Vanguard Quarterly Fall 2019 by Los Angeles LGBT Center

Fall 2019

W ri tt en & Pe rf or m ed by D ’L o and masculinity. A comedic trans journey through (T)estosterone

Oct. 4-20 2

Fall 2019

Gou ld Plaz a • Renb erg Thea tre Los Ange les LGBT Center • The Villa ge at Ed • lalgbtcenter.org/theatre 1125 N. McCadden Pl. • Los Angeles, CA 90038

Marketing & Communications Staff Frances Ampah

Production Manager

Jaguar Busuego

Production Designer

Nolan Ryan Cadena Operations Manager

Ari DeSano Platform and Systems Manager

Gil Diaz

Media and Public Relations Director

Kelly Freter Director

Greg Hernandez Writer/Editor

Melantha Hodge

Strategic Partnership Manager

Megan Phelps Managing Editor

Takashi Sato

Production Designer

Kurt Thomas

Creative Services Manager

Chase Torrence Content Manager

FALL 2019

Contributors Alan Acosta Photographer

Lisa Allen

Photographer

Lorri L. Jean

CEO, Los Angeles LGBT Center

Sally Kim Photographer

Kelton Mattingly Photographer

Leka Romao

Photographer

Remy Smith Photographer

Sam Smith

Photographer

Tatum Lewis Board of Directors

David J. Bailey Board Co-Chair

Annie Imhoff Michael Lombardo Carlos Medina

Tess Ayers Secretary

Lucinda Moorhead

Tyler Cassity Treasurer

Michael Ormonde

Karim Abay LuAnn Boylan Tad Brown Sarah Dusseault Carolyn A. Dye Susan Feniger Alfred Fraijo, Jr. Dean Hansell

CEO Letter IN OUR HAPPY PLACES

There’s No Place Like Home

Center On!

INTRODUCING THE CENTER’S HOST HOMES PROGRAM

DEPICTING THE CENTER’S WORK ONE IMAGE AT A TIME

Photographer

Marki J. Knox, M.D. Board Co-Chair

Frank D. Pond Eric M. Shore Don Thomas Bruce Vilanch Amy Gordon Yanow

In the Grand Spectrum A NEW DISCUSSION GROUP FOR NEURODIVERSE MEMBERS OF THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY

THE ANITA MAY ROSENSTEIN CAMPUS COMES TO LIFE

Take Five WITH VOLUNTEER ANDREA KARIS AND THE CENTER’S SECURITY OFFICER LEWEY RUSH

Loren S. Ostrow Peter Paige

Life is Beautiful

Michael Mueller

Jayzen Patria

The Good Husband COUPLE’S LEGACY CARRIES ON

Center Notes

Center Voices

Photo Finish

Why I Give BY SAM TSUI

Subscriptions Vanguard is published quarterly by the Los Angeles LGBT Center, a nonprofit corporation. 1118 N. McCadden Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90038, Voice 323-993-7400 • TDD 323-993-7698. Copyright 2019, Vanguard. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Publication of the name, quotation or photograph of a person in articles or advertising is not an indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV status of such person. Moving, getting duplicate mailings, or wish to be removed from the Vanguard mailing list? Please email mediarelations@lalgbtcenter.org.

Cover photo courtesy of: jimsimmonsphotography.com / KFA Architecture

Fall 2019

CEO

LETTER

A SENSE OF PLACE:

We Belong

CEO Lorri L. Jean  @LorriLJean

Fall 2019

ince I began at the Center on January 4, 1993, I’ve always loved coming to work. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to be employed by an organization that is making an amazing difference in so many lives. For the last few months, however, I’ve felt especially grateful and proud as I arrive at our beautiful new Anita May Rosenstein Campus. This Campus is a testament to the thousands of people who have worked at and supported the Center over the last half century—a product of their dedication and a shared belief that, by helping people, we can change the world. As I reflect on how this new building makes me feel, I have come to an explicit understanding of something I’m certain has been implicit since the moment I first walked through the doors of this organization nearly 27 years ago. This building is only a physical manifestation of the people and the work that goes on inside it. It represents something far more meaningful and important than a beautiful combination of concrete, glass, and plaster: it is imbued with the heart and soul of what we do and the people we serve. I also realize that each Center building—from Boyle Heights to West Hollywood and everywhere in between—gives us a sense of place, a feeling that we belong in the world. And for LGBT people,

in particular, it means much more. For many of us who have been cast out from or unwelcome in so many places in our past, this sense of place is a long-deferred but richly deserved gift. At the Center, we know this from our history and our personal experiences. You can see in the old photographs that the founders were clearly bursting with pride when they rented that dilapidated house on Wilshire Boulevard in the early ‘70s and hung the sign that said “Gay Community Services Center” on the porch railing. You can hear it in the memories of some of our longtime board members, who remember the first time they entered the recently purchased and renovated headquarters building on Hudson Avenue (now Schrader Boulevard) in the early 1990s. They still recall the way they felt walking into the lobby or through the corridors of the Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic, remarking to each other that never again did our clients have to feel like second-class citizens when they came to access health care or other services. For a community under siege from the AIDS epidemic, the solace and comfort offered by the very existence of that building was a salve for so many of us. In 1998, I witnessed it myself when we opened The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. As the Center’s leader, I had, of course, been

deeply involved in raising the money and with the same vision of love and justice working on the plans for the new facility. that has defined our Center for the last It was a big deal! And even though I was 50 years. quite moved by the realization of this How do I know this? dream, I was not prepared for the emoI know this because I’ve seen it so tional power that the building carried for many times before. I’ve watched as two people who were far less involved in the middle-aged lesbians danced to mariachi process. People would music at our opening simply walk into the celebration of Mi Cencourtyard at the open- Long after we are tro in Boyle Heights, ing celebration and absolutely joyous in gone, this sense of burst into tears. Again, their feeling of accepthe very existence of place will connect all tance and pride in this The Village tapped of us who have helped space that was created into some primordifor them. I know this al feeling that we as build this organization because I watched the LGBT people yearned to new generations almost incredulous for and shared: we pride on the faces of of queer people by belong. people at the grand How is it that the providing a concrete opening of our Trans soul and spirit of a Wellness Center, the link to our shared community of people nation’s first center can find form in an culture and history. of its kind. I know inanimate object like this because all those a building? How do years of struggle and years I worked in the McDonald/Wright victories and defeats get transmuted into Building on Schrader Boulevard, clients the places where we live, work, and play? would stop me in the hallways to thank People who know me will tell you me for the Center—their Center—and that I’m a very analytical person—no politicians on tours would comment on doubt partially a function of my train- how happy the staff who worked in that ing as a lawyer. So, to be honest, I don’t building always seemed to be. have a scientific answer to these questions. It may be something of a truism that Nonetheless, I am quite certain that these people are the lifeblood of buildings new Campus buildings will be imbued like ours. But I have come to believe

that these buildings—by giving us a safe, welcoming, loving place to be—are more than just cold, inanimate shells for our daily work. They give us a sense of belonging to something bigger than we are as individuals. And long after we are gone, this sense of place will connect all of us who have helped build this organization—staff, clients, volunteers, donors, and friends—to new generations of queer people by providing a concrete link to our shared culture and history. This Campus will stand as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a generous, determined, courageous, and resilient people come together to build community.

Fall 2019

PRESENTED BY

g n i t a r b e l e C g n i t a r b e l e C #MODELSofPRIDE Youth Track Parent & Professional Institute Opening Session 130+ workshops Screenings Lunch + Dinner Resource Fair Job Fair College Fair Entertainment Hour Dance Party

Fall 2019

WORLD'S LARGEST FREE ALL-DAY LGBTQ YOUTH CONFERENCE

S A T U R D A Y

OCTOBER 19 LOS ANGELES CITY C O L L E G E Learn more and register at MODELSOFPRIDE.ORG Información en Español: modelsof pride.org/espanol

CENTER IN FOCUS

In August, members of the Center’s Resistance Squad partnered with Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights and other immigrant rights groups to participate in an emotional and powerful #CagesNotCampassion protest at Adelanto Detention Center in San Bernardino County. Calling for the end of hate and reaffirmation of the power of love, the protest focused on demands for the immediate release of all LGBT and HIV positive asylum seekers currently held under the Trump Administration’s draconian and inhumane asylum policies. The protestors also uplifted the lives of Roxsana Hernández Rodriguez and Johana Medina Leon, transgender asylum seekers who died while in ICE custody.

IN IN FOCUS FOCUS

Fall 2019

e r A s re

u t Fu

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e r e H t l i Bu

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day for youth and seniors as well as food for special events at the Campus.

"The Place is Buzzing" Since the Campus opening, visits by senior clients have increased more than 30 percent. To meet the demand, weekday programming was expanded to Saturdays and new classes—like Sculptural Storytelling and Sound Bowl Therapy— were added. “We really kicked our programming up a notch as we moved into the new space,” said Kiera Pollock, director of senior services. “This new Campus makes a tremendous difference for us in terms of really being able to expand our programming to meet the needs of our seniors, who had been asking for more things to be available more frequently.”

If you build it, they will come.

Seniors are now issued an ID card which they use to check in each time they arrive onto the Campus for a class, program, meal, or to use any of the services. They also now have access to free drop-in showers and laundry facilities during the week. “If they are a new participant, they can register, get an ID card, eat lunch, get a shower, do laundry, and meet a case manager on the same day,” Pollock explained.

(top) Bayard Rustin Courtyard and (bottom) inside the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Senior Center

here’s not a single open seat inside the dining room of the Center’s

Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Senior Center where lunch is about to be served on a hot August day at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus.

In addition to the new Senior Center, the intergenerational Campus also includes a youth drop-in center, 99 beds for youth experiencing homelessness, The Ariadne Getty Foundation Youth Academy, and the Center’s administrative off ices.

“If you build it, they will come,” remarked Steven Abeyta, a senior who now eats at the Campus at least three times a week and has begun taking classes there. “You can’t miss this new Campus. It’s just calling out my name, and I’m answering.”

Just a stone’s throw away from where Abeyta and the other seniors are eating, the same meal of teriyaki burgers, sweet potato fries, and coleslaw is being served at the youth drop-in center.

Open since April, the new Campus brings together a multitude of youth and senior services in a unif ied setting across nearly one full city block.

The food is prepared by youth and senior clients enrolled in the new Culinary Arts program. They prepare 10,000 meals each month, including 450 meals a

Fall 2019

“The place is buzzing and the classes are busier,” observed Lauren Peterson, who teaches a popular senior tap dancing class and is a Senior Services client herself. “The Campus and new lunch program have attracted a lot more people. Now you can get a cup of coffee in the dining room, and there’s a lounge upstairs where people are on their computers. There are places to hang out and just be with each other.” The free hot lunch has led to classes before and after the lunch hour becoming particularly popular. Some members of the Men’s Social Group have even stopped going to a local Denny’s on Wednesday mornings so they can eat in the dining room after their meetings. “The lunch made by the Culinary students is a work of brilliance,” remarked senior Howard Casner. “It’s one of the

greatest ideas I’ve ever come across. There hasn’t been a single bad lunch. The meals are more interesting and much better than whatever I was having before.” Pollock pointed out that “this could be the only meal that many of our seniors have with other people.” “It really provides a social connection,” she added. “And what’s made a difference is the folks who are serving lunch are our seniors who are in the Culinary Arts program with our youth. The people in the program explain what they made and how they made it. I’ve seen folks clap and thank them for the food.”

Youth Thriving in New Space More and more youth are also seeking services at the Campus with notable increases across all programs, from the youth drop-in services to employment and education programs. “The engagement of the young people has def initely increased,” said Children, Youth & Family Services Director Simon Costello. “We have new resources and this beautiful Campus brings a new energy to the work that we’re doing. Young people are feeling much more involved, and they see positive opportunities for themselves that they want to pursue.”

Youth member Olivia described the Campus as “pretty dope.” “It’s a place where you can come and get stuff done and do what you have to do,” she said. “I graduated high school through the education program, did bartending school through the employment program, and started college in late August. The goal is to set myself up to not need services here anymore and make room for other people.” Above the youth drop-in center on the Campus is The Ariadne Getty Foundation Youth Academy, with large rooms dedicated to an employment center, computer center, a classroom for tutoring, media lab, professional music studio, and more.

group for youth ages 18 to 24. “We are giving youth the opportunity to really go for whatever their aspirations are and that can make all the difference sometimes,” said Youth Development Coordinator C.J. Richardson. Youth Employment Coordinator Marco Magallon observed that the expanded space and large windows in the new Campus location “brings a sense of elevation to the work that we do here.” “Just for the mental health of our population, it def initely brings a sense of optimism that we’re really excited about,” he said.

Bringing Two Generations Together

“It’s for those young people who are ready to take steps in their future, whether it’s personal development, education, or employment,” said Kevin McCloskey, associate director of education and youth development. “Youth come here because they want to move forward in their independence, and our staff, programs, and volunteers are here to support you.”

Once a month inside the Campus’ Pride Hall, a graduation celebration is held for youth and senior students who have completed the Culinary Arts program. The program is for youth ages 18 to 24 and seniors ages 50 and over. Fifty students are expected to graduate in the f irst year; 100 graduates expected by year two.

Programs and services have been expanded to meet the rise in demand, including making tutors available every day and new programs like a Queer Culture 101 discussion and education group, an interactive art group, and a discussion

“Our program demonstrates the power of food to unite our intergenerational campus and the community we serve,” said Director of Culinary Training and Operations Nick Panepinto. The 12-week, 300-hour program

Inside The Ariadne Getty Foundation Youth Academy

Young people are feeling much more involved, and they see positive opportunities for themselves that they want to pursue. Fall 2019

Events held at the new Campus include (left) Trans Pride L.A., (top right) Culinary Arts program graduation, and (bottom right) National Honor LGBT Elders Day celebration with L.A. City Council Member David Ryu.

consists of four weeks of basic culinary skills development, four weeks of preparing meals for Center clients and events, and a four-week internship at a local restaurant. “Our senior and youth students come together daily in our kitchen to prepare hundreds of nutritious meals, each made with love and pride,” Panepinto said. “We are excited to see the impact our meals have throughout the Campus, creating a dining experience daily for our members that nourishes both the body and soul.” There are also plans to launch a monthly intergenerational lunch that brings together the seniors and the youth for a meal inside Pride Hall. Already, the two generations get together for a shared activity twice a month: a Saturday meditation and yoga class. “It’s been mind-opening to see people who have gone through life in a different time and to all be in a place where we are all so welcomed,” said Michael, a youth who has been a part of programs at the Center for six years. 12

Fall 2019

Added youth Jajuan: “It’s something good to have older minds and younger minds coming together and talking about things.”

“I’m Just in Awe” In addition to the Children, Youth & Family Services and Senior Services staffs, the Campus is also headquarters for the Center’s Administrative, Finance, Development, Marketing & Communications, Volunteer Resources, and Human Resources departments. Center Director of Human Resources Sharon Brown f inds herself walking throughout the 180,000-square-foot Campus as many as three times each day. “I walk around before I even start my day or open an email, and I’m just in awe,” said Brown. “To be able to see the clients and to be able to see the help and assistance that we’re giving is remarkable.” Approximately one-third of the Center’s more than 700 employees now work at the Campus.

“To be able to interact with the staff here in this location, to see what they do on a daily basis and to witness their leadership, it’s been a pleasure,” Brown said. “It’s very impactful and a constant reminder of why I do this and why others do it.” The signif icance of the Campus as a beacon of hope for the LGBT community is not lost on Executive Administrator Adriana Rosales, a Center employee for 25 years. “I honestly could not walk into this building and not get emotional for an entire week after we moved in,” Rosales recalled. “I’ve heard it referred to as a little LGBT city, and that’s exactly what it is. I feel so privileged to have been able to witness this f irst-hand.” The open layout of the administrative off ices has allowed for easier interaction between departments and employees. “It’s been great being able to work in a new space and having this open concept,” said Jason Bethel, manager of f inancial planning and analysis. “It has been really

The Campus has created a new home for us as a larger community to be able to convene together to discuss politics and to create community.

(left) Circle of Life luncheon in Pride Hall, (top right) visit by Chasten Buttigieg, and (bottom right) WxW’s gender- and size-inclusive fashion show

helpful in terms of working more closely with the team. You can just poke your head over a divider and have a quick conversation with someone rather than having to send emails back and forth and things like that. And you can’t beat the window views.” Working on the Campus has been very gratifying for Security Off icer Ricardo Beltran, who is stationed in the lobby of the David Bailey & Ronald Shalowitz Administration Building. “I’ve been able to speak to lots of different people and see a lot more of our community coming in to do things, like apply for jobs,” Beltran said. “Since we’re on Santa Monica Boulevard, everybody is able to see us. It feels good to work within our community.” Information Specialist Barry Pett is the f irst face many people see when they walk through the main entrance of the Campus on McCadden Place. “It’s been a life changer for me to be part of this Campus,” Pett said. “The energy, the newness, the scope of it all. I’m

really excited about what’s happening. I feel more connected to all the things we do here. There’s just so much more that we’re offering to the community now– and that moves me.”

Additional off ice space with large community tables has made it possible for more volunteers to come in and prepare for special events and help with mailings.

A Venue All Our Own

“We have increased our volunteer capacity,” said Jeap Barrados, data and logistics coordinator for Volunteer Resources. “We now have afternoons where we have 12 volunteers at the same time. It’s amazing.”

Programs and services from across the organization are utilizing the Campus for special events, including Trans Pride L.A., Circle of Life, Veterans Stand Down, and AIDS/LifeCycle. Since June, the Center’s Policy and Community Building department has been hosting a series of Democratic Party presidential debate viewing parties inside Pride Hall. The next viewing party, open to the public, is scheduled for October 10 when the candidates will focus specif ically on LGBTQ issues. “The Campus has created a new home for us to be able to convene together to discuss politics and to create community,” said Terra Russell Slavin, director of Policy and Community Building.

It Takes A Village In keeping with the openness of the Campus, the gates of The Village at Ed Gould Plaza—located directly across the street from the Campus—are now open during the day. The Center’s Policy and Community Building department has moved into The Village, which is also home to Cultural Arts, Leadership LAB, AIDS/LifeCycle, Education & Youth Development, and Facilities. The Campus underground parking garage has once again made parking convenient for those visiting The Village for meetings, classes, and events. During Fall 2019

construction of the Campus, evening parking for events at the Renberg Theatre, the Davidson/Valentini Theatre, and The Advocate & Gochis Galleries was scarce. “It’s been wonderful for our guests to have parking across the street—they are just thrilled,” said Director of Cultural Arts Jon Imparato. “Shows are sold out, and people have said it’s so much easier to come here.”

training opportunities for LGBT youth and seniors. Coming in 2020, Phase II of the Campus construction project will include 98 units of senior housing on Campus and 25 micro-units for youth located adjacent to The Village. (top) Campus coffee shop space on Santa Monica Boulevard, (bottom) lobby artwork greeting visitors to the Campus youth drop-in center, (right) Anita May Rosenstein Campus

More to Come Later this year the Campus coffee shop will open for business, featuring specialty coffee and grab-and-go food options prepared by the Culinary Arts students. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard and open to the public, the coffee shop will provide employment and

thank you

The staff of the Los Angeles LGBT Center is, and always has been, extremely dedicated and incredibly talented. They sacrifice what they could be earning in the for-profit sector to do the life-saving and world-changing work of the Center. Still, many staff members choose to support the Center financially. They were so inspired by the vision of the Anita May Rosenstein Campus that 134 became donors to the Capital Campaign. We thank and recognize them for their generosity.

Alan Acosta

Nolan Ryan Cadena

Rani DeMesme-Anders

Joey Hernández

Claudia V. Alvarez

Kathleen Campisano

Ari Desano

Justin Hernandez

Frances Ampah

Julian A. Campos Macias

Gil Diaz

Greg Hernandez

Camille Araullo

Ward Carpenter, M.D.

Amy DuPont

Melantha Hodge

Alex Arguellez

Yelba Maria Carrillo

Erin English

Susan L. Holt, PsyD, LMFT

Adam G. Bass

Noah Castro

Tracy Evans

Mike Holtzman

Mark Beaty

Joanna Cerda

Cameron Faber

Erick Hussey

Jason Bethel

Cameron G. Chairez

Kimberly Fisher

Jon Imparato

Gina Bigham

Heidi Chairez

Kristin M. Flickinger

Lorri L. Jean

Allison Blaylock

Geoff Chin

Claudia Flores

Martha Jimenez

Greg Bowles

Samantha Christie

David A. Flores

Kenneth Jones

David Howard Bowman

Anthony Gustavo Flodung Cisneros

Gabriel Flores

Amy R. Kane

Pamela Brooks

Roger Coggan

Risa P. Flynn

Michael N. Kelly Jr.

Christopher Brown

Simon Costello

Kelly Freter

Kathy Ketchum

Sharon-Franklin Brown

Janet Crandall

David Garcia

James D. Key

Kendra Burks

Johnny Cross

Christie Wright Gilmore

Lisa D. Kimsey

Stephen Burn

Darrel Cummings

Danny Gonzalez

Joe Kuhlmann

Ariel Bustamante

Oscar Lopez Davila

Louis Guitron

Elisa Laris

Jaguar Busuego

Jennifer Dawson

Wati Haywood

Loan V. Le

Fall 2019

For information about joining our community of support:

lalgbtcenter.org/how-you-can-help

Franklin Levert

Karen O'Brien

Michael Rizzo

L. Kernel Thomas

Gabriel Lopez

J. O'Dougherty

Eric Zamorez

Kurt Thomas

Nelson Lopez

Jacqueline Olan

Denise Rodriguez

Chase Torrence

David-Alan Lowe

Lucy Oneida Feliciano

Ever Rodriguez

Brian R. Toynes

Patrik N. Manning

Jason Ortega

Jeffrey Rodriguez

Amy Walmann

Herman V. Marcial

Jose de Jesus Ortiz-Barreto

Adriana Rosales

Alanda White

Marissa & Haley Clause-Marqusee

Tatiana Overly

Terra Russell-Slavin

Jonathan Willett

Brady Lynn Marter

Kari Pacheco-Ilan

Simon Sailer

Ashley Wilson

Joseph Martinez

Nick Panepinto

Curt Shepard

Michael Wolfson

Joe-Anne McCormick

Byron K. Patel

Jef Simon

Nicholas C. Wood

William J. McDermott, Jr.

Daniel A. Perez

Joe & Carlos Smith-Lopez

Trisha Yamato

Miguel Medel

Barry Pett

Allen Spiegler

Jeap Yang

Maria F. Melo Bueno

Megan Phelps

Frank D. Stasio

Erik Zamora

Arlita Miller

Kiera Pollock

Kara M. Steffen

Tripp Mills

Kevin T. Powers

Michael Sterling, Pharm.D., RPh.

Herbert Darnell Moore II

Justin M. Punzalan, J.D.

Jessica Stoneham

Angel E. Moreno

Christian Quijano

Kate Sutton

Ryan Nelson

Jose Reyes

Tanya Tassi

Sharon E. Nesselle

Ruben Rivera Sandoval

Nicole Thibeau, PharmD Fall 2019

One Home at a Time Innovative Host Homes Program Invites You to Help End Homelessness for LGBTQ Youth

Fall 2019

our spare bedroom can make all the difference in the life of an LGBTQ youth on the verge of independence. Through the Center’s new Host Homes program, an LGBTQ youth is housed in a local, private home for up to six months, providing a true community solution that helps bridge the gap between homelessness and permanent housing.

You can

ce for an e differen make all th

uth!

LGBTQ yo

“We have to be thinking of new, innovative, creative ways to address this problem,” said Kevin McCloskey, the Center’s associate director of Children, Youth & Family Services. “We want to replicate a chosen community and a chosen family for the young people. This is an opportunity for someone who’s willing to provide a youth with an opportunity to come into their home, appreciate who they are, and just support them.” On any given night in Los Angeles, there are more than 4,000 homeless youth surviving on the streets of Los Angeles—in Hollywood a staggering 40 percent of them identifying as LGBT. And the need continues to grow, with homelessness in Los Angeles County rising by 12 percent last year. The Center serves approximately 300 youth experiencing homelessness per month, but beds for emergency and

We want to replicate a chosen community and a chosen family for the young people. This is an opportunity for someone who’s willing to provide a youth with an opportunity to come into their home, appreciate who they are, and just support them.

40%

OF HOMELESS YOUTH IDENTIFY AS LGBT

ON ANY GIVEN NIGHT IN LOS ANGELES, THERE ARE MORE THAN 4,000 HOMELESS YOUTH SURVIVING ON THE STREETS—IN HOLLYWOOD A STAGGERING 40 PERCENT OF THEM IDENTIFYING AS LGBT.

300

temporary shelter are limited. Many YOUTH PER MONTH youth are on a waiting list for shelter and, in the meantime, come to the youth drop-in center for meals, showers, clothing, laundry, and THE CENTER SERVES APPROXIMATELY 300 YOUTH EXPERIENCING services. HOMELESSNESS PER MONTH. “Being in a host home gives youth the space to think about how they are going to propel their lives forward,” said McCloskey. “And, program to make sure that the match is with support, they realize they’re right for both the host and the youth,” not on their journey alone.” McCloskey said. The Center’s goal is to match In July and September, the Center 10 to 15 young people within the f irst invited potential hosts to eight-hour year of the program, which is funded training sessions. Interviews and backby the Los Angeles Housing Services ground checks are underway for those Authority. Similar programs have been who attended one of the trainings and established by organizations in Minnewant to move forward with being a host. apolis, Atlanta, and San Francisco, as Host Homes Program Coordinator well as locally through Safe Place for Angela Pacheco hopes the initial hosts Youth in Venice. who come on board will cause a ripple Potential hosts must be over the age effect and inspire others to open up their of 30 and have a private room available homes. in their home. Hosts also must have “Hosts are actively participating in homeowners or renters insurance and a solution to homelessness,” she said. must complete a background check, “Rather than just talking about the issue home inspection, interview process, and and being frustrated that no one in the training before they can qualify to be city is doing anything, hosts themselves matched with a youth. are actually getting involved and creatParticipating youth, who are between ing positive results to one young person the ages of 18 and 24, receive counseling, at a time.” transition services, and assistance with f inding permanent housing from Center staff. Both the youth and the host enter into a contract covering basic house rules For more information about Host Homes, and boundaries. visit lalgbtcenter.org/hosthomes or contact “There is a f lexibility built into the hosthomes@lalgbtcenter.org Fall 2019

Celebrating Difference The Center’s Trans* Lounge Program Creates a Safe Space for Neurodiversity A part of Trans* Lounge—the Center’s innovative education and enrichment program for the trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary community—the new discussion group is specially designed for Neurodiverse members of the community. Neurodiversity: Recognizing and respecting neurological variations the same way as any other human variation: they are differences, not deficits. These differences can include dyspraxia, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyscalculia, autistic spectrum, Tourette syndrome, and others.

Fall 2019

n the first Tuesday of each month, a room at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza transforms for Trans* Spectrum, a groundbreaking discussion group for Neurodiverse members of the trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary community. Gym mats are brought in and pillows are scattered on top of them. Cushions are placed on plastic chairs; sensory f idget spinners and toys are placed within reach. The room’s f lorescent lights are

turned off in favor of standing lamps with soft lighting. It’s a transformation that makes all the difference for attendees who have neurological differences, including being on the autism spectrum or diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, dissociative personality disorders, or traumatic brain injuries. “The first thing I noticed was the mats. They help ground me,” said Lexington Sherbin, an autistic transgender man. It was Sherbin’s inability to keep attending the Center’s weekly Transgender Perceptions discussion group that sparked the idea for Trans* Spectrum. “Lex was really contributing to the conversation and had made a lot of great strides in his transition,” said Gina Bigham, manager of Trans* Lounge. “All of a sudden he stopped coming.”

was overwhelmed with the white walls and the lights and had to leave. It also takes a lot of energy and effort for me to speak—my body’s battery pack gets wiped out very fast.”

You can be yourself and celebrate that rather than feeling like the weirdo in the class. Gina Bigham (left) and Lexington Sherbin (right)

He asked Bigham if she could start a group in a controlled space specif ically for Neurodiverse people. She pitched the idea to Dr. Ward Carpenter, the Center’s co-director of Health Services, and he gave the green light to move forward. Bigham co-facilitates the monthly meetings with Rebekah Tweed, a licensed clinical social worker at the Center.

When Bigham saw Sherbin at an “This group is full of people who have event, he explained that his strong desire to participate was outweighed by in one way or another been let down by his sensitivity to sound, light, and other our mental health systems,” Tweed said. “Trans* Spectrum is completely centered external stimuli. on the comfort and ability of every per“I really liked the group, but it was hard son in the room. Everyone gets to parto be in it,” he explained. “Sometimes I ticipate as much or as little as they want.”

Bigham points out that one of the biggest benef its of the group is the opportunity to be heard and taken seriously about gender identity issues. “Expressing a new gender identity can be dismissed because of their neurological differences. Often they are not given enough credit or taken seriously,” she said. “Struggling with gender is enough—you shouldn’t also have to struggle with being heard and having your thoughts validated.” The comfort level achieved in the room has been key to helping people open up. Participants can sit wherever they feel most comfortable, get up anytime, and use something–like arts supplies and f idget toys–from the activities table. “Everybody who normally feels scared to express themselves can talk about feelings and put themselves out there,” Sherbin said. “You can be yourself and celebrate that rather than feeling like the weirdo in the class.”

For more information on Trans* Spectrum and dozens of other classes, workshops, and groups, visit translounge.org Photos: The Trans* Spectrum room at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza.

Fall 2019

2020

Democratic Presidential C A N D I D AT E F O R U M FOCUSING ON LGBTQ ISSUES

ING PARTY VIEW

Thursday

October 10 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 p.m.

Los Angeles LGBT Center Anita May Rosenstein Campus Pride Hall

Join us on the eve of National Coming Out Day to watch the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates forum on LGBT issues, hosted by HRC and the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. The forum will give candidates an opportunity to speak about their public policy platforms and their plans to move LGBT equality forward.

lalgbtcenter.org/2020tea 20

Fall 2019

The Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tremendous volunteers help provide programs and services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world. Thank you! Join our community of more than 1,800 active monthly volunteers at lalgbtcenter.org/volunteer.

Take 5 Minutes GET TO KNOW CENTER STAFF MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS

TAKE FIVE

Staff ››

LEWEY RUSH HOMETOWN Longview, Alabama YEAR STARTED AT THE CENTER 1995 STAFF POSITION Security Officer

I LIKE WHAT I SEE HAPPENING WHEN WE HELP THE COMMUNITY. I’ve worked at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza since the day it opened—I jokingly call it “my house.” Through all the changes that I’ve seen happen here, I discovered early on that people who come here are mostly looking for someone to listen to them. It works out well because I’m a good listener. People come here looking for lawyers, doctors, counselors, classes, services, and programs. Sometimes they’ve been through a lot and are upset. It’s important to me to treat them respectfully and directly. And they appreciate it. I love my job. The Center is one of the best places around. You’re respected for who you are, and it’s all good at “my house.” We’re one big happy family. READY TO JOIN THE CENTER’S TEAM? VISIT LALGBTCENTER.ORG/CAREERS

LEWEY RUSH Volunteer ››

ANDREA KARIS HOMETOWN Boston, Massachusetts YEAR STARTED AT THE CENTER 2017 VOLUNTEER POSITION Special Events

ANDREA KARIS

I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM THESE STRONG YOUNG PEOPLE. In a big city where it can be challenging to meet people, volunteering at the Center makes me feel welcomed. It gives me the opportunity to be around people who make me feel happy and social. I feel valued. I’ll never forget volunteering at Models of Pride, the world’s largest free conference for LGBTQ youth and allies. It was moving to hear youth speak eloquently about how hard they strived to overcome their challenges and become role models for their peers. I was lucky to have the opportunity to learn from these strong, young people. Whether it’s volunteering at events, assembling condom kits, or stuffing envelopes, there are so many different types of volunteer opportunities available at the Center. The experience is overwhelmingly positive, and the gift of lending your time is deeply appreciated. READY TO JOIN THE CENTER’S COMMUNITY OF VOLUNTEERS? VISIT LALGBTCENTER.ORG/VOLUNTEER Fall 2019

THANK YOU

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is extremely grateful for the support of the following new Sustaining Donors and Circle of Life members.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

SILVER CIRCLE

$50,000+

$1,500-$1,799

Bill Frew*

Margaret Bell Lea Black & Roy Black Jory Burton Jolie Busch-Schifino Richard Ceballos Peter Diamond & Ethan Reynolds^ Ernesto Diaz & Andrew Morrow Carl Feld Brian Gallivan Thomas Grimm Rocky Hart Zentaro Kavanagh Kathryn King Stephanie Levine Eugene Liew & Conrad Steely Erin O’Malley & Windy O’Malley John Podhor Janelle Sanchez Mark Schuster & Jeffrey F. Webb^ Jihun Shin Tom Willhite & Celeste Herr Willhite Katrina Wright

DIAMOND CIRCLE $18,000-$34,999 Pauline Perrette*

PLATINUM CIRCLE $12,000-$17,999

GOLD CIRCLE $6,000-$11,999 Andy Bird & Caroline Bird Sue Burnside Jack A. Jones* Nahnatchka Khan & Julia Bicknell* Jon Owyang & Laurie Dea Owyang

STERLING CIRCLE $3,600-$5,999 Ben Abell Alvan Gendein* Michael Ormonde & David Gilchrist Kirk Von Spaeth & Kyle Neven^

CIRCLE OF LIFE Louis Thomas LaSalvia Gregory Stanton Adam Waring & Don Cummings John Zimmerman & Robert Perdue

SILVER CIRCLE

For information about Planned Giving or becoming a Sustaining Donor, please contact: Frank Stasio Deputy Director of Development fstasio@lalgbtcenter.org 323-993-7690

$2,400-$3,599

CIRCLE OF LIFE IN MEMORIAM

Amy Gordon Yanow* Felicia Avila Linda Bolton* Patrick O’Brien & Fred Sylvester* Zia Tile

Rose I. Greene Nicholas Labedz Ralph Lewis

SILVER CIRCLE $1,800-$2,399 Paula Bennett & Bruce Bennett Cornelia Perry^ Matty Wilder & Andrew Wilder*

List of donors who have joined or renewed at an increased level during the period of JUNE 1 – JULY 31, 2019

*Indicates an increase in membership level. ^Indicates a multi-year pledge.

Erin English Major Gifts Officer eenglish@lalgbtcenter.org 323-993-8974

Scott Gizicki Donor Stewardship Manager sgizicki@lalgbtcenter.org 323-993-8932

REALIZE THE POWER OF A GIFT. Making the Center part of your legacy in your will is the most important contribution you can make to the organization. Ways to give include wills and living trusts; beneficiary designations; charitable gift annuities, remainder trusts, and lead trusts; memorials and tribute gifts; and real estate. By including the Center in your estate plan or making another type of planned gift, you help ensure a strong and vibrant future for the Center as we build a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.

LEARN MORE AT LALGBTCENTER.ORG/LEGACY 24

Fall 2019

Donor Profile

Legacy of Love

GRIEVING MAN HELPS PROTECT THE CENTER’S FUTURE IN HONOR OF HIS LATE HUSBAND

ouis Mangual and his husband, Kenneth Paul Hahn, decided to include the Center in their estate plan before Hahn’s death early last year. “Kenneth and I witnessed the growth and the amazing work of the Center throughout the decades,” Mangual explained. “Before he passed away, we agreed that a great portion of our trust must be given to the Center. We felt that it is extremely important that the Center’s work continues to grow.” The couple had been together for 40 years when they married in 2015. Nowadays, Mangual finds himself becoming more involved at the Center during difficult periods of his “crushing grief.” “I’ve received grief counseling from professionals at the Center, which has helped me tremendously,” he said. “Everyone is so kind, welcoming, and supportive. I feel I’m home.” It was in the fall of 1974 when Mangual went dancing at the Studio City

• Louis Mangual (right) and Kenneth Paul Hahn (left)

nightclub Oil Can Harry’s and met Hahn for the first time. Their lives were changed forever. “He came behind me and swept me off my feet with his fancy dancing!” he recalled. “I was hooked for life!” Hahn was elected Los Angeles County Assessor for three terms before retiring in 2004. The couple then moved to Hawaii where they grew rambutan—a tropical fruit similar to lychee —on a 12-acre plot of land for four years. Following their time in Hawaii, they went on to spend eight years in Seattle before returning to Southern California for the last few years of Hahn’s life. “It may be hard to understand, but I love him more now than ever,” Mangual

I often experience joyful tears when I witness what this incredible Center has done, is doing, and will do. The Center is a powerful living symbol—locally and globally—of love, equality, creativity, intergenerational cooperation, and unity.

shared. “What a great, loving, kind, gentle man Kenneth was. He was my husband and best friend.” Mangual, a native New Yorker, moved to Los Angeles after graduating from the High School of Fashion Industries in 1971. He went on to complete his Associate of Arts Degree at Los Angeles Community College while working with youth at-risk and substance abuse prevention programs in Watts and Compton. In 1973 he became the director of Pride House, the first adolescent residential drug treatment facility in West Hollywood. In addition to being a Circle of Life member, Mangual now plans to become a Center volunteer. He is amazed at the Center’s growth, including the recent opening of the Anita May Rosenstein Campus which greatly expands services and affordable housing options for LGBTQ youth and seniors. “I often experience joyful tears when I witness what this incredible Center has done, is doing, and will do,” Mangual said. “The Center is a powerful living symbol—locally and globally—of love, equality, creativity, intergenerational cooperation, and unity.” Fall 2019

Center Classes

comunidad

apoyo

conexión

empoderados unidos vida sanár luz belleza paz cultura

EVERY TUESDAY, 8−9:30 P.M. Location: The Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N. McCadden Place

Cada segundo y cuarto Martes a las 7 p.m. información sobre estes y otros grupos en Mi Centro: comuníquese con groups@lalgbtcenter.org, education@latinoequalityalliance.org ó llame al 323-860-7332

A new group to explore your male identity however you choose to express it. Join us in redefining masculinities! More info at groups@lalgbtcenter.org or 323-860-7332.

ATE t he D 5 E SAV ember 1

HOLIDAY PARTY!

Celebrate with your CHOSEN family in a safe, celebratory space. Catered dinner, beverages, music, dancing, carols by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, and giveaways!

Dec

Join the Center’s one-of-a-kind education and empowerment program, presented exclusively for the trans* community. More than 1,900 trans* individuals have joined the Trans* Lounge. Why haven’t you?

How does Trans* Lounge work?

Trans* Lounge members:

• •

• • • • • • • • •

• •

Sign up online for free. Review and rate our library of workshops, groups, labs, and events. Your feedback determines our schedule. RSVP first for the programs you rated highest.

translounge.org 26

Fall 2019

Participated in 100+ workshops and labs. Learned self-defense Performed original stand-up at The Comedy Store. Attended group specifically for neurodiverse trans* folks. Received vocal training. Charted more optimistic career paths. Practiced yoga weekly. Wrote and performed personal monologues. Became more fit and learned how to live healthier lives.

...and we are just getting started!

Coming Out

V AA Happy Hour Tuesdays–Fridays, 6:15–7:15 p.m. Canceled on Nov. 28 and 29

Al-Anon Gay Focus Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. Canceled on Nov. 28 V

Alcoholics Anonymous: It’s Come to This Mondays, 6:15–7:15 p.m.

Community Groups (Cont.)

oming Out Workshops C for Women oming Out Workshops C for Men Safe, nurturing workshops for anyone who is facing their own coming out process.

V Crystal Meth Anonymous Saturdays, 9:15–10:15 a.m.

Call 877-OUT-4-LIFE for recorded information and instructions for enrollment.

Community Groups

Gay & Lesbian CODA Tuesdays, 8–9 p.m. V

Marijuana Anonymous Wednesdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. V

NA: Heartbeat of Recovery Mondays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. V

V OA Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. Canceled on Nov. 28

SCA – Step Study Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. Canceled on Nov. 28 V

V 30+ Lesbian Chat Meet women outside of the bars Every 1st & 3rd Fri., 7:30–9 p.m. V Bi-osphere* Explore and discuss the many shades of today’s diverse bisexual community Mondays, 8–9:30 p.m. M

Gay Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group Every 1st & 3rd Tues., 7–9 p.m. Sponsored by Cancer Support Community - Benjamin Center. Call 310-314-2555 or visit cancersupportla.org

Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous Thursdays, 6:15–7:15 p.m. Canceled on Nov. 28 V

Sexual Compulsives Anonymous Mondays, 8:45–9:45 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 12-1 p.m. V

V UA: Artist in Prosperity Tuesdays, 6:15–7:15 p.m.

Women’s AA Wednesdays, 8:45–9:45 p.m. V

¡Hablemos! Latino/Latinx discussion group Every 2nd & 4th Tues., 7–8:30 p.m. V HerStories* A gathering place for all LGBT women who want strong community and great conversation Mondays, 8–9:30 p.m. V

LGBT Adult Special Needs Support Group Every 2nd Wed., 6–7:30 p.m. V

MasQ Explore your male identity however you choose to express it. Join us in redefining masculinities! Tuesdays, 8–9:30 p.m. V Trans* Spectrum Safe, small, quiet, controlled space for neurodiverse members of the Trans/GNC/ENBY community. Limited to 15 people maximum per meeting. RSVP at translounge.org Every 1st Tues., 7–8:30 p.m.

Offices on Las Palmas 1111 N. Las Palmas Ave.

McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

V Transgender Perceptions* Conversations and communitybuilding for transgender and GNC people Fridays, 8–9:30 p.m. Canceled on Nov. 29 V Village Readers An LGBT reading and discussion group. Every 1st Wed., 7:30–9 p.m. Oct. 2: White Houses by Amy Bloom Nov. 6: Lie with Me by Philippe Besson Dec. 4: Life of David Hockney by Catherine Cusset

* Groups may not welcome late arrivals.

Senior Groups For more information about Senior Services classes, please call 323-860-7322 or visit facebook.com/50pluslgbt To RSVP, email seniors@lalgbtcenter.org or call 323-860-5830. SC Alzheimer’s LGBT Caregiver Support Every 2nd & 4th Thurs., 10:30 a.m.–Noon Canceled on Nov. 28 SC Art Lab Fridays, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Canceled on Nov. 29 V Beginning Tap Dancing Lessons Call 323-860-5830 for dates and times. SC

Bereavement Support Group Tuesdays, 1–3 p.m. SC Bingo 1–2:30 p.m. Call 323-860-5830 for dates

Group Meetings

12-Step Groups

Senior Groups (Cont.) Get Out & Bowl Every 2nd Tues., 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Call 323-860-5830 for details SC Men Living with HIV Thursdays, 1–3 p.m. Canceled on Nov. 28 SC Housing Supportive Network Every 2nd & 4th Thurs., 11 a.m.–Noon Canceled on Nov. 28 SC Juggling Hour Wednesdays, 2–3 p.m. SC Men’s Drop-In Support Group Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–Noon SC Qi Gong Call 323-860-5830 for dates and times SC R&B Line Dancing Call 323-860-5830 for dates and times SC Stitch N Bitch Club Call 323-860-5830 for details

Thursday Hikes Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. Call 323-860-5830 for details Canceled on Nov. 28 alley Social and Networking V Group Thursdays, Noon–1:30 p.m. Metropolitan Community Church 5730 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood 91601 Call 323-860-5830 Canceled on Nov. 28 SC Veteran’s Support Group Every 1st & last Tues., 1–3 p.m.

Walking Club Every 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 2 p.m. Hollenbeck Park 415 S. St. Louis St., Los Angeles 90033

SC Chair Yoga Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–Noon SC Country Line Dancing Call 323-860-5830 for dates and times SC Farmer’s Market (Free) Every 2nd & 4th Mondays, 11 a.m.

Mi Centro 553 S. Clarence St.

Anita May Rosenstein Campus, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Senior Center 1118 N. McCadden Place

Triangle Square 1602 Ivar Ave.

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N. McCadden Place

Empty = Offsite

Fall 2019

CENTER NOTES

News and notes from the Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services WE MADE HERSTORY! The Center helped lead a statewide coalition to advocate for the nation’s first-ever funding to create a Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer (LBQ) Women’s Health Equity Fund. Governor Gavin Newsom approved the landmark $17.5 million Fund in June. One in two LBQ women has experienced discrimination in a health care setting, including anti-LGBTQ bias and lack of access to culturally appropriate health and mental health care as well as to life-saving preventative care, such as mammography and other cancer screenings. The money supports access to health and mental health services, domestic violence programs, and treatment referrals for smoking, alcohol, and substance abuse. Additionally, the funds will pay for trainings to health care workers to provide culturally appropriate care, community education, and research into LBQ women’s health needs. The Center’s volunteer-based Resistance Squad collected hundreds of advocacy postcards and letters, conducted phonebanks and visits to key legislators, and organized the first-ever LBQ Women’s Lobby Day in Sacramento in support of this historic funding.

GOLD STARS

PHARM FRESH

For the second consecutive year, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded an Arts Works grant benefiting the Center’s senior clients. The $25,000 supports an 18-month series of courses collectively known as Reflections of a Lifetime, which include workshops in stand-up comedy, sculpture making, and poetry writing.

Center-WeHo is now operating its own on-site pharmacy. Clients can pick up medication for shorter-term treatments, including antibiotics, as well

The California Arts Council awarded the Center a $16,200 grant to benefit its Senior Veterans Initiative. A group of the Center's senior LGBT Veterans will work with an award-winning documentary filmmaker to create a film about their military service. The film, tentatively titled My Service, My Story, will be screened at the Center and entered into film festivals starting in November.

For more information about the Center’s Senior Services, visit lalgbtcenter.org/seniors 28

Fall 2019

as their refills for PrEP and HIV medications. “We’ve always been able to administer medication for clients, but we could never give them anything to take with them on the spot,” explained Center Director of Pharmacy Services Nicole Thibeau. “Now we can.”

LUCES, CÁMARA, ACCIÓN!

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

Celebrating its sixth year, the Center’s arts festival of the queer Latinx community known as CineArte was held at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. The two-day festivity included short film programs highlighting Latinx filmmakers; musical performances; and an art exhibit inspired by immigrants’ stories of yore who fled from El Salvador in hopes for a better future.

Southern California uniform manufacturer Chef Works, Inc., awarded the Center a $23,050 in-kind donation to provide uniforms to LGBT seniors and youth enrolled in the Center’s intergenerational Culinary Arts program. With the funds, the Center will be able to purchase up to 200 jackets, 200 pairs of

Center-WeHo, located at 8745 Santa Monica Boulevard on the second floor above Gym Bar, is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 4–7 p.m.

For additional information about Center-WeHo or the Center’s HIV and STI testing services, visit lalgbtcenter.org/weho

For more information about CineArte, visit cineartela.org

pants, 200 aprons, and 100 chef hats. The 300-hour Culinary Arts program is taught at the Center’s commercial kitchen in the Anita May Rosenstein Campus.

CENTER VOICES

Analysis and insight from the Center’s staff on current issues and events facing our community The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority announced that the number of youth experiencing homelessness in 2019 increased by 17 percent in L.A. City and by 22 percent in L.A. County in the past year. One of the barriers to housing is that many landlords and property managers refuse to accept Section 8 housing vouchers, as reported in Los Angeles Wave:

Governor Gavin Newsom approved a landmark $17.5 million fund to create the nation’s first-ever Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women’s Health Equity Fund. The Center helped lead a statewide coalition to advocate for this historic funding, including collecting and sharing personal narratives about discrimination in health care settings written by LBQ women, as reported in The Pride LA:

Center youth members interested in pursuing a career in the music industry can participate in The Music Fellowship, an intensive 10-week music program where they meet and create music with LGBT professionals who have succeeded in the industry, as reported in Billboard:

Launched this year following the completion of the Anita May Rosenstein Campus, the Center’s 300-hour intergenerational Culinary Arts program includes classes taught over three months by seasoned culinary professionals before students gain internships at L.A. restaurants. An early highlight for many students is donning their chef’s uniforms with their preferred names embroidered on them, as reported in Huffington Post:

JENNIFER GUTIERREZ Youth Development Supervisor Children, Youth & Family Services

SAGE JOHNSON Peer Advocate Children, Youth & Family Services

Excerpt: “That’s discrimination, and it’s malarkey. Communities are blocking housing and blocking shelters from being built in their neighborhoods. We are all safer when people are not living in the streets. It’s better for everyone. We need more housing and shelters all across L.A. It takes a village, and the village needs to come together.”

AARON FOX

Director of Government Relations Policy and Community Building

Excerpt: “The process was extremely rewarding for advocates and impacted community members who were able to increase the awareness of LBQ women’s health disparities through telling their own stories.”

Excerpt: “It’s important for youth to hear the challenges these professionals have faced. It gives our youth a realistic understanding that nothing gets handed to you—no matter how talented you are. We want the youth who come to the Center to see that support and positive role models exist beyond our doors. Knowing someone within their communities or identities who has succeeded gives our youth hope.”

JANET CRANDALL Executive Chef Instructor Culinary Arts

Excerpt: “It may seem like something so small, but that’s how they identify. And when they go out to a restaurant for work, that’s who they are there now, too.”