Susan Payne

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As Mpox Numbers Rise, Officials Encourage Awareness, Vaccination

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Cases of mpox are increasing in LA County, and it is important for residents of Los Angeles County to take precautions against this contagious disease. Spread by personal contact, mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is continuing to present as a sexually transmitted infection. Seventeen more cases have been reported by July 25th this year than had been reported by July 25th last year.  (73 vs. 56 Year-to-Date reported cases). Given the jump in cases since last year, officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health(Public Health) are urging residents to take precautions and reduce the risk of spread. Sonali Kulkarni, […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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San Francisco Launches Guaranteed Income for Transgender People Program

San Francisco has launched a pilot program that guarantees income for transgender residents.  The Guaranteed Income for Transgender People (GIFT) will provide 55 residents with $1,200 a month for 18 months, including healthcare and financial coaching.  Applications closed in December. Residents will be selected by organizations helping to administer and shape the program, according to the Los Angeles Times. “By giving low-income trans people the resources to cover the expenses they deem most immediate and important given each person’s unique situation, we are implementing a truly community-centered intervention to combat poverty,” Aria Sa’id told the LA Times. Sa’id is the […]

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Senior LGBT Retirement Development in Palm Springs to Open in 2023

For LGBTQ folks looking for a supportive community in Palm Springs, Living Out is now accepting reservations for leasing and scheduled to open this year. Studies show that up to a third of LGBTQ seniors fear having to “re-closet” as they age, according to Lavender Magazine, and that’s why Living Out is so important.  “This is a senior community in Palm Springs that’s intentionally designed to provide a safe, joyful living environment for LGBTQ seniors to continue to live and love out and proud,” the magazine published.  Built on nine acres in central Palm Springs, Living Out comprises 122 apartments […]

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California to Send First Openly Gay Immigrant to Congress

Long Beach voters ushered in two historical election firsts for the region during this year’s election.  Robert Garcia, the current mayor of Long Beach, is set to become the first openly gay immigrant in the U.S. house of Representatives, after a decisive showing from voters in the 42nd Congressional District, which includes Long Beach and southeastern Los Angeles County, according to the Los Angeles Times.  Garcia has declared victory in the heavily Democratic district. He tweeted that he received an “incredibly gracious call from President Joe Biden. … He’s in great spirits and feeling good. I told him I’m ready to […]

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Pasadena Reproductive Center Facing Lawsuit for Wrong Implantation

A gay couple’s lawsuit against a reproductive center in Pasadena has been trimmed by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, dismissing some parts of the claim, but keeping others.  Albert and Anthony Saniger allege their wish to have a son were denied when Huntington Reprodive Center wrongly implanted a female embryo in their gestational carrier, according to NBC Los Angeles.  Judge Teresa Beaudet dismissed the negligence claim against the medical group and Dr. Bradford Kolb, but they will still have shore up their breach of contract cause of action for it to remain part of the lawsuit but added that […]

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North Hollywood Iliad Bookshop Set on Fire

A 35-year-old bookstore was set on fire in North Hollywood in November and is believed to be a target of an alleged arson attack. LA Fire responded to the call, seeing the front of the rear entrance of Iliad Bookshop, located at 5400 Calhuega, fully engulfed in flames after an unknown person or persons stacked up books and items left out by the store, according to the Los Angeles Blade.  Bookstore owner Daniel Weinstein told multiple news outlets that a flyer was left at the scene of the blaze, considered “terrorist.” The extent of damage to the store’s inventory is […]

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Gay Bar Oil Can Harry’s Named Historic-Cultural Monument

For its historic and social significance to San Fernando Valley and the LGBTQ+ community, Oil Can Harry’s was recognized by The Los Angeles City Council as a Historic-Cultural Monument in May. Oil Can Harry’s opened in 1968 and was the longest-running LGBTQ+ bar in the city until December of 2021, according to a report from USA Today. The new owners have decided to pursue a jazz venue, according to an update from Oil Can Harry’s website. In a 14-0 vote, Oil Can Harry’s building at 11502 Ventura Blvd. became the third LGBTQ+ structure that has received the designation since the first, Black Cat […]

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