LGBTQ culture in Los Angeles
Although often characterized as apolitical, “Los Angeles has provided the setting for many important chapters in the struggle for gay and lesbian community, visibility, and civil rights.
"[1] Moreover, Los Angeles' LGBTQ community has historically played a significant role in the development of the entertainment industry.
Although San Francisco is frequently imagined to be the epicenter of the mid-century Counterculture Movement, “Los Angeles endured the countercurrents of the 1960s as much as any other city in the country [...]”[4] More specifically, LA's Queer culture became visible and highly politicized in response to a string of violent bar raids that took place on Sunset Strip in the 60s.
Extremely harsh and oppressive police tactics, often referred to as "Draconian," eventually led the LAPD to seek out and aggressively monitor bars with predominately gay clienteles, including the Black Cat Tavern and The Patch.
(Personal Rights in Defense and Education) and SCCRH (Southern California Council on Religion and Homophile)[5] - are still considered to be "the first gay protests in America to attract significant numbers," preceding the Stonewall Riots by two years.
Other landmark achievements for the LGBT community in Los Angeles’ history that pre-date Stonewall include (but are not limited to): Modern examples of LGBT culture and history in Los Angeles include (but are not limited to): Pat Nordell was born (1932) and raised in Wheaton, Illinois.
[13] Martha Foster was a lesbian poet and fiction writer who lived in Los Angeles, California but was originally from the east coast.
[17] Beers joined the United States Air Force; after receiving an honorable discharge, she went into the National Reserves for 12 years but resigned in 1974 due to the anti-gay military policies.
Her work heavily connected Catholic ministries and gay and lesbian organizations to bridge the gap that exist between both communities.
Their goal is to undo ageism, sexism, and racism and build community empowerment through educational programming, national conferences, socials, and action.
Connexxus was successful in creating opportunities, such as opening your business, for women's’ professional development through their economic empowerment program.
They worked tirelessly to fight for accessible healthcare the HIV+ community, destigmatize stereotypes towards them, and provide information and education about existing services.
Pat Berlly, Gloria Muetzel, Irene Robertson, Jane Patterson, and Barbara Colby comprised the remaining voting committee members.
Throughout their time different chapters popped up beyond the Los Angeles area, such as San Gabriel and Orange County in California The goal of SCWU was twofold.
They believed that tackling these misconceptions would decrease and ultimately stop the hostility and discrimination against gay and lesbians in different facets of their life.
Some of their most popular events were the Speakers Bureau Panelist with local lesbian, “Canines, Lovers, & Felines too” workshop, Oldies but Goodies Night and Disco Dance, Outreach at the Beach, and camping weekends.
An important aspect of their meetings is consciousness-raising of political and social issues affecting lesbians, feminists, and nurses.
They mission and goals inspired collaborations with other community organizations that fought against homophobia and discrimination, a prime example the Southern California Women for Understanding.
They would meet biweekly at the homes of their members which created a sense of community and chosen family for the women who may otherwise not have that in their personal life.
These women committed for at least a year and spent numerous hours practicing to develop a professional and talented rapport in Los Angeles and beyond.
The LAWCC performed was asked to in a variety of venues such as universities, prisons, conventions, and local union and organizing meetings.
"[1] As a result, LGBT folks continue to debate West Hollywood's role as the political, cultural, and social center of the community.
Moreover, queer bars in LA were considered to be the most public aspect of homosexual life in the mid-20th century: the spaces themselves helped shape burgeoning individual and collective identities.
However, the newfound visibility of gay bars frequently led to violent raids by the Los Angeles Police Department.
In fact, “In 1969 alone the Los Angeles Police Department made 3,858 arrests under the category of crime it used to persecute homosexuals.
Ethnic LGBT+ organizations based in Los Angeles include GALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian Society, RAHA International and Satrang.
[43] Harry Hay established the Mattachine Society in Los Angeles in 1950;[44] the organization moved its headquarters from to San Francisco in the 1950s.
[48] The Los Angeles gay pride parade and festival is a large event held every June in West Hollywood.
