A wave of events highlighting LGBTQ+ visibility and activism took place recently in Los Angeles, showcasing the thriving and resilient queer community amidst ongoing challenges and a politically polarized climate.
Jessica Wagstaff, founder of Homology L.A., partnered with The Queer 26 to produce an inclusive event called Lez Brunch, scheduled for May 17.
This brunch, hosted at Sorry Not Sorry, a popular cocktail bar known for embracing LGBTQ+ culture, aims not just to celebrate but to provide a safe and affirming space where all attendees can feel recognized and welcomed.
A fundamental belief of Wagstaff is the importance of making sure every individual feels safe and included, especially in the current socio-political landscape.
To illustrate this commitment, Wagstaff emphasizes the unique approach taken with the event’s ticketing platform, Sickening Events, which respects attendees’ identities by allowing them to use names that may differ from their legal names.
“We want attendees to know we care about who they are right from the start of their experience,” Wagstaff stated.
Additionally, proceeds from Lez Brunch will be donated to nonprofit and mutual aid organizations, reinforcing a strong sense of community and outreach.
The performers featured in the brunch also mirror the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community, providing representation and ensuring that attendees can see themselves reflected in the event.
Wagstaff, who is also a licensed security guard, plans to prioritize the safety of all participants by implementing a code of conduct that will be promoted by staff and performers throughout the event.
Ruthie Alcaide will be hosting the brunch, lending her platform as a Nevada-based TV personality with a history of representing queer voices.
In another significant event, the Los Angeles Blade has been active in fostering discussions around LGBTQ+ rights through a series of community panels.
A recent discussion entitled “Time To Get Informed, Time To Resist” was held at The Abbey in West Hollywood, focusing on organizing and protecting queer rights in the face of governmental challenges.
Notable panelists included West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers and former Mayor Abbe Land, both of whom emphasized the need for focused, persistent activism despite the emotional toll of political turbulence.
Several speakers pointed to the heightened threats against vulnerable communities, particularly trans youth, who are increasingly targetted in various legislative attacks.
Reyes Salinas of Equality California remarked on the importance of protecting trans youth and families and highlighted the need to continue improving laws that offer them protections.
Panelist Chris Baldwin conveyed a message of resilience, stating that the challenges currently faced by marginalized communities are reminiscent of historical civil rights struggles.
In conjunction with events such as Lez Brunch and community discussions, Lesbian Visibility Week also took place, further honoring and celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals.
This weeklong event was created by The Curve Foundation to spotlight the accomplishments and experiences of lesbian and sapphic individuals.
A highlight of the week included a BIPOC Lesbian Speed Mingling event, which immediately sold out, signifying a strong demand for inclusive social opportunities within the community.
The week featured various gatherings, including a Drag King takeover at Micky’s in West Hollywood and the Lynx for Lez Speed Mingle night at Adelita’s Revenge, a Latinx, queer-owned space in Long Beach.
Another notable event from Lesbian Visibility Week was the Queer Women in Sports Day panel at Watch Me! Sports Bar, showcasing influential women in the sports industry and discussing their journeys and challenges.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Queerties Awards aims to shine a spotlight on impactful LGBTQ+ moments in entertainment and culture.
Scheduled for March 11 at The Avalon in Hollywood, the awards celebrate excellence in various creative fields and highlight the community’s resilience in face of ongoing challenges.
Emceed by drag superstar Bob the Drag Queen, the ceremony promises recognition and celebration while honoring the voices and stories of LGBTQ+ creators.
The voting for the Queerties is community-driven, allowing readers to choose the winners, reinforcing a strong sense of empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to these events, Murray Hill was also set to perform his show “Murray Hill As Himself” at The Lodge Room in Los Angeles, further showcasing the rich tapestry of queer talent and storytelling.
Hill’s performances aim to take up space for trans people through humor and humanity, a goal aligned with the essence of many events occurring within the community.
The LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles is marked by resilience, creativity, and a shared pursuit of visibility and celebration.
As evidenced by these events and discussions, the spirit of activism continues to thrive, and the community’s diverse voices are more crucial than ever in the current sociopolitical landscape.
image source from：https://www.losangelesblade.com/2025/04/25/party-with-a-purpose-lesbian-brunch-now-b-hosted-at-sorry-not-sorry/
