LGBTQ+

Los Angeles has long been a beacon for LGBTQ+ people across the country as one of the most diverse cities in the US. It is home to approximately a quarter million LGBTQ+ individuals, South Central, in particular, has a unique history within the LGBTQ movement as a Black and brown community. Council District 9’s Club Alabam hosted an annual drag ball and was the center of Los Angeles’s jazz scene. Our communities has been on the frontlines for an inclusive future for queer folks.

Today, queer rights are under threat from a hostile federal administration intent on rolling back decades of progress.

LGBTQ+ Angelenos are at the heart of our city’s culture and I will use every tool at my disposal to build a safer city that protects all people.

Defend LGBTQ+ Rights and Enforce Protections

I will stand up against hate in all its forms to ensure LGBTQ+ Angelenos, especially youth, trans residents, and communities of color, can live openly and without fear.

  • Increase funding and increase staffing for the Civil Rights enforcement team within the Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department to ensure that LGBTQ individuals are protected from harassment and discrimination.I will also work closely with the Transgender Advisory Council to ensure that these perspectives are effectively informing any city policy related to trans residents in the city.

SAFETY THROUGH CARE: Expand Housing, Services, and Community Infrastructure

I will fight to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community is safe by looking for ways to increase access to affordable housing, homeless services, mental health support, and wraparound services that are culturally competent. I also believe that safety means investing LGBTQ+ arts and community spaces.

  • LGBTQ+ people,like many Angelenos, are finding themselves priced out of the city. In addition, much of the housing stock in the Ninth District is incredibly old and LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to live in areas with poor infrastructure.

    My office will work to ensure that not only can queer individuals and families afford to stay here, but that they also have a dignified place to call home.

  • LGBTQ+ older people face unique housing challenges as they face discrimination from other tenants to discrimination in the type of care they receive from providers which can lead to chronic health problems, social isolation and poverty.

    And this problem is pervasive as 48 percent of older same-sex couples applying for senior housing report being subjected to discrimination.

    I want to follow the successful models of both the LA LGBT Center’s Triangle Square Apartments and New York City's Stonewall House, which is the nation's largest LGBTQ+-friendly housing development. Every senior in our district deserves to age with dignity, safety, and community.

  • 28% of LGBTQ youth report experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives. These rates are higher than for their peers, and many young people say they left home because of mistreatment or fear of mistreatment due to their LGBTQ identity. I will work to expand LGBTQ-affirming shelter beds, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing so that every young person has a safe, stable place to live.

  • Ensure our unarmed crisis response teams are fully trained in LGBTQ+ affirming care so that all residents receive safe, respectful, and competent support in moments of crisis. This includes investing in specialized training, hiring culturally competent responders, and partnering with community-based organizations to build trust and deliver care that reflects the needs of queer and trans communities.

  • Partner with Los Angeles County to restore and expand funding for LGBTQ+ mental health hotlines, ensuring that community members have access to culturally competent, life-saving support when they need it most. In the face of federal funding cuts, the City must work with LA County to step up to protect these essential services, which provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and emotional support for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth.

  • This will better connect residents to County-run services, especially for youth. Because the County oversees critical services like healthcare and social support, this coordination is essential to ensure LGBTQ+ youth can easily access the resources they need and do not fall through the cracks.

  • Ensure all City facilities are welcoming, safe, and accessible for people of all gender identities. This includes expanding access to gender-neutral restrooms as well as updating signage and policies to be inclusive.

Accessible Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Angelenos

I will champion access to essential healthcare because I believe healthcare is a human right. Part of my responsibilities as a councilmember will be to ensure that LGBTQ Angelenos can get the care they need close to home, without obstacles or stigma.

  • Expand access to PrEP and DoxyPEP by working with out County run community health clinics as well as increase funding for other vital prevention programs.

    Pair this with inclusive workshops and literature in libraries and youth centers to help LGBTQ individuals understand the importance of regular testing for STDs and HIV.

  • Ensure that county workers in these community health clinics are trained to combat biases that might prevent LGBTQ patients from receiving the care that they need.