The Pride LA

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Disneyland Welcomes Official ‘Pride Nite’

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Disneyland is holding its first official LGBTQ Pride Nite this June, making the Happiest Place on Earth even happier. 

Pride Nite will be from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on June 13 and 15 as part of the park’s “Disneyland After Dark” series. Dancing, special attire, and pride-themed backdrops are on the agenda. According to Disneyland officials, their Anaheim Park drew inspiration from its Parisian sibling for Pride Nite. 

Tickets for Pride Nite go on sale on April 20 for $139 each. 

This announcement comes as the Burbank entertainment company continues to face backlash in Florida for opposing the state, “Don’t Say Gay” law, the Los Angeles Times reported. 

Florida and its governor Ron DeSantis have been in a dispute with Disney since the company opposed the law that prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade, the LA Times reported. 

Under pressure, Disney’s former chief executive Bob Chapek said he called DeSantis to express disappointment and concern over the bill, the LA Times reported. In response, DeSantis and the state dissolved the special tax district where Disney operates Walt Disney World. 

Reactions on Pride Nite were mixed among social media users, the LA Times said, some in support and others expressing discontent. 

“In the wake of everything that’s happening to the country, that Disney is coming out in support of the community and inviting the community in, in this way, I think is a great thing,” said Eddie Shapiro, organizer of Gay Days Anaheim, an unofficial, formerly after-hours dance party at the park, but with a 25+ year history. 

“Disney is obviously saying out loud, ‘We as a company are not cowed by [events in Florida],’ nor should they be,” Shapiro said. “I’m glad that they’re saying that.”

Shapiro added: “I think it’s kind of funny that 25 years later, Disney is ready not to have an unofficial thing but an official thing, and we’re back to having an after-hours, late-night event.”

However, Shapiro said the two events can and will coexist, according to the Times.

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Coalition of Faith Communities in SoCal Stand Against Anti-Transgender Agenda

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At an All Saints Church in Pasadena lrecently, a coalition of faith communities discussed concerns about a proliferation of legislation that impacts transgender people and denounced anti-transgender agenda in a press conference. 

“We are deeply concerned about the growing number of anti-transgender bills being introduced in state legislatures across the country,” said Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley, California. “These bills are based on fear and ignorance, and they are putting transgender people at risk. We call on our elected officials to reject these hateful measures and to stand up for the rights of all people.”

Faith leaders from various denominations gathered on the national “Transgender Day of Visibility” to proclaim support for the transgender and LGBTQ community, according to Pasadena Now. 

Many faither leaders spoke out, including Reverend Mike Kinman, the rector at All Saints. He quoted a Greek bishop who said, “the glory of God is a human being come fully alive.”

“We are here today to say that transgender people are fully alive, and that their lives are sacred,” Kinman said. “We stand with them in solidarity, and we will fight for their rights.”

Another leader, Jonathan Quinn, chair of the All Saints Episcopal Pasadena LGBTQ Ministry, spoke out during the gathering alongside his partner. 

“I’m afraid about the free practice of religion of trans people, and how that might be affected by a lot of this new anti-trans legislation … I’m finding a lot to be afraid of these days, but as a person of faith, I believe that fear must not be given the last word. As a Christian, I believe that God created trans people to show the world their own holiness, joy and love.”

Together, the coalition called on faith leaders to speak out against anti-transgender rhetoric and policies, Pasadena Now reported. 

“We urge all faith leaders to use their voices to speak out against hate and discrimination,” said Rev. Jennifer Yen, executive director of the Los Angeles Queer Interfaith Clergy Council. “We must stand together in love and compassion, and we must create a world where all people are safe and affirmed.”

This press conference gathered in response to the transgender rights under attack across the nation, including bills that would ban transgender students from using the bathrooms that correspond with their gender.

Rabbi Karen Bender said, “As a mommy, as a parent of a child that is trans, it’s my passion to walk with them, as they discover their true selves, and all I’m asking as a parent is that to allow that to happen, to have the freedom to discover who they really are.”

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House Digest Reports Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities in California

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California, with its exceptionally high LGBTQ+ populations and progressive economic, educational and social policies, was rated by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) as the one of the top 15 states with policies and resources geared toward LGBTQ+ support. 

House Digest reported the top cities in California with the highest scores from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Municipal Equality Index, which assesses cities based on non-discriminatory laws, employment policies, municipal services, hate crime rates and political leadership. 

San Francisco

Nearly 6.7% of the San Francisco population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, totaling almost a quarter of a million people, according to state records in 2021, making the city more accepting and progressive regarding LGBTQ+ issues. 

According to the HRC, San Francisco has a perfect score in the Municipal Equality Index with high marks in non-discriminatory public and workplace laws, all-gender facilities and LGBTQ+ city services. 

Irvine

Between Los and Angeles and San Diego is Irvine, known as one of the safest cities in the U.S. with the lowest rate of violent crime per capita of any other city with a 250,000 or higher population, according to the city of Irvine and House Digest. 

The Irvine region is home to “Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Orange County,” a national organization that support and provides resources for non-cis and non-heterosexual individuals, giving the city a perfect 100 score on the Municipal Equality Index report. 

Santa Monica

Another city with a perfect score from the HRC, Santa Monica hosts a number of local events and organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. Many of the cities widely known gay bars and piers are a safe haven for non-conforming individuals. 

Cathedral City

With a modest number of 55,000 people, Cathedral City is a smaller city, but the residents lean toward more progressive views. Close to a big city, but not quite a big city, Cathedral City has a crime rate that falls beneath the country and state average, making it a safe place to live. 

Cathedral City also rated perfectly on the Municipal Equality Index with three out of council members who are openly gay, and California’s first pride event of the year bringing in at least 10,000 attendees. 

San Jose

Not only is San Jose a happy place to live, but the city also has a welcoming LGBTQ_ community and is considered “under the radar” since its queer acceptance programs aren’t as publicized as the other California cities. San Jose scored a 97 near-perfect score from HRC. 

Long Beach

House Digest reported that Long Beach has spent over 10 consecutive years on the list of best LGBTQ+ cities, reaching a score of 100 and 11 bonus points on the HRC Municipal Equality Index. Long Beach boasts passing non-discriminatory laws and resources in the workplace in support of the LGBTQ+ individuals who reside here. 

West Hollywood

Over 40% of the West Hollywood population identifies as non-heterosexual or non-cis, according to Travel Gay. The city is lined with 25 gay bars and clubs, making every corner a pit stop for support. 

Los Angeles

Known for its multicultural population, Los Angeles has three neighborhoods with strong communities for closeted and openly gay people. LA welcomed a 100 HRC score for its LGBTQ+ resources. 

Palm Springs

Unique to Palm Springs is its common association for retirement, specifically for LGBTQ+ identifying people. Around 50% of residents over the age of 55 identify as non-hetero or non-cis, making it the perfect location for retirees or people seeking a peaceful and leisurely existence, according to House Digest. Palm Springs received a perfect HRC score for its political, economic and educational policies. 

San Diego

Outdoor enthusiasts look to San Diego for natural beauty, but the city is also home to a rich cultural scene including art galleries, museums, botanical gardens, breweries and more. Nearly 8.8% of residents identify as LGBTQ+ within the county, making it an inclusive place to live. San Diego was given a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index.

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California’s Affordable Housing Crisis Disproportionately Impacts LGBTQ Adults, UCLA Study Finds

New Report by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research highlights the connection between lack of affordable housing, delayed access to healthcare and food insecurity

A new report published by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research highlights the strong connection between the lack of affordable housing and residents’ access to health care in California. 

The study, based on responses to the 2021 California Health Interview Survey, reveals that 1 in 10 adults in the state, or approximately 3 million people, faced difficulties in paying for housing this year. Renters, in particular, were more vulnerable, with 18.6% reporting struggles to pay their landlords, compared to only 5% of homeowners who faced similar difficulties. Housing instability was also an issue for 4.4% of California adults.

The report indicates that these factors had a negative impact on people’s use of healthcare resources, with 33.6% of adults who experienced housing affordability issues delaying needed medical care. Additionally, 15.5% of adults who struggled to afford housing reported not having health insurance, compared to 6.8% of those who did not experience challenges with housing costs. Sean Tan, a senior public administration analyst at the center, explains that housing issues are public health issues because of how they affect people’s overall health and well-being. He notes that people struggling to pay for housing tend to cut back on health care and basic necessities, leading to poorer health outcomes.

The report also reveals disparities among different groups, with noncitizen residents, Black or African American adults, and Latinos being more likely to struggle with housing costs than white adults. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults and transgender or gender-nonconforming adults also reported higher rates of difficulty paying for housing.

“There is an urgent need to address the issue of housing affordability in California,” said Ninez Ponce, director of the center and principal investigator of the California Health Interview Survey. “State representatives and policymakers must prioritize California’s marginalized communities, who are struggling to gain access to basic human needs.”

The authors of the report suggest that addressing the issue of housing affordability in California will require a combination of measures, including strengthening renter eviction protections, funding more affordable housing developments, and eliminating barriers to building affordable housing. Ninez Ponce, the director of the center and principal investigator of the California Health Interview Survey, emphasizes the need to prioritize California’s marginalized communities, who are struggling to gain access to basic human needs.

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Superior Court Rules Diverse Company Board Laws Unconstitutional

On the first of April, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled the law which requires California-based or headquartered corporations to have a minimum of one director from an underrepresented community is unconstitutional.

The Los Angeles Blade reported that Judge Terry Green granted summary judgement to Judicial Watch, a Washington D.C. based conservative legal nonprofit founded by attorney Larry Klayman, led by Tom Fitton since 2003. 

On behalf of three residents, Judicial Watch sued the state and alleged that the state expenditure of taxpayer funds to enforce the law was unconstitutional, according to the court filings.

“This historic California court decision declared unconstitutional one of the most blatant and significant attacks in the modern era on constitutional prohibitions against discrimination,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement. “In its ruling today, the court upheld the core American value of equal protection under the law. Judicial Watch’s taxpayer clients are heroes for standing up for civil rights against the Left’s pernicious efforts to undo anti-discrimination protections.”

Assembly Bill no. 979 mandates corporations to have at least one member who identifies as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native on its board by the close of the 2022 calendar year.

Andres Picon, a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle noted that before the law passed, more than one-third of California boardrooms were all white, according to the Latino Corporate Directors Association.

Proponents of AB979 hoped it would push companies to hire more diverse directors, increasing equity in hiring and encouraging companies to be mindful of underrepresented communities, especially during decision making.

Critics of the bill argued the law is a violation of the equal protection clause in the California Constitution, that forcing diversity quotas would not lead to changes, according to the Blade. 

“Corporate boards should not just be made up of white, straight men. AB 979 is a critical law that promotes diversity and inclusion, and ensures people from marginalized communities have a seat at the table. This is a terrible ruling and I hope it will be overturned in higher court,” Out State Senator Scott Wiener, (D-SF) told the Blade.

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2021 Pride Announces “Thrive With Pride” Theme

LA Pride has announced its 2021 pride theme this year called “Thrive With Pride”. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the infamous Los Angeles Pride parade in West Hollywood was cancelled, which would have been its 50th anniversary, and in its place a protest march was held on June 14th for All Black Lives Matter. 

Christopher Street West (CSW), producer of the annual LA Pride, announced the All Black Lives Matter protest march on its website. 

“Out of recognition and respect to the years of work and action of Black LGBTQ+ leadership and community organizers, Christopher Street West and LA Pride will no longer co-organize the All Black Lives Matter march,” the announcement says. “However, they are in full support and stand unapologetically in solidarity with efforts to dismantle racial (in)justice, systemic oppression, institutional barriers, police brutality and discrimination of all kinds.”

However this year the focus of Pride has shifted to a celebration of resilience and overcoming odds in the midst of a pandemic with a theme that reflects that focus called “Thrive With Pride”.

On May 6th LA Pride announced a list of events for the upcoming Pride season on its website. The events will include a free streaming concert presented by TikTok, the Thrive with Pride Celebration one-hour special on ABC7, and LA Pride Makes a Difference, a new, month-long calendar of events focused on volunteering and community service around Los Angeles.

According to LA Pride’s website this years theme was chosen, “not just to highlight health and wellness as we slowly emerge from the pandemic, but more notably, to underscore the belief that thriving is an act of social justice within the LGBTQ+ community, especially for our underserved or overlooked members. When we live with a sense of belonging, confidence, security, and self-worth, we’re not just surviving, we’re thriving!”.

“To thrive means to flourish and progress despite the circumstances. Pride this year is a moment for you to stop and breathe,” said Sharon-Franklin Brown, CSW Board of Directors President. “It’s a moment to remember you’re not just surviving one of the hardest years in recent memory, but growing into your truth. If we as a community can come together, even for a moment, to realize we’ve broken down some barriers put on us, it’ll strengthen our resolve to continue tearing more down for those to come after us.”

All LA Pride 2021 events will use the hashtag #ThrivewithPride.

On Thursday night June 10th English singer song-writer Charlie XCX will kick off LA Pride 2021 with a free Thrive with Pride Concert, live streamed exclusively on TikTok from a fabulous LA location. 

Charli spent last year working on new tracks by sharing and collaborating with her fans on Zoom. The resulting new album, How I’m Feeling Now received critical acclaim, and singles in her signature “hyper-pop” style are getting well over one million views online.

Rounding out the show, up and coming LGBTQ+ artists from across genres will be making their LA Pride concert debuts.

On Saturday June 12th at 9pm LA Pride’s broadcast partner, ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles will air a one-hour primetime special. 

Hosts Ellen Leyva and Brandi Hitt will be joined by Karl Schmid and Eric Resendiz as they present the best of LA Pride’s LGBTQ+ Los Angeles community. Trans profiles, celebrity shout-outs, spotlights on LA Pride’s 2021 Honorees, a special Pride performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles from the Getty Center, and more. 

For the entire month of June, CSW will be partnering with Big Sunday, an organization that produces hundreds of events every year for people of all backgrounds and demographics to get together and work on all kinds of service projects, to create “Pride Makes A Difference”. 

“Pride Makes A Difference” is a 30-day calendar of events focused on volunteering, community service, and opportunities to donate time, goods and money to worthy causes that benefit the LGBTQ+ community, and Los Angeles nonprofits.

Pride Makes a Difference will have its own website with calls-to-action in the areas of food insecurity, housing insecurity, mental health and wellness, and abuse. A list of selected local organizations will be available to choose from, as well as event details, fun group opportunities, and sign-up forms. CSW intends to make Pride Makes a Difference a permanent part of its Pride programming going forward.

For more information visit LA Pride at https://lapride.org/la-pride-2021-events-announced/

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Two Men Charged After Three Trans Women Are Attacked In Hollywood

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Two men have been charged with robbery against three transgender women on the evening of Aug. 17 in Hollywood.

Carlton Callaway, 29, and Davion Williams, 22, will face charges including robbery and assault in connection with the attack on Hollywood Blvd according to a news release issued by the L.A. County district attorney’s office.

Transgender Instagram influencer Eden the Doll, Jaslene Whiterose and Joslyn Flawless were  attacked while on the Walk of Fame around 2 a.m. The women were verbally and then physically assaulted which was captured on video and streamed live as it was happening.

Callaway allegedly befriended the three victims and later assaulted them while Williams allegedly joined the attack and stole from one of the women. 

Carlton Alexander Callaway of Compton faces one felony count each of grand theft from the person of another, second-degree robbery, criminal threats, attempted second-degree robbery, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury. Callaway also used a steel rod as a weapon during the attack. 

Davion Anthony Williams of Compton faces one felony count each of grand theft and assault with a deadly weapon, which was a rideshare scooter used during the attack. 

The case includes allegations that the crimes committed were hate crimes after police alleged they made derogatory comments about the victims’ gender identities during the alleged attack. 

Deputy District Attorney Richard Ceballos of the Hate Crimes Unit is the assigned prosecutor.

The district attorney’s office rejected charges against a third suspect arrested in the case, according to a law enforcement official with knowledge of the situation.

Callaway was arrested in mid-August by police in Bakersfield, but was released a few days later when prosecutors referred the case back for further investigation under the pressure of the LGBTQ+ community and activists. Callaway’s release from jail drew outrage among the LGBTQ community forcing action to be taken. 

Callaway and Williams deny knowing each other despite being from the same neighborhood. 

It was not immediately clear if Callaway or Williams had attorneys who could speak on their behalf Tuesday evening.

The district attorney’s office said arraignment would take place at a later date.

If convicted as charged, Callaway faces up to 13 years and four months in prison, and Williams faces up to eight years and four months in prison, according to the district attorney’s office.

Commenting on the incident, L.A. City Council member Mitch O’Farrell said his district does not welcome such conduct. He also asked the onlookers to contact him so they could apologize to the victims.

There have been at least 26 transgender or gender non-conforming people killed by acts of violence in the United States in 2020, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Last year, advocates tracked 27 killings, the majority of whom were Black transgender women, the HRC says.