In recognition of Pride Month, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti reminded the public that “we will always stand with every Angeleno who is fighting for equality, respect, and dignity for all people.”
“Everyone should be free to live their truth, love who they choose, and find acceptance in the place they call home,” Garcetti said. “LGBTQ Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the long march to justice and tolerance, and to honor those who have devoted themselves to building a world that is free from hatred and safe for all — no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Los Angeles takes pride in the activism and accomplishments of our LGBTQ community.”
The city of Los Angeles is recognized as a national leader in advancing LGBTQ rights, and in 2016 earned a perfect score for the fifth consecutive year on an equality survey by the Human Rights Campaign.
LA recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the nation’s first LGBTQ protest at the Black Cat restaurant in Silver Lake. The city is also the birthplace of the Mattachine Society — one of the first gay rights organizations — and the site of the first gay pride parade on the West Coast.
Last year, Garcetti announced that LA would become the nation’s largest city to establish a permanent council of transgender community leaders to advise on how to best serve the needs of transgender Angelenos.