ONE BIG THING: PRIDE HISTORY IN DISTRICT 13
The Queer Community Has Always Been Here
LGBTQIA+ people have always called Los Angeles home. But for decades, they were forced to live in the shadows—subject to harassment, criminalization, and violence.
The Mattachine Society — Born in Silver Lake
In 1950, Harry Hay and Rudi Gernreich founded the Mattachine Society in Silver Lake – one of the first gay rights organizations in the US. Influenced by leftist politics, the group emphasized solidarity with other persecuted groups like Black, Mexican, and Jewish communities.
The Black Cat Raid and Protest
As queer culture became more prominent through the 1960s, so did the persecution.
On New Year’s Eve of 1966 at The Black Cat – a gay bar in Silver Lake – LAPD officers viciously beat patrons, arrested them, and even registered some as sex offenders just for expressing their love.
Two months later in February 1967, hundreds of protestors gathered at the Black Cat to stand up against the LAPD’s persecution, marking one of the first organized LGBT+ protests in the country – two years before the Stonewall Uprising.
The World’s First Organized Pride Parade
In 1970, the nonprofit Christopher Street West set out to organize the First Pride Parade in the Heart of Hollywood, but the Los Angeles Police Commission denied their permit request.
In response, ACLU SoCal successfully sued to allow the parade to continue. On June 28, 1970, over 2,000 people took to Hollywood Blvd for a tradition that would continue for the next 55 years and counting.
55 Years Later
We’ve obviously come a long way in the past five decades, but it’s important to remember our history, especially as the LGBTQ+, and especially the trans community, is under attack from the federal government.
This Pride Month, we’re harnessing love and joy as power to celebrate in the community and make it clear that the LGBTIA+ people aren’t going anywhere.
Click here to learn more about the queer history of LA
Three More Quick Hits!
- LA Pride this Sunday
This year’s LA Pride Parade is THIS SUNDAY (tomorrow!) starting at 11am!
Check out the parade route below, and visit Pride Village from 11am-8pm for free activities, music, swag, and fun.
Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
2. Tenant Resource Fair
Know someone struggling with rent or potentially facing eviction?
Make sure to stop by the We Are LA Tenant Resource Clinic on Saturday, June 21st from 9:30am-2pm at El Centro Del Pueblo (1157 Lemoyne St)
3. Congrats Class of 2025!
Love and joy were on the marquee at the Hollywood Bowl for the graduation of Hollywood High’s Class of 2025 this week!
It was truly heartwarming to experience the immense pride on display from all the families and graduates. Congratulations to all in the Class of 2025!
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Matilda, our Pet of the Week
This gorgeous girl is a Pitbull Terrier Mix, with a gorgeous coat & a heart full of gold.
This icon is currently in foster care, so to meet her email ani.foster@lacity.org!
