Los Angeles LGBT Center Celebrates 50 Years of Queer

Founded in 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has developed into what is now the largest LGBT organization in the world, with nearly 700 employees, thousands of volunteers and supporters, and many more thousands of people whose lives have been changed for the better. The Center offers programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy.

Throughout 2019, the Los Angeles LGBT Center is presenting 50 Years of Queer: signature and community-focused events and activities to help celebrate and commemorate the Center’s half-century milestone.

“This is a historic moment for the Center and for the LGBT community,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “Fifty years ago, a small group of volunteers banded together and decided to change the world. Perhaps that’s not how they thought of it, but that’s what happened. What better way to celebrate who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going than with a year-long set of opportunities for everyone to get involved!”

The year-long celebration will feature two landmark events that will serve as centerpieces of the anniversary festivities. On April 7, the Center opened the two-acre Anita May Rosenstein Campus, a first-of-its-kind complex in Hollywood which offers comprehensive multi-generational services and 100 beds for homeless youth, a new Senior Community Center and Youth Academy, and expanded programming and administrative space. Phase 2—scheduled to open in early 2020—will include 99 units of affordable housing for seniors and 25 supportive housing apartments for youth.

On September 21, a star-studded celebration and concert at the Greek Theatre will feature musical headliners and special guests, preceded by a sit-down gala dinner.

In celebration of 50 Years of Queer, events throughout the year will integrate important historical and cultural themes that highlight not only the history of the Center, but the LGBT movement at large. Read on for a guide to upcoming events presented by the Los Angeles LGBT Center during the year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary. For the latest event updates, follow the Center on social: @lalgbtcenter.

On Friday, May 31, LA Pride and the Los Angeles Dodgers are partnering on a “home run” Pride celebration, the 7th annual LGBT Night and third consecutive official LA Pride kickoff party at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles LGBT Center will be honored during pregame ceremonies with a Dodgers Community Hero Award.

This special event package includes a ticket to the game plus an exclusive rainbow-themed duffle bag. Come as early as 5:30pm to attend the LA Pride kickoff pre-game party at the Right Field Plaza Bar (until first pitch gets thrown at 7:10pm) and be sure to stay until the bottom of the 9th to watch fireworks on the field accompanied by a special music mix created by DJ Bowie Jane.

LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium will feature ceremonial first pitches by Dodger Owners Billie Jean King and Ilana Kross. The national anthem will be performed by singer, actor and strong supporter of the LGBT community Nikki Blonsky, best known for her roles in Hairspray, Geography Club and This is 40. The Dodgers will also welcome the cast and creator David Collins of the Netflix hit show Queer Eye, and former Dodger Billy Bean, who currently serves as Major League Baseball's Vice President & Special Assistant to the Commissioner, as special guests on LGBT Night.

For tickets, visit mlb.com/dodgers/tickets/specials/lgbt-night.

Join family, friends, and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community on Sunday, June 2 as the LA Galaxy celebrates Pride Night and the 50th anniversary of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Now in its sixth year, Pride Night is taking place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, featuring the five-time MLS Cup champions against the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. Prior to the match, American Idol Season 14 finalist and Center supporter Rayvon Owen will sing the National Anthem.

Pride Night ticket packages range from $20 to $116, with proceeds benefiting the Center. Every ticket holder of the specially-priced ticket packages will receive an exclusive Pride Night fanny pack designed with rainbow-colored straps.

Co-produced by the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation, AIDS/LifeCycle raises awareness about the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic and funds services such as HIV testing, prevention, care, and much more. Since 1993, when the Ride began as a for-profit event called "California AIDS Ride," participants have raised more than $200 million and completed more than 42,000 journeys on bikes from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

"It’s a life-changing ride—not a race—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside." The seven-day, 545-mile ride starts in San Francisco on Sunday, June 2 and takes cyclists through 58 towns, across 8 counties and all the way to Los Angeles.

The ride ends on Saturday, June 8 at Fairfax High School, which will host the Finish Line Festival from 11am to 5pm:

• As they ride through the Finish Line chute, participants will be welcomed and cheered-on by friends and family of all ages.
• The main stage on the festival field will have beats and fun music to keep everyone dancing.
• Lunch will be served in the food truck village with 10+ trucks serving diverse and delicious cuisine.
• Roll in by 5pm and gather on the festival field for the end-of-event video presentation.
• Cyclists will pick up a victory t-shirt and take photos with friends – new and old!

The Los Angeles LGBT Center has been selected as the Organizational Grand Marshal for this year’s LA Pride Parade, taking place in West Hollywood on Sunday, June 9. The Center’s marching contingency will hold placards depicting LGBT individuals who posed for the 50 Years of Queer campaign.This year's Community Grand Marshal, Phill Wilson is an LA-based activist whose career began after he and his partner were diagnosed with AIDS in the early 1980s. This is one of the highlight events of LA Pride Week 2019 and definitely should not be missed. Be sure to arrive early to get a great spot along the parade route.

Presented by the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the annual Trans Pride L.A. festival is one of the oldest and largest trans celebrations in the country. The festivities will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 14-15 at the Renberg Theatre in The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. Trans Pride L.A. is a vibrant weekend event full of food, fun, community building, outreach and celebrates the resiliency and strength of the community. The entire weekend is offered completely free to the public. RSVP at Eventbrite.

The fun begins on Friday at 7:30 pm with the Big Queer Convo, the Center’s long-running community forum/interview series that brings together luminaries and influencers of the trans/GNC/ENBY community to discuss subject matter that is often overlooked within our community. The panelists include Jacob Tobia, author of Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story, and Transparent cast member Alexandra Grey with more TBA.The forum is followed by an hors d’oeuvres/dessert reception and art opening in the adjacent Advocate/Gochis Gallery.

The Saturday festival begins at noon and features a panel on the gender non-conforming/non-binary community, a workshop for parents of trans/GNC/ENBY children developed by youth from the LifeWorks youth mentoring program, story time for younger guests, an amazing inter-generational art exhibit exploring the the new gender revolution, a clothing swap, name & gender change clinic, over 40 community organizations offering outreach opportunities, free food and beverages. The event is capped off with the Varie”T”y show, featuring several talented trans entertainers.

On Friday, June 21 the Los Angeles LGBT Center presents OUT Under the Stars, featuring a special screening of Hairspray (2007) at Hollywood Forever. It's 1962, and change is in the air in Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion—to dance! This unforgettable summer movie night, benefiting the Center’s programs and services will feature amazing food and drink from LA vendors, DJ, celebrity guest appearances and more. Come early to relax and picnic while you enjoy the event and make sure to get free swag and participate in various photo activations. Center members giving $25+/month or more will enjoy complimentary and early admission to the screening. Tickets on sale at Eventbrite.

Join Angel City Brewery and the Los Angeles LGBT Center on Sunday, June 23 to celebrate Pride month under the summer sun. Enjoy a specially brewed LGBT Pride Beer and celebrate the LGBT community and the final day of L.A. Beer Week with live entertainment, comedians and more.

General admission is free. VIP tickets are on sale at Eventbrite and include guaranteed expedited entry, a limited-edition, signature stainless steel pint tumbler; one free beer, and the knowledge that your support has made a direct impact on the LGBT community. There will be plenty of giveaways to commemorate the day as well as OUT at Angel City t-shirts available for sale, with proceeds helping to support the Center. All are welcome, allies encouraged.

Join the Los Angeles LGBT Center for OUT Under the Stars on Friday, August 16, featuring a special screening of Dreamgirls (2006) at Hollywood Forever. With show stopping performances by a an all-star cast (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson), Dreamgirls soars with the amazing story of three female singers who learn that anything is possible when you hold on to your dreams.

This unforgettable summer movie night, benefiting the Center’s programs and services will feature amazing food and drink from LA vendors, DJ, celebrity guest appearances and more. Come early to relax and picnic while you enjoy the event and make sure to get free swag and participate in various photo activations. Center members giving $25+/month or more will enjoy complimentary and early admission to the screening. Tickets on sale at Eventbrite.