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José Julio Sarria joins the 16th Class of the California Hall of Fame

San Francisco has many overlapping histories. Military history, LGBTQ+ culture, immigrant stories +more. For Sarria, all the above applied

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José Julio Sarria shown as a young U.S. Army WW2 veteran at the time of his honorable discharge in 1947 (Photo courtesy of the José Sarria Foundation) and dressed in full drag as Empress I the Widow Norton in 2011 as photographed by Bay Area Reporter journalist Rick Gerharter.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and the California Museum today announced the 16th class of trailblazers in public service, sports, music, entertainment, and more into the California Hall of Fame.

This posthumous class will be inducted into the California Hall of Fame on Tuesday, August 22nd in a virtual ceremony – joining over 100 inspirational Californians previously inducted for embodying the state’s innovative spirit.

Joining the venerable list of inductees is José Julio Sarria, a celebrated Bay Area LGBTQ+ icon and the first openly gay candidate for public office in the United States, who sought a seat on San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors in 1961.

In 1964 he created a non-profit organization called the Imperial Court System, which is now one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ drag organizations worldwide. The court continues to be a major LGBTQ philanthropic group with chapters throughout North America.

His charitable contributions and political LGBTQ+ activism won him multiple honors and accolades during his lifetime and including, in June 2019, as one of the inaugural fifty American “pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes” inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument (SNM) in New York City’s Stonewall Inn.

Sarria died of adrenal cancer on August 19, 2013, at his home in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico.

California Hall of Fame 16th Class Inductees:

Carrie Fisher: Actress and Screenwriter

Maggie Gee: Pilot and Physicist

Etta James: Singer

Jose Julio Sarria: LGBTQ Rights Activist and Pioneer

Vin Scully: LA Dodgers Broadcaster

Shirley Temple Black: Actress and Public Servant

Archie Williams: Olympic Gold Medalist and Educator

Governor Newsom noted: “We are thrilled to announce the newest class of inductees joining some of our state’s most revolutionary, innovative, and brightest in the California Hall of Fame. The outstanding legacy of this group has and will continue to embody what it means to be a Californian. There is no doubt their legacies will continue to live on and inspire millions across our state for generations to come.”

“The Governor and I are delighted to honor the contributions of this remarkable group of visionaries. Each one of these pioneers has uniquely impacted California through their boundless creativity, perseverance, and courage – encapsulating the California dream through their lives and legacies,” First Partner Siebel Newsom said.

California State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said in a statement:

“This recognition of Jose Sarria’s contributions to California and to the LGBTQ community is long overdue. As the founder of the Imperial Court System, Her Royal Majesty, Empress of San Francisco, José I, The Widow Norton worked endlessly to support and uplift LGBTQ people and to make San Francisco a better and more inclusive city.

“As the first gay man in United States history to run for public office, he created space for people like me to run and hold office. During the worst periods of LGBTQ persecution, Jose fought back against discriminatory treatment and advocated for the equal protection of LGBTQ people.

“His courage is a reminder of the critical role that drag performers have played in the movement for LGBTQ rights, and of the power of living unapologetically as one’s authentic self. What better represents California’s values than that?”

Virtual Induction Ceremony Details:

WHEN: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Office Twitter | California Museum’s YouTube

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A brief biography of José Julio Sarria courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, U.S. Department of the Interior:  

San Francisco has many overlapping histories. Military history, LGBTQ+ culture, immigrant stories, and much more make up its roots. For José Sarria, a LGBTQ+ activist in San Francisco, all the above applied.

Early Life 

José Sarria was born in 1922 in the Bay Area to a single mother from Colombia. Sarria was bilingual and became proficient in language when he began learning German and French in high school. Though it was never outwardly spoken, Sarria’s family was always accepting of his sexuality and partners. Sarria planned to become a teacher, until December 7th 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Army, forced the United States to enter World War II. Entering military service to protect your country became a widely held feeling amongst young men. There was a stigma against being rejected from the military, especially for homosexuality. The challenges Sarria faced upon enlisting however stemmed from his Latinx heritage in an all white military unit.  

After first serving at the Cooks and Bakers school, Sarria was assigned to drive Major Mataxis around, and the pair became good friends. Eventually Mataxis was promoted to colonel, providing both men with respect from their company. Sarria went to Europe with the colonel and was promoted to staff sergeant. He was stationed in Berlin after the German surrender. He found himself in a newly bustling LGBTQ+ scene. He formed a relationship with a famous opera costume designer and cabaret performer named Andre. 

“I was going to stay in Berlin with Andre, but there was no way I could explain to the colonel or to the Army that I needed to stay. I couldn’t bring [Andre] home…”  

Honorable Discharge 

Sarria was discharged from the military when he returned to San Francisco in 1947. Afterwards he continued his plan to become a teacher, using his skills in language and music. Sarria used his GI Bill to return to school, and to support himself he became a waiter. One day, Sarria spent his night sitting at a bar. In the restroom another man began to flirt with Sarria, and two undercover police officers arrested both men. Sarria had not reciprocated the other man’s advances, but it did not matter. Due to his arrest, he could not get a teaching credential and the opera wouldn’t hire him.  

José Sarria began working at the Black Cat Cafe as a waiter and host. The Black Cat first opened in 1906 and for a long time was considered a “bohemian haven”. In its early days it was frequented by artists and activists. As more service members came into San Francisco during the war, the Black Cat started to draw a more LGBTQ+ oriented crowd. José Sarria said, “I was more of a hostess, greeting people, and I would sing a song now and then… I started performing more, and I started doing female impersonation. I began opera parodies. I became very popular. I became the Black Cat.” Sarria performed alongside Hazel the pianist. He brought tremendous business to the Black Cat, using his vocal talents and quick wit to make people feel comfortable and entertained.  

José Sarria stands on stage in a black dress and curly blonde wig. Image courtesy of The José Sarria Foundation 

Black Cat Cafe 

The military did not want its service members visiting LGBTQ+ establishments. The Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board put the Black Cat on its list of “off limits and out of bounds” establishments. This meant that any military personnel was barred from visiting the Black Cat in or out of uniform. The Black Cat was also required to put an “off limits” sign in their window. In many cases distinguishing the bar in this way actually attracted curious soldiers to the bar. It told LGBTQ+ military personal exactly where to go if they wanted to be with their community. A veteran, and fan of Sarria’s said: “The Navy would publish a list of bars that were forbidden and why. That’s how I found the Black Cat and José. It was the early fifties. José was the first person to ever tell me that I was okay, that I wasn’t a second-class citizen.” 

In 1949 the Board of Equalization indefinitely suspended the Black Cat’s liquor license because it was “a hangout for persons of homosexual tendencies.” Owner of the bar and Holocaust survivor, Sol Stoumen, fought this decision and hired an attorney named Morris Lowenthal. He argued that LGBTQ+ people had the right to assemble. The case made it all the way to the California Supreme Court. In 1951 the Court ruled in favor of the Black Cat and ordered that their liquor license be reinstated. An early decision that declared LGBTQ+ people had rights to be protected. 

“Even habitual or regular meetings may be for purely social and harmless purposes, such as the consumption of food and drink, and it is to be presumed that a person is innocent of crime or wrong and that law is being obeyed.” — California Supreme Court 

Board of Supervisors 

Between 1951 and 1955 The Black Cat and José Sarria experienced great success with less police harassment. José became famous for his outrageous routines but also for his inspiring declarations of pride. At the end of his shows he would sing God Save Us Nelly Queens to the tune of God Save the Queen. Sarria said, “I sang the song as a kind of anthem, to get them realizing that we had to work together, that we were responsible for our lives. We could change the laws if we weren’t always hiding. God Save Us Nelly Queens, that’s what you are, be proud of it… ” Sarria performed all over the city for a diverse group of people, even being invited to perform at the American Legion in full drag.  

In 1955 San Francisco elected a new mayor and the state of California created the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The new mayor and organization worked with the military and local police to develop a tougher strategy to shut down LGBTQ+ establishments. The police increased undercover cops in bars, used stereotypes to arrest individuals, and falsify evidence to close bars/clubs.  This discrimination and harassment galvanized Sarria to do more. He decided to run for one of the five seats on the Board of Supervisors in 1961. He was the first openly gay person to run for public office. Campaigning around the district, and on the radio. Speaking multiple languages made him popular amongst diverse communities. 

“There were nine people running. My chances for winning were very very good… twelve hours before the filing was to close, the people who didn’t want me running went out and got almost thirty people to apply for the office. Now the field was large, and they made my position weak… But that didn’t stop me. I still campaigned. I came ninth in that whole field. I proved my point. From that day, at every election, the politicians in San Francisco have talked to us.” 

José Sarria wears a suit and top hat. He stands in front of a crowd and a sign that reads, “Campaign Headquaters. José Sarria for Supervisor.” Image courtesy of The José Sarria Foundation 

Legacy 

The Black Cat continued to fight, but the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board revoked the Black Cat’s liquor license on Halloween in 1963. A very important night for the LGBTQ+ community because it was the only time of year that a person could not be arrested for being in drag. Halloween was always the largest party of the year for the Black Cat. Stoumen decided to stay open and serve soft drinks for the bars last big event. Over two thousand people come to the event, dressed in all different costume and genderbending fashion. José finished his act that night as he always did, singing God Save Us Nelly Queens. He closed the show and the Black Cat’s legacy with, “United we stand. Divided, they will catch us one by one.” 

José Sarria continued to be an important figure in the San Francisco LGBTQ+ community. The Tavern Guild, a group of LGBTQ+ establishments in San Francisco, wanted to honor Sarria at their Halloween ball in 1964. After that night José Sarria became: Empress José the First, the Widow Norton1. With his new status Sarria created a non-profit organization called the Imperial Court System, which is now one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ organizations worldwide. The Court System crowned regional empresses and queens and held balls to raise money for charitable causes. José Sarria passed away in 2013 and is buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park. 

José Sarria utilized his platform at the Black Cat to advocate for and uplift his community. He was able to succeed in a military structure that was increasingly discriminatory against LGBTQ+ people. He saw this same structure lead to a loss in career and the closing of his beloved establishment. Despite the challenges he faced, he was able to create a legacy that inspired his community to uplift and love itself.  
 

[1] Joshua Norton was a San Francisco merchant who lost his fortune during the Gold Rush. In 1859 Norton marched into a newspapers office in a feathered hat and blue military style coat, declaring himself “Joshua Norton the First, the Emperor of North America and Protector of Mexico.” The city of San Francisco embraced their “emperor” and he became a beloved public figure until his death in 1880. In 1965, José Sarria officially became the Emperor’s loving “widow”.  
 

Sources: 

Nan Alamilla Boyd. Wide-Open Town : A History of Queer San Francisco to 1965. Berkeley, Calif. ; London, University Of California Press, 2003. 

Michael Robert Gorman. The Empress Is a Man : Stories from the Life of José́ Sarria. 1998. New York, Routledge, 2013. 

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California

Two anti-trans bills fail to advance in California

AB 89 and AB 844 were aimed at banning trans women and girls from competing in women’s sports

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The two bills introduced by Republican lawmakers aimed at banning trans athletes from female sports, did not pass during yesterday’s committee meeting. 

Assembly Bill 89 and Assembly Bill 844, have failed to advance in the Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee on Tuesday by a 2-6 vote on each bill. AB 89, introduced by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) and AB 844, introduced by Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Riverside), were both rejected by California lawmakers. 

“If these members and their counterparts were truly committed to addressing the inequities and safety concerns women and girls face—in sports and everyday life—they would be joining the frontlines in the fight for equal pay, stronger protections against domestic violence and sexual assault, and expanded healthcare resources,” said Tony Hoang, executive director at Equality California. 

AB 89 and AB 844 are part of the nationwide coordinated effort led by extremists in Washington D.C. to sow fear and misinformation about transgender people—in particular youth—and attempt to erase them from virtually all areas of public life. 

“Instead of tackling the real problems in our state like high inflation and rising healthcare costs, Assemblymembers Sanchez and Essayli continue to waste time and taxpayer money using transgender youth as political pawns in a shameful display of divisive politics and a thirst for attention.,” said Hoang. 

AB 89 would have established a ban on athletes whose sex was assigned male at birth, from competing on a girls’ interscholastic sports team. 

AB 844 would have reversed California’s law which currently allows trans athletes to participate in girls and women’s sports teams across all age levels, up to college level. 

Tuesday’s hearing marked the first public debate on the issue in California since Newsom’s public comments about trans women in sports being “deeply unfair.”  

On Friday, Gov. Newsom’s office confirmed it received a letter from U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, stating that California could lose federal funds if it continued to allow trans athletes to compete in women’s and girls’ sports. 

“As Secretary of Education, I am officially asking you to inform this Department whether you will remind schools in California to comply with federal law by protecting sex-separated spaces and activities. I am also officially asking you to publicly assure parents that California teachers will not facilitate the fantasy of ‘gender transitions’ for their children,” she wrote in the letter.

Equality California continues their partnership with the Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and other legislative partners in an effort to combat the passage of bills like AB 89 and AB 844. 

“We are pleased these bills have failed and are thankful to those lawmakers who opposed this dangerous legislation in committee, particularly to the committee chair, Assemblymember Chris Ward, for his leadership,” said Hoang.

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California

GLAAD’s Latine Honors celebrates culture and identity with packed house

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Harvey Guillén raises a toast to the impact of LGBTQ+ Latine talent at the GLAAD Latine Honors reception in Hollywood with Smirnoff. (Photo credit Katherine Rosario via GLAAD)

GLAAD’s Spanish-Language & Latine Media created and produced the first Latine Honors, nearly blowing the roof off of Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood, with a more-than-packed house full of stars. 

The Latine Honors were created to celebrate the best in queer, Latine visibility and representation in entertainment media, advocacy and journalism. This event happened back-to-back-to-back with the GLAAD Black and Brown Honors and the 36th GLAAD Media Awards. 

The Latine Honors were hosted by the hilarious stand-up comedian Roz Hernandez, who continues to make waves in the Los Angeles comedy scene and beyond. 

“Every single time [GLAAD] calls, I answer,” said Hernandez on the carpet. 

Hernandez says she is very lucky to be acknowledged by GLAAD and to join forces with them in the work they do for the LGBTQ+ community. 

The Spanish-Language Special Recognition Awards were presented on stage by Harvey Guillén to “The Q Agenda,” a TV series on Latin Nation and “La Verdrag,” a news show on Canal Once, for their incomparable contributions to queer, Latine representation in media. 

LA Blade had the chance to interview some of the Latine stars that graced the carpet to offer their two cents on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, including Harvey Guillén, Vico Ortíz, David Archuleta and members of “The Q Agenda.” 

“I think now more than ever, it’s important for us to remember that we can’t be numb to the things happening around us,” said Guillén. “People are becoming less empathetic toward our community and other communities being attacked, so we have to remember to not lose focus. Do not lose focus and do not lose empathy.” 

We also had a chance to catch up with Ortíz on the carpet. They are currently hosting a daily LGBTQ+ news podcast with Nay Bever, where together, they tactfully deliver the news that is relevant to our communities. 

“I am co-hosting a daily news podcast called ‘Today in Gay,’ where we wake up everyday, we read the news and then report them to our queer community,” said Ortíz. “It’s quite a responsibility, but I’m also really honored to deliver [the news] with care and tenderness and tact.”

Ortíz was an honoree at the Latine Honors for their outstanding contributions to the media and entertainment industries as a Puerto Rican, non-binary, multi-hyphenated artist. 

Archuleta spoke to us about his latest single Créme Bruleé, which incorporates a Latin flare to a pop tune. 

“I’m so excited because I just released a new song, Creme Bruleé” said Archuleta. “I was really inspired by the pop girlies – Chapelle, Sabrina, Charlie [XCX], Billie [Eilish], and I just thought I wanted to channel that and I want to feel that confidence and that sexiness that I feel when I listen to their music, but I wanted to add a Latin flare to it.” 

Keynote remarks were delivered by GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis; welcome remarks were shared by Monica Tresandes, Senior Director of Spanish Language & Latine Media and Representation; and Gabe Gonzalez, host of GLAAD’s original ¡DÍMELO!, shared remarks about the attendees representing the Latine creators and media from across the industry.

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Arts & Entertainment

2025 Best of LGBTQ LA Readers’ Choice Award Nominations

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It’s time to celebrate the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community of Los Angeles! Nominations for the Best of LGBTQ LA Awards are open from March 31st to April 6th, giving you the chance to highlight your favorite local legends, hotspots, performers, and change-makers. Then, from April 14th to April 27th, cast your vote for the finalists and help decide who truly represents the best of LGBTQ LA.

Use the form below or click the link HERE to nominate!

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Local

‘Think of those who have not been seen,’ Cynthia Erivo’s powerful message at GLAAD Awards

Erivo and Doechii delivered powerful acceptance speeches at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards

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GLAAD celebrated its 40th anniversary with a star-studded gala in Beverly Hills, honoring achievements in LGBTQ+ media and entertainment, while pushing back at efforts nationwide to turn back civil rights protections, restrict and erase transgender identities.

Doechii accepted a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding music artist, Harper Steele won for outstanding documentary for Will & Harper and Nava Mau was honored with the outstanding series – limited anthology award for Baby Reindeer.

Those in attendance rose for a long and enthusiastic standing ovation as the prestigious Stephen F. Kolzak Award was presented to Cynthia Erivo.

“It isn’t easy. None of it is, waking up and choosing to be yourself, proclaiming a space belongs to you when you don’t feel welcomed,” said Erivo.

The 38-year-old queer Oscar nominee and Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner delivered a moving acceptance speech, in which she thanked GLAAD but also called on the audience to do more to help those in the community who have not yet come out. Video of her remarks has gone viral on Instagram.

“Here in this room, we have all been the recipients of the gift that is the opportunity to be more. I doubt that it has come easy to any of us, but more, for some, the road has not been one paved with yellow bricks, but instead paved with bumps and potholes. Whichever road you have traveled, how beautiful it is that you’ve had a road to travel on at all. There are the invisible ones who have had no road at all. For those who have not
yet even begun to find the road, be encouraged and be patient with yourself, it will show itself,” Erivo said. Then she paused from reading the speech that was in the teleprompter, and ad libbed a poetic, closing message.

“We use the phrase ‘out and proud,’ and though you might not have the strength or capacity to do that now, know that I am proud of your quiet and solitary want to be just that,” she said, and then addressed the community ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility. “We are all visible. We can be seen. We see each other. I see you, you see me. But think of those who have not been seen, think of those who sit in the dark and wait their turn, hoping and waiting for a light to light their path. I ask every single one of you in this room, with the spaces that you’re in, and the lights that you hold, to point it in the direction of someone who just needs a little guidance.”

Broadway legend Patti LuPone offered guidance from queer icons, past and present, when she took the stage to recite inspiring quotes that brought the house down.

“I can no longer accept the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept,” LuPone quoted lesbian, feminist, activist Angela Davis. “Coming out is the most political thing you can do,” she said, quoting Harvey Milk.

Then LuPone cited some of the stars of Drag Race, including Valentina, Kennedy Davenport, Alyssa Edwards, Trixie Mattel, Plane Jane, and Latrice Royale. But it was the words of OG Drag Race alumna Bianca Del Rio that got the crowd on its feet: “Not today, Satan. Not today!”

“Right now, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack, but what they take from us, they take from you too,” said Brian Michael Smith, upon winning the award for outstanding drama series for 911: Lone Star. “These aren’t isolated rollbacks; they’re attacks on all of our civil rights. This kind of representation is more than visibility, it’s resistance.”

When Doechii accepted the trophy for outstanding music artist at the ceremony, the “Denial Is a River” rapper commented on this politically charged moment for the LGBTQ community, as she praised GLAAD for its principles of “acceptance, inclusiveness and empowerment.”

“Those are the same things I strongly believe in and advocate for and that continue to propel me forward, especially now that hard-won cultural change and rights for transgender people and the LGBTQ community have been threatened,” said Doechii. “And I am disgusted. Disgusted. But I want to say that we are here and we are not going anywhere.”

“These kinds of events help me to feel support, to feel like we’re a team working together to make ourselves feel more seen, make others feel more seen, and there’s so much still to celebrate,” said singer songwriter David Archuleta, the American Idol alum who made headlines in 2021 when he came out and quit the Mormon Church. On the red carpet before the gala, he shared with the Los Angeles Blade his advice to fans who want to find joy amid the gloom: “I love to go dance. Dance is so therapeutic. It’s a place where you can just shake it off, feel hot, go out, and that’s a therapeutic way.”

“This is where I find joy,” Michaela Jaé Rodriguez told the Blade. “But the best times where I find even more joy is learning what state we’re in. Learning how I can fire myself, put a fire behind me, and stay as vigilant as possible and be in the forefront and never disappear. And I want to encourage that to a lot of my young individuals out there. Don’t disappear. Stand out, be proud, and don’t be scared. I’m not scared!”

“It feels amazing, being surrounded by basically my own people is always like a big warm hug, so I love it,” Harper Steele told the Blade.

The writer, who took home a GLAAD trophy for her award-winning documentary with her friend and fellow SNL alum Will Ferrell, noted that despite the joy of the evening, she was “very sad” about political moves targeting the transgender community in Washington, D.C. as well where she grew up in Iowa.

“My own home state, who gave me trans protections and rights, just took them away,” Steele told the Blade. “We’re the first group that’s ever had those rights taken away from us, so we’re in a weird time. I’m going to keep doing the best I can to convince people that they’re wrong. Not only are they wrong, but they’re being stupid.”

The Washington Blade was nominated for its coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics Games, ”Paris Olympics: More queer athletes, more medals, more Pride, less Grindr,” in the category of outstanding print article. The winner was “‘Changing The Narrative’: Advocates Fight HIV Stigma in Dallas’ Latino Community” by Abraham Nudelstejer of The Dallas Morning News. The Advocate won for outstanding magazine overall coverage, and Jo Yurcaba of NBC Out won for “Friends Remember Nex Benedict, Oklahoma Student Who Died After School Fight, as ‘Fiery Kid.’”

The Blade also spoke to GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis on the red carpet.

Ellis and the organization survived a difficult challenge in 2024 when Ellis herself came under fire from The New York Times for what it called “lavish” spending. It should be noted that in a one-on-one conversation with Variety in October, Ellis pointed out that The Times report omitted mention of GLAAD’s multi-year campaign that called attention to the newspaper’s unbalanced coverage of issues related to transgender Americans and gender-affirming care, and that any spending issues raised by the report — seen by many as a hit piece in retaliation for GLAAD’s campaign — had already been addressed “two years ago.”

Ellis told the Blade she remains focused on GLAAD’s mission to advance acceptance of the LGBTQ community in media.

“I think tonight for me is about getting everybody together to talk about our stories, how important they are, and make sure that we are plastering the airwaves with our stories. And I think it’s about moving forward and having a plan. We have a plan at GLAAD. We understand what’s happened to this media ecosystem and we’re forging forward.”

Ellis spoke passionately about the challenge the nonprofit faces in 2025 and beyond.

“I think the media ecosystem has changed so dramatically and tectonically in a short period of time, “ she said. “We’re seeing that right-wing media gets about 100 million people a week. Progressive media reaches 30 million people a week. So, we have a 70 million person gap, and that gap is why we’re losing presidential campaigns, why we’re losing the narrative, why our community is under siege. We have to close that gap.”

Read the full list of nominees and winners of this year’s GLAAD Media Awards here.

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California

Equality California to release 2024 Legislative Scorecard and rally at State Capitol

The rally will unite LGBTQ+ community members and political leaders

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Equality California will hold a rally at the State Capitol’s West Steps in response to rising anti-LGBTQ+ political attacks on Wednesday, March 26 at 11:00 AM PT.

This rally will also serve as an opportunity to discuss the release of the 2024 Legislative Scorecard, which is a report of politicians and sponsored legislation that further and cement the protections of LGBTQ+ rights. The scorecard also analyzes voting methods and results, gathering an overall score that reflects legislators’ votes on EQCA-sponsored legislation.

Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide civil rights organization working towards bringing justice to LGBTQ+ issues by rallying against legislative issues that attack LGBTQ+ rights.

This call to action will serve as part of the organization’s annual  LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day, held each year to bring together constituents with lawmakers in support of pro-LGBTQ+ legislation.

EQCA has a line-up of featured political speakers to include Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur, Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Chris Ward, Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Vice Chair and Senator Caroline Menjivar, among others.

This event is meant to bring attention to the rise in political attacks, unite in community and mobilize efforts toward preserving LGBTQ+ rights for the state of California and beyond.

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Breaking News

Family of Linda Becerra Moran, trans woman killed by LAPD after calling 911, files lawsuit

Moran was pronounced dead after three weeks on life-support

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On Feb. 7, Linda Becerra Moran contacted the Los Angeles Police Department in a phone call where she reported that she was being held against her will in a San Fernando Motel. 

At around 9:40AM, Moran called the Foothill Division of the LAPD, and was recorded stating that she was not only being held at the motel against her will, but that she was being forced to bring men into her motel room. In the audio call recording, she is heard crying as she answers the questions regarding her safety. 

When the officers found her in the hotel room they stated that she didn’t remember how she got there, while speaking in Spanish to the officers. 

The statement released regarding the officer-involved shooting says that ‘when officers arrived, they entered the motel room and met with Moran. During their investigation, Moran became agitated, armed herself with a knife and held it to her neck.’ 

The officers responded by drawing their guns, further agitating her. The attorney representing the family of Moran says the released video proves that the shooting was unlawful and unjust. 

Now, the TransLatin@ Coalition is looking for justice for Moran and her family, especially considering that she was someone who received services directly from them. They hosted the first vigil for her on Friday, March 14, in front of the LAPD headquarters. 

“Linda Becerra Moran, a trans immigrant who received services from our organization, was brutally shot and murdered by the Los Angeles Police Department. We held a vigil and we invited the community to join us in solidarity as we demand justice and honor Linda’s life,” said the TransLatin@ Coalition in a statement. 

The police officer who shot and killed Moran was Jacob Sanchez, 24, who was hired in 2021. 

Moran was pronounced dead after three weeks on life support in late February.

Somos Familia Valle, is hosting a poster-making event today from 2PM to 8PM where they will be preparing for a call to action. The call to action is scheduled for Saturday, March 22 at the Foothill Division Police Department, at 1PM. The organization posted a list of demands, along with their statement on Moran’s death. 

“At a time where our trans siblings are being attacked politically and socially, now more than ever is the time for us to be loud and seek accountability,” reads the statement. “The murder of Linda Becerra Moran by the Los Angeles Foothill Division Police Department was unwarranted and speaks to the disregard for trans lives, but also the lack of de-escalation tactics.”

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LA’s Queer professionals will gather to host free community event

Open Space Therapy Collective Hosts Community Building Experience with Queerly Connected

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Canva design by Gisselle Palomera

The Open Space Therapy Collective will be hosting a community building experience featuring dozens of LA-based professionals from across different industries. This community-building event was planned in response to the sweeping political attacks against the queer, trans and BIPOC communities. The event hosted by Queerly Connected is fittingly titled We Got Us, and it will be free and open to the public. 

Wellness providers will be there to provide art therapy, movement therapy, grief counseling, sound baths, yoga and other creative and healing arts. 

“As political pressure on our communities intensifies, it’s increasingly more important for us to come together and create a space where our healing and joy can intersect,” said Renea Johnson, founder of Open Space Therapy Collective and host of Queerly Connected. “Historically, in times like these, it’s important for us to expand our community and nurture collaboration. That’s why I’m so grateful for everyone who steps out to build community with us at Queerly Connected. 

Another aim of the event is to learn and experience the modalities of the queer, trans and BIPOC communities. Attendees can deepen their understanding and learn more about a queer-informed approach. 

Some of the experiential workshops and other offerings will include grief counseling by Studio DDLA, sound baths by TSage and DG Sound Healing, full-spectrum support from The Gender Doula, artist collaborations by Secret Spot, nails by Little Brother Nails and more. 

The event will take place at Studio DDLA. This event is meant to encourage people to come as they are, with a rolling entry from 4PM until 7PM on Sunday, March 16. 

To learn more about the event or the collaborators, visit their website.

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Local

WeHo Gives Back program launched to support small businesses

This initiative will raise funds for local businesses impacted by the recent wild fires

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The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (WHCC) announced the launch of WeHo Gives Back, a new initiative that is committed to supporting small businesses in West Hollywood that have been impacted by the Los Angeles fires.

“The small businesses of West Hollywood are resilient, but they need our community’s support
now more than ever,” said Genevieve Morrill, WHCC president and CEO. “WeHo Gives Back is
our way of ensuring these establishments receive the support they need to recover and thrive.”

West Hollywood is home to a diverse number of locally owned businesses. From the nightlife and restaurant industries to service providers like dry cleaners and salons, there’s a business for every one of the community’s needs. According to the WeHo Chamber of Commerce, businesses have been experiencing revenue declines between 25 percent to 50 percent with retail, hotels, restaurants, and bars being hit the hardest. In some cases, businesses have reported over 70 percent in loss of revenue, leading to a reduction in staff and operating hours.

About 26 percent of West Hollywood’s workforce is made up of hospitality workers, primarily employed by small businesses. These businesses, including the hotel industry, contribute to an estimated 70 percent of the city’s revenue. Tax revenue is used to support social services, community safety, and infrastructure improvements.

WHCC is calling on the community to support through WeHo Gives Back with a goal to restore the loss in foot traffic and to raise much needed funds. The public is encouraged to venture out to West Hollywood to shop, dine, and play.

The initiative kicked off on March 1st and West Hollywood go-ers will start to see QR codes on signs, napkins and websites in order to contribute to the recovery fund.

For more information about WeHo Gives Back or where to donate, visit wehochamber.com/wehogivesback.

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California

HRC criticizes Gavin Newsom for saying trans athletes should not be able to compete

Calif. governor made comments on Charlie Kirk’s podcast

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), center, answers questions from reporters at the Democratic National Convention in 2024. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Human Rights Campaign issued a statement Thursday criticizing Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said this week that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports was “deeply unfair.”

HRC President Kelley Robinson said, “When LGBTQ+ lives are under attack, real leaders don’t hedge — they fight. Across this country, extremists are stripping away rights, banning books, and targeting trans kids just for being who they are. This is not the time for political calculations or playing it safe — it’s time to be bold, to stand up, and to say unequivocally: We will protect LGBTQ+ people with everything we’ve got.”

She continued, “The fight for equality has never been easy, but history doesn’t remember those who waver — it remembers those who refuse to back down. Our message to Gov. Newsom and all leaders across the country is simple: The path to 2028 isn’t paved with the betrayal of vulnerable communities — it’s built on the courage to stand up for what’s right and do the hard work to actually help the American people.”

A longtime ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Newsom was one of the first public officials to officiate same-sex marriages in the early 2000s, which at the time drew criticism from leaders in his own party.

His remarks on trans athletes came during an interview with right-wing pundit and provocateur Charlie Kirk, on the inaugural episode of the governor’s podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom.”

The move signals a possible shift in how Democratic leaders are positioning themselves on issues concerning trans rights, especially provided the speculation about Newsom’s plans to run for president in 2028.

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Breaking News

Former fire chief Kristin Crowley loses fight for her position

Former fire chief loses appeal to be reinstated after being fired by Mayor Karen Bass

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LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, stands in front of the Electric Fire Engine back in 2022. (Photo by Mike Meadows, courtesy of LAFD's Flickr)

On Tuesday, the former Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department fought for her job to be reinstated through an appeal process that did not go in her favor. She will not get her job back, though she is expected to continue working for the department. 

At the meeting, Crowley pushed back for the first time against the arguments Bass used to justify her termination. Crowley argued that she was facing retaliation for publicly highlighting a lack of resources at the department. 

Going into the special meeting on Tuesday, she had to count on the support of at least 10 of the 15 councilmembers, or two-thirds. The appeal was almost certain to fail because she only counted on the support from Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Traci Park.


The main justification for her removal comes from Mayor Karen Bass, who claims Crowley allegedly made decisions that ultimately caused the Palisades fires to burn out of control. 

”A thousand firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke, were instead sent home,” said Bass in a previous press conference. 

Crowley responded to her accusation. 

“As for the 1,000 firefighters who were allegedly sent home prior to the fires, we did not have enough apparatus to put them on,” Crowley said. “Because of budget cuts and lack of investments in our fleet maintenance, over 100 of our fire engines, fire trucks and ambulances sat broken down in our maintenance yards unable to be used to help during the worst wildfire events in our history.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Bass doubled-down on her claims, adding that Crowley allegedly refused to conduct an after-action report following the Palisades fire. 

A claim that Crowley says is false. 

“I did not refuse to conduct an after-action report,” said Crowley to the council. “And let me be clear, this is a false accusation.”

“During our discussions about an after-action report, I advised the fire commissioners about my opinion that was best in regard to how to use LAFD resources,” continued Crowley. 

“I said that the LAFD is not capable, nor do we have the proper resources to adequately conduct an after-action report for the Palisades Fire.” 

Bass was in Ghana when the Palisades fire broke out, leaving council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson as acting mayor. When Bass returned, she blamed Crowley for not warning her of the powerful Santa Ana winds that put Los Angeles at high-risk of fires before she left. 


Back in January, Crowley took to the news media to talk about the lack of resources the fire department struggled with and that Crowley says ultimately caused the lack of response to the fires. 

Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who represents the central San Fernando Valley, also publicly criticized Crowley for making the public announcement while the fires were still raging through Pacific Palisades. 

The former fire chief also counted on the support of many LAFD firefighters who spoke in favor of her leadership skills and decisions.

Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva is currently serving as interim Fire Chief, as the search for someone to fill the position begins.

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