Visual art, poetry, historic contributions
The City of Los Angeles has unveiled a booklet intended to connect Angelenos to various events to kick off this year’s Pride Month, and honored a trio of groups for their contributions to the city’s LGBT community.
Daniel Tarica, general manager of the Department of Cultural Affairs, thanked Mayor Karen Bass, Councilwoman Traci Park–who led the June 2 presentation recognizing LGBT Heritage Month—and the rest of City Council for their support to celebrate the “creative artistry and important contributions of our LGBT community.”
“The Department of Cultural Affairs has been honored to produce the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender heritage cultural guide and calendar for nearly two decades,” Tarica said. “This year, we continue the condition by presenting the 2023 edition.”
The LGBTQ+ Heritage Month booklet contains visual art and poetry from a selection of established and emerging LGBT artists, in addition to the many events, activities, art exhibitions and community events happening throughout June.
“This month is a celebration of identity, promoting self-expression and the right to live authentically and helps combat homophobia, prejudice and discrimination by fostering and understanding diversity,” Tarica said.
Park acknowledged the ties between her 11th District and the LGBTQ+ community.
“It does not escape me that the district that I represent was formerly led by two openly gay representatives for 17 years,” Park said. “City Council District 11 is honored to host this year’s celebration to get us all in the spirit of Pride.”
Park brought out the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles to kick off a special recognition of Pride. Then the council honored LGBTQ+ community organizations and city staff.
“Throughout the weekend and Pride month, CD 11 is really excited to stand with our LGBTQ+ communities,” Park said.
Park recognized Venice Pride, while Councilman Curren Price acknowledged DTLA Proud, and Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez honored the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence–a longtime charity organization made up of queer nuns spotlighted recently by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to un-invite and then re-invite the group to Pride Night.
“The L.A. sisters have been serving the LGBT+ community in Southern California for over 27 years now,” Soto-Martinez said. “The work that they’ve done is done with great love and compassion for the communities that they serve.”
Tarica and Park also encouraged Angelenos to visit an exhibit that city staff curated on the City Hall bridge.
