indoor and outdoor plants are a festive and sustainable way to deck the halls. Adorn and decorate your home with greenery that cleanses the air.
Deisy Moreno, a team member at Urban Jungle, says plants are the simplest way to invite nature into your holiday routines. As you prepare your home for festive celebrations, consider this list of holidayfavorite plants found at Urban Jungle.
Classic and Modern with a Festive Blend Indoors, poinsettias, cyclamen and Christmas cactus make for an instant seasonal charm with their rich reds, whites and soft pinks.
For something more modern, the red-
and green-variegated leaves of rubber trees and snake plants pair beautifully with cozy winter decor and thrive in low-light conditions.
Added warmth can be achieved by grouping multiple plants together in decorative pots for a layered, inviting display.
Adorning Your Outdoor Spaces
Pansies, violas and ornamental kale provide vibrant seasonal color all season long. Rosemary and dwarf cypress offer that classic holiday look and are great plants to continue nurturing post holiday season.
“You can never go wrong with a porch full of beautiful lush indoor and outdoor plants that liven the space and boost the mood,” says Deisy.
Fresh greenery also pairs beautifully with twinkling lights, candles or seasonal ornaments, bringing texture, fragrance and natural charm to your porches, patios and entryways.
The Most Meaningful Gift Plants also make meaningful holiday gifts.
Deisy at Urban Jungle encourages people to think outside the box and give the gift that nobody returns: greenery.
As a gift, plants symbolize deep care and connection for the recipient. Although it may require some attention and care,
Immerse yourself in a sanctuary where nature’s tranquility meets the vibrancy of city life. Urban Jungle is more than a plant store it’s a communitycentered oasis bringing a lush slice of paradise to your urban lifestyle. Here, we passionately believe in the power of plants to transform spaces and elevate well-being.
plants improve air quality, reduce stress and create a sense of tranquility.
Unlike many holiday gifts, plants last and become part of the space, often for years. Representing growth, new beginnings and life, plants add a personal touch of nature to any space.
While naturally enhancing a room, they serve as a gift that isn’t forgotten after the holidays — a living, interactive and longterm expression of love.
“Plants are presents that don’t get put aside after the holidays end. They reduce stress and are a living reminder of your loved ones,” Deisy says.
Gift the gift of life, love and renewal this season, and adorn your space with richness and meaning. Urban Jungle offers guidance on low-maintenance options, seasonal favorites and combinations that suit any space or lifestyle.
This season, the nursery invites holiday decorators and gift givers to embrace natural, engaging and long-lasting decor and gifts.
Urban Jungle also sells a variety of local and globally-sourced pottery essentials. Stop by the nursery located at 3113 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. Follow the boutique on Instagram.
Transgender Rights Set Back as Supreme Court Upholds Trump Passport Restrictions
The Ruling
Reverses a BidenEra Policy Allowing “X” Gender Markers
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to move forward with enforcing a rule that limits gender markers on U.S. passports to “male” and “female” as assigned at birth, reversing a key policy that expanded recognition for transgender and nonbinary Americans.
The 6–3 decision, issued on the court’s emergency “shadow docket,” reinstates the policy that removes the “X” gender marker option introduced under the Biden administration in 2021. The ruling effectively forces transgender individuals to carry passports that do not reflect their gender identity, even if their other legal documents do. The court’s three liberal justices dissented.
The Biden-era rule had allowed applicants to self-select a gender marker without medical or legal documentation, expanding access to identification that
For your consideration in categories including
accurately represents gender-diverse individuals. This isn’t the final ruling, but it will allow Trump’s policy to go into force while the case goes forward in lower courts.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the decision in a social media post, saying it aligns with the administration’s view that there are only two biological sexes. The administration has described the policy as an effort to restore “accuracy” in federal records.
The case originated with a lawsuit filed by West Virginia resident Ashton Orr, a transgender man who was denied a passport with a male marker earlier this year. Orr argued that the policy violates his right to equal protection under the Constitution and federal administrative law.
A federal judge in Massachusetts had previously ruled against the administration, allowing individuals to choose their own gender markers. That ruling was later appealed after the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to block it, prompting the administration to seek intervention from the Supreme Court.
SCHINdLER SPaCE Arr##CHITECT
The documentary explores the life and work of Viennese-born, Jewish architect Rudolph M. Schindler, whose visionary designs shaped modern architecture yet whose legacy remains in the shadows. The film reveals Schindler’s distinctive approach to space, his creative struggles and artistic fidelity.
LA County LGBTQ+ Commission Releases First Annual Report, Outlines Achievements and Challenges
Commission’s First-Year Report
Highlights Policy Milestones, Wildfire Recovery
Efforts, and New Priorities
The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission has released its first annual report, outlining major milestones, persistent challenges, and long-term goals achieved during its first full year of operation. The report, covering the period from June 2024 through June 2025, was formally submitted to the County Board of Supervisors by Executive Director Sunitha Menon (she/ they).
Among the key accomplishments detailed in the report are the adoption of the Commission’s inaugural Strategic Plan, which defines its vision, mission, and priority areas; active engagement with more than 55
community-based LGBTQ+ organizations to foster partnerships; and advisory participation in over 100 meetings with various County departments addressing LGBTQ+ issues.
The Commission also co-hosted a Wildfire Town Hall in Altadena in May 2025, in partnership with the Williams Institute, to provide resources and guidance to LGBTQ+ individuals affected by the January 2025 wildfires.
While the Commission reported significant progress in its first year, it also faced major obstacles. According to the report, a surge in anti-LBGTQ+, anti-transgender, and antiimmigrant sentiment created difficulties in sustaining consistent operations and engagement efforts. The devastating wildfires earlier in the year also directly impacted members of the LGBTQ+ community, including several commissioners, leading to a temporary pause in activities as recovery and support took priority.
Looking ahead, the Commission identified several policy and advocacy priorities for the upcoming year. These include expanding access to gender-affirming
West Hollywood Home Saved From Demolition Will Become New Altadena Residence for Eaton Fire Survivors
The Salvaged FourBedroom House Will Be Transported, Rebuilt, and Restored
The four-bedroom, 2,300-square-foot residence, originally built in 1926 on North Orlando Avenue, is the latest structure to be rescued through the Historic House Relocation Project, a program created to help fireaffected families rebuild more quickly while preserving historic architecture, as reported by NBC 4 Los Angeles.
The Martinez family, who lost their Altadena home of eight years in the wildfire, learned earlier this year that the West Hollywood property would be salvaged rather than torn down. The program identifies houses slated for demolition, dismantles them section by section, and transports them to neighborhoods where rebuilding is underway.
Martinez said he, his wife Lauren, and their three children, including a newborn who arrived just a month after the fire, are eager to return to their community. The family plans
to move into the restored structure once it is rebuilt on their lot on West Pine Street.
Work is already underway to cut the 1926 house into transportable sections. The structure is expected to be moved in the coming weeks, according to project organizers, who said developers intend to construct several new units on the West Hollywood site.
The move will take place overnight with a police escort, following all state and local traffic regulations, officials said. Once the house arrives in Altadena, it will be lowered onto a new foundation and reconnected to utilities. The full reconstruction process, including permits, inspections, and restoration, is expected to take nine to 12 months.
You can reach the Historic House Relocation Project (whether obtaining or donating a house) can reaching out to Omgivning at HouseRelocation@Omgivning.com or 213596-5602.
healthcare, supporting individuals with varied immigration statuses, and ensuring equitable and safe interactions between law enforcement and LGBTQ+ residents. The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing initiatives across its five core areas: County workforce inclusion, youth support, health and mental health, safety, and housing and homelessness.
"Trans and Queer (LGBTQIA2S+) people hold grounding roots and thriving futures in Los Angeles County,” said LGBTQ+ Commission Chair Héctor Plascencia (they/ them). “May this report solidify our presence and connected direction towards a just and humane County home. We will not be erased."
“Especially at this time, when we are seeing such a steep rise in anti-LBGTQ legislation, it is critical that the County of Los Angeles be a safe haven for our LGBTQ+ community,” stated LGBTQ+ Commission Executive Director Sunitha Menon (she/her, they/ them). “The commissioners have worked hard to provide advice and recommendations to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people
here in the County. We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration with the Supervisors and their offices and have built a solid foundation to ensure our work is as effective as possible in the upcoming year.”
Established in June 2023, the Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission was created through a motion introduced by First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn. The Commission’s mission is to provide expert advice and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and County departments on how to better serve the County’s LGBTQ+ population.
Comprised of 15 commissioners representing diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, the body emphasizes community engagement to ensure that its recommendations reflect the broad spectrum of LGBTQ+ needs across Los Angeles County.
For more information about the Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission or to view the full annual report, visit this page.
