Gayety

Tag: The Los Angeles LGBT Center

  • LGBTQ+ Night Market Returns to Los Angeles, Honoring KATSEYE’s Lara Raj

    LGBTQ+ Night Market Returns to Los Angeles, Honoring KATSEYE’s Lara Raj

    The Los Angeles LGBT Center is set to host the second annual Golden Hour: A Queer AANHPI Night Market on Saturday, May 17, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, located at 1125 N. McCadden Place in Hollywood. The event, presented by Gilead Sciences and organized in partnership with Mayumi Market, celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by spotlighting queer AANHPI artists, performers, and local businesses.

    This year’s Golden Hour will honor Lara Raj, a trailblazing member of the global girl group KATSEYE and a rising queer icon. Raj, who is of Indian descent and hails from New York City, has garnered international attention for her bold artistry and unapologetic authenticity. As a member of KATSEYE, Raj is part of a diverse group of young women from various cultural backgrounds, including Daniela (Cuban/Venezuelan-American), Manon (Ghanaian-Italian), Megan (Chinese-American), Sophia (Filipino), and Yoonchae (Korean). The group has been recognized by VEVO DSCVR and TIDAL as artists to watch in 2025.

    In a statement, Raj expressed her gratitude for the recognition: “I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the Los Angeles LGBT Center. As a queer South Asian-American artist, being part of Golden Hour feels like a vibrant celebration of who we are: bold, brilliant, unapologetically cool, and beautifully multifaceted. This night isn’t just about being seen—it’s about joy, pride, and fully claiming our space. I’m incredibly proud to stand in the light with a community that continues to shine, even when the world tries to dim us. Brown girls to the front, forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

    Golden Hour transforms The Village at Ed Gould Plaza into a vibrant, open-air night market curated by and for queer AANHPI communities. Attendees can expect a variety of activities and attractions, including:

    • Queer AANHPI Food and Retail Vendors: A diverse array of food stalls and retail booths showcasing AANHPI-owned businesses and artisans.

    • Traditional Tea Ceremony and Tasting Experience: An immersive cultural experience offering traditional tea ceremonies and tastings.

    • Karaoke Lounge and Mahjong Tutorials: Interactive spaces for karaoke enthusiasts and those interested in learning the game of mahjong.

    • Nostalgic Glamour-Style Photo Booth: A themed photo booth for capturing memories in a vintage glamour setting.

    • Live Performances: Additional performances and entertainment will be announced in the coming weeks.

    The event is open to all ages, and admission is free with RSVP. The first 100 guests to check in will receive a complimentary food voucher. To RSVP and for more information, visit lalgbtcenter.org/GoldenHour.

    Golden Hour is made possible by the generous support of Gilead Sciences, Casamigos (the Official Tequila), and Supporting Sponsor P/S. For press credentials, please contact [email protected].

    The Los Angeles LGBT Center continues to be a leading force in advocating for and celebrating the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community. Through events like Golden Hour, the Center fosters a sense of belonging and pride among queer AANHPI individuals and allies alike.

    For more information about the Los Angeles LGBT Center and its programs, visit lalgbtcenter.org.

    Event Details:

    What: Golden Hour: A Queer AANHPI Night Market
    When: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
    Where: The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038
    Admission: Free with RSVP; first 100 guests receive a complimentary food voucher
    RSVP: lalgbtcenter.org/GoldenHour

  • Los Angeles LGBT Center to Close West Hollywood Clinic After Nearly a Decade of Service

    Los Angeles LGBT Center to Close West Hollywood Clinic After Nearly a Decade of Service

    The Los Angeles LGBT Center has confirmed plans to close its Center WeHo clinic, a long-standing health facility in the heart of West Hollywood. After nearly a decade at its current location at 8745 Santa Monica Blvd, the clinic is expected to shut its doors in June, according to a source with direct knowledge of the decision.

    While the official closure date has not yet been publicly announced, the Center informed employees of the upcoming changes in an internal announcement made last week.

    The decision to close the Center WeHo clinic stems from a range of operational and logistical issues, including escalating costs and ongoing infrastructure limitations. Among the contributing factors cited are building management challenges, lease issues, safety and security concerns, parking constraints for both patients and staff, and visibility difficulties at the location that reportedly limit the clinic’s accessibility to new patients.

    “The reality is that the West Hollywood area is already well-served by other health organizations offering similar services, including sexual health testing and PrEP access,” one employee shared, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “That made it harder to justify the ongoing expense of maintaining this particular facility, especially with all the additional burdens we’ve been navigating.”

    The clinic, which is located above Schmitty’s Bar, opened in October 2015 with the mission of delivering inclusive, stigma-free sexual health care and HIV prevention resources to the LGBTQ community. Over the years, Center WeHo has become a trusted provider of no-cost HIV and STI testing, treatment, and prevention services such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Additional services include vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, HPV, condom distribution, and partner notification assistance. The clinic also helps uninsured patients access financial aid and coverage options for their health needs.

    Yet despite its longstanding role in the community, the Center faced mounting financial and political headwinds. In addition to structural and logistical issues, a broader shift in the funding landscape has posed new challenges. Sources close to the organization say that a freeze on federal funding under the Trump-era executive order affecting government contracts has had a lingering impact on community health providers, including the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

    “Cost of care delivery is going up, while support from public institutions is going down,” the employee said. “It’s not sustainable unless there’s a serious reinvestment in LGBTQ health infrastructure.”

    The closure reflects a larger recalibration of services across the Center’s expansive network. With nearly 800 employees, the Los Angeles LGBT Center operates one of the most robust portfolios of LGBTQ-specific services anywhere in the world. The organization remains committed to preserving jobs during the transition and is currently working to relocate impacted Center WeHo employees to other facilities, primarily the flagship campus in Hollywood.

    Union representatives are reportedly involved in ongoing conversations with the Center’s leadership to ensure workers are supported during the move.

    Despite the closure of this satellite location, the Center emphasized that its broader mission and commitment to the LGBTQ community remains unchanged. Since its founding in 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has grown into a global leader in queer and trans advocacy, offering programs and services across four pillars: Health; Social Services and Housing; Culture and Education; and Leadership and Advocacy.

    From health care access and housing for LGBTQ youth, to arts education and policy reform, the Center serves more LGBTQ people than any other organization in the world. Its continued work spans across Los Angeles County and extends to global partnerships focused on human rights, equity, and community-building.

    The closure of the Center WeHo facility may mark the end of a chapter, but Center officials insist that their fight for equality, safety, and well-being for LGBTQ individuals is far from over.

    “This is not a retreat from the community,” the source emphasized. “It’s a strategic shift to ensure that we can keep delivering quality care and expanding where it’s most needed. That’s how we continue to lead, even in difficult times.”

    West Hollywood, a historic hub of LGBTQ activism and community life, will still have access to a range of health and wellness services through other nonprofit and public health providers. However, the absence of Center WeHo is expected to be felt by long-time patients and supporters who have relied on its free and confidential services.

    The Los Angeles LGBT Center has not yet issued a formal public statement about the clinic’s closure, but updates are expected in the coming weeks as transition planning continues.

    In the meantime, patients currently receiving care at Center WeHo are encouraged to reach out to the Center’s Hollywood campus or visit the organization’s website for guidance on how to maintain continuity of care during and after the transition.

    As June approaches, the community will bid farewell to a facility that has played a vital role in West Hollywood’s LGBTQ health landscape. Still, the Center’s leadership remains focused on the future—one where every person, regardless of gender or sexuality, can access care with dignity and pride.

  • Los Angeles LGBT Center to Host ‘Juice Box’ Immersive Sensory Event for LBQT Women and Gender-Expansive Creators

    Los Angeles LGBT Center to Host ‘Juice Box’ Immersive Sensory Event for LBQT Women and Gender-Expansive Creators

    The Los Angeles LGBT Center is inviting the community to celebrate Women’s History Month with a vibrant, immersive experience at Juice Box on Saturday, March 29. This event, presented in partnership with Cuties Los Angeles and sponsored by women-owned Curvy Couture, will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and promises to be an afternoon full of sensory delights, creativity, and community engagement for LBQT women and gender-expansive individuals.

    Juice Box will showcase the talents of LBQT women and gender-expansive artists, creators, and entrepreneurs in an environment designed to ignite all five senses. Attendees can look forward to an electrifying blend of live performances, pulsating music, delicious food, aromatic experiences, and interactive activities, making this event a truly unique celebration of the queer community.

    Giovanna Fischer, Chief Equity Officer of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, emphasized the significance of Juice Box in honoring the contributions and resilience of queer women and gender-expansive individuals. “This Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to honor the resilience, leadership, and contributions of queer women and gender-expansive trailblazers who have been central to our collective liberation,” Fischer said. “Juice Box is a celebration of the LBQT experience through the radical act of centering our peace, joy, and pleasure.”

    A Sensory Journey Presented by Curvy Couture

    The event, which is free to attend with RSVP, will feature a variety of sensory experiences, with live music and performances creating a lively atmosphere. Guests will be treated to craft cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages at the Curvy Couture Pleasure Garden, a dedicated space for relaxation and enjoyment. For those looking for a more exclusive experience, an additional ticket can be purchased for a natural wine tasting session curated by Domaine LA. This session will highlight low-intervention wines from Californian LBQT winemakers, offering a unique chance to explore the intersection of queer culture and viticulture.

    “At Curvy Couture, we believe that Every Kind of Curvy & body deserves to be celebrated, empowered, and adorned in ways that make them feel seen and supported,” said Summer Beltran, Brand Marketing Manager at Curvy Couture. “Our partnership with the Center allows us to extend this mission beyond lingerie—creating a space where LBQT people can embrace joy, pleasure, and community through the sensorial experiences at Juice Box. We are honored to uplift and support this vibrant, diverse community.”

    Immersive Culinary and Artistic Experiences

    Food will play a central role at Juice Box, with an immersive tasting journey that promises to engage all the senses. The culinary experience is curated by renowned Chef Angel Dimayuga, who is known for blending art and food in innovative ways. Chef Dimayuga will collaborate with performance artist Coco Celeste to present a live shibari performance during the tasting, further enhancing the event’s multisensory appeal.

    “Food is more than sustenance—it’s a full-body experience that engages all five senses, awakening memory, connection, and culture,” Chef Dimayuga explained. “My food and art experience is an opportunity to celebrate the flavors, stories, and creativity of the LBQT community. It’s an honor to reach audiences with this intimate liberatory praxis. It’s an invitation to connect with yourself and one another with depth and levity in pleasurable, meaningful ways.”

    The interactive and multisensory approach is designed to foster a deeper connection between attendees and the art, food, and culture around them. Juice Box seeks to celebrate the LBQT experience through an immersive environment where creativity and community converge.

    Highlighting Key Programs and Initiatives

    In addition to the sensory experiences, Juice Box will also spotlight the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s vital programs and services for the LBQT community. An interactive booth at the event will provide information on key initiatives such as the Audre Lorde Health Program, the Trans Wellness Center, Center South, and the Trans Lounge. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about these programs and the essential services they provide to LGBTQ individuals across Los Angeles.

    “These programs are fundamental to the wellbeing and support of our community,” Fischer said. “We are proud to showcase the work of the Center and connect attendees with the resources they need to thrive.”

    RSVP and Media Information

    Juice Box is free to attend with RSVP, but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Those interested in attending the exclusive natural wine tasting session must purchase an additional ticket. To RSVP or learn more about the event, visit the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s official website at lalgbtcenter.org/JuiceBox.

    Members of the media interested in covering the event or seeking credentials can contact the Center’s media relations team at [email protected].

    An immersive, multi-sensory experience designed to celebrate the LBQT community through taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. The event will feature performances, interactive installations, food, and drink, all while spotlighting the artistry and entrepreneurship of LBQT women and gender-expansive creators.

    The Los Angeles LGBT Center is hosting Juice Box to bring together the LBQT community for a day of joy, celebration, and connection. This immersive event promises to be a highlight of Women’s History Month, creating space for expression, exploration, and the uplifting of diverse voices within the queer community.

    Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience—RSVP today and join in the celebration of LBQT resilience, creativity, and community.