Author: Kelly Freter
As two of the newest members of the Center’s Circle of Life,Chris Dean and Rose Veniegas want to invest in the future by including the Center in their estate plan. “I feel very lucky to be a part of the LGBT community, and can’t think of a better group of people to march, dance, laugh, dream, cry, advocate, learn and celebrate with,” said Dean. “I’m so grateful that the Center fosters community through its many programs, and I want it to be there for future generations as a beacon of hope and support for those who need it.” After receiving…
By Greg Hernandez More than 150 veterans attended the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s recent Stand Down, a twice-a-year resource fair organized by the Center’s Senior Services department. “Our Stand Downs create a safe environment for all who served, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and connects them with peers and allies who have shared similar experiences during their service,” explains Yelba Carrillo, manager of social services for the department. More than 30 organizations for veterans and seniors participated in the event, which provides free services and referrals including VA enrollment, CalVet benefits, VA benefits, education, housing, legal, employment, medical,…
The murder of 20-year-old Londonn Moore was the 14th known homicide of a black trans women in the U.S. this year. In September, more than two dozen people gathered at the Trans Wellness Center (TWC) In Los Angeles to take part in the national moment of silence known as #Time4BlackTransWomen to demand action for black trans lives. #Time4BlackTransWomen goes beyond an online hash tag by taking up physical, public space and encouraging people to say the names of the trans women murdered this year. TWC was chosen as one such space because it brings together comprehensive services and resources for…
The Los Angeles LGBT Center has been part of Dakota Sands’ life for more than 40 years. In the late 1970s, Sands was an LGBT activist and contributor to Lesbian Tide, the nation’s first lesbian newspaper which was led by fellow lesbian activist Jeanne Cordova. During those early days of LGBT activism in Los Angeles, she eventually met Don Kilhefner and Morris Kight, two of the Center’s founders, and started working at the organization. “Socially and politically, the LGBT scene in Los Angeles was hopping back then!” said the now 72-year-old Sands. “It was an exciting time because there were…
Less than six months into the Trump presidency, the man who vowed to protect LGBT people has appointed to his administration a slate of anti-LGBT, misogynistic, xenophobic people who have made speedy progress in undermining the rights and health of countless Americans. They have: Revoked Obama-era guidance protecting LGBT school kids from discrimination; Withdrawn litigation against North Carolina’s notorious anti-LGBT law which, contrary to misleading claims, was simply replaced by another discriminatory law; Passed legislation aimed at defunding Planned Parenthood; Appointed someone to oversee federal family planning dollars who thinks that contraception doesn’t work; Quietly rescinded safeguards for LGBT employees…
Construction of the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s revolutionary new Anita May Rosenstein Campus, spanning more than a city block, has begun. Before the heavy machinery began its work, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilmember David Ryu joined lead donor Anita May Rosenstein and other donors, civic, political and community leaders at an inspiring groundbreaking ceremony–complete with rainbow-colored shovels. The first-of-its-kind complex in Hollywood will offer comprehensive multi-generational services and housing, including 135 units of affordable housing for seniors and youth, 100 beds for homeless youth, new youth and senior centers, and much more. At the groundbreaking, Center CEO Lorri…
From the moment I came out to ESPN three years ago, I made a pledge to myself to live my life authentically. When MeUndies asked me last summer to be a spokesmodel for their Celebrate Yourself fundraising campaign benefiting the Center, I didn’t hesitate. It gave me a chance to use my media platform to support a good cause—the Center stands for everything I believe in. For instance, we both speak up when we must. During the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, my social media was flooded with people wishing me failure because I publicly supported Adam Rippon’s stance against Vice President…
That changed when the Golden Globe Award-winning actress took part in the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s OUT Under the Stars screening of the 1985 cult classic Clue. Held outdoors at the iconic Hollywood Forever, the following was a preview article for the event published in August 2017. “I’m very excited about it,” says Warren who plays Miss Scarlet in the film. The murder comedy, based on the board game of the same name, is being screened as part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s OUT Under the Stars summer film series. The series kicked off in June with Whatever Happened…
Don’t miss the Trans Student Educational Resources’ inaugural fundraiser at the Globe Theatre. Features a catered dinner, speakers, performers, cocktail hour, and celebrity guest appearances. Ticket sales and donations benefit TSER’s programs and services. More info here.