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10.01.2023 – 10.31.2023 October 2025 November 2026
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LOS ANGELES 1
THE LOS ANGELES LGBT NEWSPAPER
Historic mid-term election nightWith delivers wave West Hollywood Man Charged Killing Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful of LGBTQ+ political firsts across the nation Dog, Burglary of Former Roommate’s Home Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias Voters sent Mayor Konstantine groundbreaking Anthonyto Defends leaders Congress, Actions Amid and statehouses, Controversy Over governorships. Video By Carlos Reyes.
By Dolores Quintana Groundbreaking victories across the
country reshaped the national political map Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is Tuesday night, expanding equality at every facing criticism from conservatives following level of government and elevating historic the circulation of a video showing him being LGBTQ representation to unprecedented spanked by a drag queen during an event heights. onPioneering the weekend of September Anthony candidates broke 10. century-old has responded that some of his critics are barriers from New England to the Deep motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the South, proving that inclusive leadership incident was harmless. continues to resonate with voters In the video, posted the Wisenuts podcast, demanding forward-looking governance. Prosecutors have by filed multiple felony Mayor Anthony seen beingman spanked by Leading federal breakthroughs, Senatorcharges against ais27-year-old accused aof drag artist, backed by the Village People’s elect Chris Pappas New roommate’s Hampshire breaking into his of former “Macho Hollywood Man.” Anthonyapartment, described events shattered a national ceiling by the winning West killing as “shenanigans” andout emphasized that it was election as the small first gay man serve in the victim’s dog, and to damaging property during the incident. 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
27-Year-Old Suspect Faces Animal Cruelty and Burglary Charges After a Violent Attack
the U.S. Senate. In the U.S. House of Representatives, all in good fun. Hethewent on to reveal that a voters broadened pro-equality coalition secretly arecorded videoofwas made during through combination historic firsts and the event and subsequently shared with a pivotal flips: prominent group. Indiana:hate Rep.-elect J.D. Ford made In a post on his Instagram Anthony history as the first out gayaccount, man elected to stated, “Forfrom several extremist Congress thedays, Hoosier State.right-wing organizations, including News, who have Delaware: Rep. SarahFox McBride, spread misleading information fuel trans fear, previously made history as theto first discrimination, and hate. I will always be woman elected to Congress, won reelectiona proud supporter to another term.of the LGBTQ+ community andNew drag performers.” York: Rep.-elect Cait Conley He added, a busy filled with flipped her “On district to Saturday the pro-equality various independent gatherings, I attended column. theCalifornia: Santa ClaritaRep.-elect Valley Democrats’ Marni private von fundraisersecured for their organization. Wilpert a critical seat, Notably, helping there were no officially endorsed candidates fortify national advocacy for community or state and federal political figures present. protections. The event was Rep. open toBecca young adults 15 Vermont: Balintageswon and above. However, there were no attendees reelection to her statewide congressional below 18. Additionally, no children were seat. present.” Michigan: Rep.-elect Jeremy Moss While not specifying the particular hate advanced to the U.S. House after serving group in question, it is possible that Anthony vulnerable in Lansing. and that Bhatia knew or should was referring to at thetheTwitter now have known executive this time ofaccount, thealso crime. Statewide leadership saw known as X, called “Libs of TikTok,” The attack occurred around 11:30which p.m. major milestones. In Rhode Island, Kim on September 4, when Bhatia allegedly forced his way into the apartment. 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 domestic partnerships. Introduced by Mayor John Heilman, the measure establishes an official local registry for whodocumentary share a primary Thomson Hall,adults where the was set residence and take mutual responsibility to be screened. forLung one another's stated, welfare. “Our standard security Under remained the legislation, cohabitating measures in place during this time, adults register as a multi-partner and the who screening commenced with a slight with an that occurred on Sept. domestic relationship will receive City delay. To incident our knowledge, this was a general 19, 2025. Investigators said Harrington protections parallel to those granted to threat and not directed at the film or the artist.” allegedly a woman inside two-personapproached domestic partnerships. Thesea laundry room and exposed himself before safeguards guarantee visitation access in leaving the area. No furtherand confrontation local healthcare facilities municipal was reported. detention settings, alongside protections Authorities believe applicable to city rentalthere units.may be other victims who have not yet forward. City officials noted thatcome the scope of the Anyoneremains with information about this measure strictly confined tocase the is urgedjurisdiction. to contact West city’s TheHollywood registrationStation does Detectives at 310-855-8850. Tips may also not confer state or federal legal recognition, be anonymously through Crime norsubmitted does it establish marriage or statutory Stoppers calling 800-222-TIPS domestic by partnerships recognized (8477), outside using the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visiting municipal boundaries. lacrimestoppers.org. West Hollywood's new framework is The investigation remains scheduled to take effect Dec.ongoing. 2.
Ahern won election as attorney general, becoming the Ocean State’s first out reposted the video and garnered over 8 million statewide elected executive official. views. Gubernatorial races reaffirmed steady In response to the video, theMassachusetts Libs of TikTok leadership in two key states. account claimed that children present Gov. Maura Healey won were reelection at the establishing event. Mayor aggressive Anthony disputed this after state-level assertion, stating “actually, there safeguards for that transgender healthweren’t care any children this private 21+ event. But of access and at reproductive freedom, while course, lying is totally brand also for you.” Oregon Gov. Tina on Kotek secured While term the account correctly pointed out that another from voters. individuals aged 15 and older were permitted State legislative chambers reflected an to attend,transformative the event’s organizer, the Santa equally shift, welcoming Clarita Valleylawmakers Democrats, released a statement trailblazing in regions where clarifying that no under thesevere age of representation hasindividuals historically faced 18 were in attendance. resistance: Mayor Anthony reiterated this pointAllison during Alabama: Voters elected a City Councilmaking meetingher andtheexpressed his Montgomery, state's first concern that the video’s circulation had led to out transgender state lawmaker. city officialsBentley receivingHudgens “some ofwon the most vile Georgia: election hatethe speech that I Assembly, have ever seen.” to General becoming the Anthony encouraged lawmaker those with concerns first out transgender in state about his actions to communicate with him history. directly via email at kanthony@burbankca. Washington: Jaelynn Scott earned a seat gov. He stated, “If you talkaccuse totrans me later found dead. Authorities also in Olympia as the firstwant out toBlack about what happened over the weekend, send Bhatia ofelected vandalizing property insidestate the woman to the Washington me an before email. Send me an email. I will talk to home fleeing. House. Beverly Hills police arrested Bhatia on September 21 following a two-week search. He was arraigned on Tuesday at the Airport Courthouse and entered a not guilty plea. Bail was set at $175,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for
you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public Michigan: Whaley won election event, not at a Joanna government-sponsored event. It to the state wasn’t even legislature, in the city ofestablishing Burbank.” another crucial for trans visibility. In a voice statement released on Tuesday, the Vocal allies equality Santa Clarita Valleychampioning Democrats voiced their and transgender support for Mayor dignity Anthony also and secured strongly critical federal and state offices. Pivotal denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate victories included Senator-elect Abdul portrayal of their event for political purposes El-Sayed in Michigan, Sen. Ed Markey that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, in Massachusetts, Senator-elect Peggy and bigotry. Democrats their Flanagan in The Minnesota, andreaffirmed Senator-elect commitment to the LGBTQ+ community October 9. Adam Hamilton in Kansas, cementingand an drag performers, refusing to engage withcould what If convicted on all firewall counts, Bhatia expanded legislative committed to they referred to asrights “fakeacross outrage.” face up to seven years and eight months defending civil all 50 states.in
state prison. The case is being handled by the Animal Cruelty Section of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, West Hollywood Station.
West Hollywood approves registry recognizing Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts “Lil Nas multi-partner domestic relationships
X: Long Live Montero” Premiere at TIFF Unanimous
council voteLASD Detectives Seek Possible Additional WeHo World extendsPremiere municipal of Victims Indecent Exposure Arrest Documentary Was visitation and After Sheriffs SayAfter a Man Screened tenant protections Was ArrestedDelay After 20-Minute to households with Allegedly Exposing three or more By Dolores Himself to aQuintana Woman
committed adults.
The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Detectives withToronto the LosInternational Angeles County Montero” at the Film Sheriff’s Department West By Sarah Lin. Festival (TIFF) faced a momentaryHollywood setback on Station are asking the public’s Saturday night due tofor a bomb threat. help in identifying following Committed households comprising three Judy Lung,additional TIFF’s Vicevictims President of Public the arrest ofCommunications, a can mansoon accused of indecent or more adults officially register Affairs and confirmed to exposure. with the city following unanimous vote CTV News Toronto via aa written statement Harrington taken byJackie the West Hollywood City Councilinto to that the festival was alertedwas to an investigation “in the vicinity of28, the red carpet” at Roy custody on Sept. 2025, in connection expand the city’s official recognition of
A spokesperson for the Toronto police informed CTV News Toronto that the threat had been conveyed to the festival’s private security by a passerby. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Toronto police and the private
security swept the scene and cleared it within 20 minutes,” noted Constable Victor Kwong. Toronto police also clarified that the threat had a general nature and did not specifically target any individual or entity.
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11.01.2026 – 11.30.2026
LOS ANGELES
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Duran, Krieger, and Byers seize early command of West Hollywood council race County election officials continue processing vote-bymail and provisional ballots. By Sarah Lin. Early ballot counts in the West Hollywood General Municipal Election show Chelsea Lee Byers, Helen Krieger, and John J. Duran holding the top three spots in a crowded contest for three open seats on the West Hollywood City Council. Updated tallies published Wednesday afternoon by the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder place Byers in the lead with 5,162 votes, followed by Krieger with 4,460 votes and Duran with 3,488 votes. County election officials emphasized that the figures remain semi-final, with thousands of conditional, provisional, and vote-by-mail ballots across the region still undergoing standard verification during the official post-election canvass. West Hollywood has 26,773 registered voters, and uncounted ballots postmarked by Tuesday or turned in at drop boxes on
Election Day will continue to be processed over the coming days. Certification by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 27, after which the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to declare the results final on Dec. 1.
Assuming the outcome holds through the certified count, the three incoming councilmembers will take their oaths of office at 6 p.m. on Dec. 7 during the council’s regular meeting. Under the city's council rotation system, members will then select a mayor and vice mayor during their Dec. 21 meeting, followed by a formal reorganization and
installation ceremony scheduled for Jan. 11, 2027. Voters can track ongoing counting schedules and countywide results at lavote.gov, while local municipal election documents and upcoming council meeting agendas remain available through the city’s website at weho.org.
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11.01.2026 – 11.30.2026
Care that fits you. Not the other way around. We provide friendly support and dedicated resources for the LGBTQIA+ community, helping you access high-quality health coverage and inclusive care that’s respectful of who you are. For free support, visit CoveredCA.com or call 800-300-1506.
LOS ANGELES 3
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11.01.2026 – 11.30.2026
LOS ANGELES
SMC Start Up: Campus Event Supports New, Continuing Students Three weeks into the new semester at Santa Monica College (SMC), students may find themselves adjusting to new norms and juggling deadlines for multiple classes as the semester takes off. Whether they are new to college or returning, it’s easy to forget the many resources available to students presented at the beginning of the semester. That’s why SMC Start Up was created: an early-semester welcome and resource fair held on campus to re-engage students, connect them with campus student clubs and resources, and provide information on mental health and basic needs support. This year, SMC Start Up partnered with campus resources such as Health Services, Basic Needs and the Center for Health and Wellness. Community health and wellness organizations were stationed on site, offering booth activities, games and music as students passed through the main campus quad. Campus support services, student clubs and academic resources joined in to remind students: we are here for you. “We want students to feel cared about,” said Dr. Kiersten Elliott, Dean of
Community and Academic Relations at Santa Monica College. Elliott has worked at the college for 22 years in various roles. Her current role includes onboarding new students and overseeing large-scale student-support events, like this one. “We chose week three because that’s when we noticed that students may start to think, ‘this isn’t for me,’ or ‘I haven’t made one friend yet and I’m not liking this experience,’” Elliott said. “We’re trying to surround students with support and information, so they feel connected and like they belong.” Designed so that students would actively engage with resources instead of passively walking through, participants received a game card and could earn free food by interacting with organizations at the resource fair. Now that student schedules have settled and new or returning students are adjusting to the new semester, SMC Start Up serves as a gentle, helpful reminder for things that may have fallen off their radar since the semester started. “Knowing about the health center, knowing about tutoring, or clubs, and
getting involved—those are things they may be ready to learn more about and try,” Elliott said. Rather than overwhelming students all at once, Santa Monica College reinforces available resources at different stages throughout the semester. “We bring the resources to them, otherwise, how else would they know?” Elliott added. SMC Start Up is one of several events designed to meet students with different kinds of support as they progress through the semester. VIP Welcome Day is held over the summer before classes start, followed by SMC Start Up during the third week. Ahead of midterms, Santa Monica College plans Midterm Motivation and toward the end of the semester, students can feel more prepared for finals during Fuel for Finals Week. Midterm Motivation focuses on helping students de-stress. This event features yoga instructors in the quad, relaxing music and another reminder about free tutoring. The College’s Center for Health and Wellness also shares tips on reducing test anxiety and managing stress during tests.
“We try and give them even more tools as the semester progresses,” Elliott said. Toward the end of the semester, Fuel for Finals Week provides students with a hot breakfast and coffee while encouraging them to finish the semester strong. “This is our culture of care. We want to tell students, ‘We got you. You’re going to be ok,’” she said. To learn more about Santa Monica College, visit smc.edu
Historic election night brings major civil rights and representation milestones.
Voters bring breakthroughs for LGBTQ representation and reversal of antiLGBTQ law. By Dolores Quintana In a historic first, Chris Pappas has won the open U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire by defeating Republican John Sununu in the November 3 election. He will be the first openly gay Senator in
United States history. He said, “I want to thank the guy next to me, my amazing husband. He's always been by my side. Win, lose, or draw, I'm the luckiest guy because I'm married to a man that I love.” While the Associated Press has not yet called the race as of 7:30 PST, the longshot candidate for Indiana’s Fifth Congressional District, JD Ford, has been projected as the winner with 93% of the vote. The New York Times said, “Our current best estimate is that Ford is almost certain to win. JD Ford will also be the first out gay member of Congress from Indiana. The Commonwealth of Virginia has said yes to Question 2: Remove the same sex marriage ban, which would end the prohibition of same sex marriage in the state.
11.01.2026 – 11.30.2026
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County prosecutors charge pair in murder investigation tied to Santa Monica coastline Suspect faces life term for alleged killing as girlfriend is charged as an accessory. By Carlos Reyes. Prosecutors have filed homicide and accessory charges against a Los Angeles man and woman following the disappearance and presumed death of a woman whose phone washed ashore in Santa Monica last year, authorities announced Monday. Delorean Bijon Brandon, 41, and Kaylee Markowski, 34, were charged in connection with the murder of 38-yearold Christina Downer, who vanished in September 2025, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Both defendants were scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles. According to prosecutors, Brandon killed Downer on or about Sept. 19,
2025. Markowski, identified as Brandon's girlfriend, is accused of helping him dispose of the victim's body. Downer's cellphone was later recovered after washing ashore along the coastline in Santa Monica. Her body has never been found. Her brother, Jimmy Fowlie, a Saturday Night Live writer who is gay, has been outspoken on social media about the search for his beloved sister. Brandon faces one count of murder and two felony counts of injuring a spouse stemming from separate allegations that
he assaulted his wife twice in 2022. Markowski is charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact. If convicted on all counts, Brandon faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison. Markowski faces up to three years in county jail. Deputy District Attorney Hilary
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Williams of the Major Crimes Division is handling the prosecution. The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division continues to investigate the case. Criminal charges are formal allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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11.01.2026 – 11.30.2026
LOS ANGELES
Podcast series unearths forgotten 1930s queer history behind the musical The Gorgeous Nothings Making Gay History and Life Jacket Theatre Company launch an eight-part audio companion exploring the men imprisoned on Welfare Island. By Carlos Reyes. A buried chapter of 1930s LGBTQ history is coming to light through a collaborative audio project tracing the real-life prison experiences that inspired the upcoming theatrical production The Gorgeous Nothings. Life Jacket Theatre Company, which
conceived the musical, joined forces with the historical organization Making Gay History to debut "The Queens of Welfare Island," an eight-episode biweekly audio series. The project coincides with the podcast organization's 10th anniversary and marks its 16th season. You can listen to the first episode here and the second episode, Let’s All Be Fairies, here, but episodes will be available on all podcast streaming services. The opening chapter outlines conditions inside the East River facility, examining its legacy of municipal corruption while highlighting surviving documentation of the prisoners held in the ward. The series serves as a companion narrative leading into the stage production's world premiere at PAC NYC, scheduled to run from Feb. 16, 2027, through March 14, 2027. You can find more information and purchase tickets here. Set to music from the Great American Songbook, The Gorgeous Nothings draws upon actual events inside the men's penitentiary on Welfare Island,
now known as Roosevelt Island. Written and created by Travis Lee Russ ("Gorey," "America Is Hard to See") and directed and choreographed by Danny Mefford ("Dear Evan Hansen," "Kimberly Akimbo," "Fun Home"), the show follows six inmates segregated in the institution's notorious "Fag Ward" as they staged an annual holiday revue dubbed "The Fag Follies."
Across the audio series, Making Gay History founder and host Eric Marcus examines archival documents, institutional records, and period accounts of the men jailed solely for their sexual orientation. Benjamin Frisch writes, produces, mixes, and provides sound design for the series, with Sara Burningham serving as executive producer.
Nonprofit veteran Leonard Lanzi tapped to direct Meals on Wheels West Organization locks in experienced management following unanimous board vote. By Sarah Lin. Longtime nonprofit leader Leonard "Len" Lanzi will take over permanent management of Meals on Wheels West under an appointment confirmed Monday by the organization's governing board. The board of directors approved the selection during its October meeting, officially installing Lanzi on Nov. 2. Lanzi previously served as board chair before assuming interim executive director responsibilities in September following the departure of Kaylee Hawkins. "Every delivery represents more than a meal," Lanzi said. "It is nutrition, human connection, a wellness check, and the reassurance that someone in the community cares. That commitment will remain at the center of everything we do." Lanzi brings more than 35 years of executive leadership, nonprofit governance, and fundraising experience to the permanent post. In his new
capacity, he oversees professional staff and community volunteers while directing donor engagement and expanding outreach to meet rising local demand. Founded in 1974, the community-based organization operates across a wide coastal corridor encompassing Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu. Last year, the group supplied over 200,000 meals to a record number of clients. "I am honored by the Board's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue leading an organization and mission that means so much to me," said Len Lanzi, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels West. "These past weeks have deepened my respect for our staff and volunteers, who show up every day for homebound neighbors who rely on us. Together with our donors and community partners, we will build on more than five decades of service so that every neighbor who needs us can count on us." Beyond daily food distribution, the agency manages comprehensive support programs for homebound residents. Field operations include in-person wellness visits, check-in calls, assistance for military veterans, specialized dietary meal planning for post-hospital recovery, pet care assistance, emergency readiness kits, and transitional aid for formerly unhoused individuals moving into stable residences.
11.01.2026 – 11.30.2026
LOS ANGELES 7
West Hollywood deputies seize 73 grams of narcotics following routine patrol check Deputies detain the driver of an unplated parked vehicle before seizing drugs. By Sarah Lin. Morning patrols ended in a felony drug arrest after law enforcement officers discovered roughly 73 grams of suspected illicit drugs inside a car missing license plates, authorities announced. Deputies with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station initiated contact with the driver of a parked vehicle displaying no license tags during routine rounds. Apreliminary inspection of the automobile revealed suspected methamphetamine. Station personnel conducted a subsequent search following the initial stop, uncovering additional illicit substances and bringing the combined seizure to approximately 73 grams. Investigators also located drug paraphernalia. Authorities took the driver into custody on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia. Officials have not publicly identified the suspect. Sheriff’s officials noted that routine, proactive sweeps remain critical to addressing neighborhood concerns before situations escalate into emergency dispatch calls. Residents seeking to report suspicious activity or request nonemergency support can reach the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at 310-855-8850.
License plate readers catch Hollywood robbery suspects cruising down Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood sheriff's deputies swarm a wanted vehicle near Shoreham Drive, taking people into custody. By Carlos Reyes. Automated license plate reader technology helped law enforcement officers track down and arrest three
robbery suspects cruising through West Hollywood. Deputies with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station received an automated scanner alert flagging a vehicle tied to an earlier felony robbery under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood Division. The tracking system caught the car heading west on Sunset Boulevard from La Cienega Boulevard. Aided by patrol backups and an aerial surveillance crew, deputies boxed the vehicle in and staged a high-risk traffic stop near Shoreham and Sherbourne drives. All three occupants surrendered without incident at the scene. Deputies handed the suspects over to LAPD detectives for formal booking.
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LOS ANGELES
11.01.2026 – 11.30.2026