In the heart of South Central Los Angeles lies Trinity Recreation Center, known as Trinity Park, considered what some might refer to as a “hood staple.”

Although there is no denying the park’s history of gang-related incidents and even death, for many, the park is also a place full of profound memories, cherished as one of the only green spaces and gathering places within a community that is often underserved. The park sits in the city’s 9th Council District (CD-9), a district known for its lack of green spaces. 

 South Central L.A. is often characterized by an over concentration of liquor stores and a lack of quality, affordable grocery stores and sit-down restaurants, contributing to high rates of heart disease, diabetes and premature death among South L.A. residents. 

For me, the park brings me back to a time when life was easier. It was the place where I made my first friend. This park was my large family’s front yard for over three years and a place that I have passed by and walked through for over two decades. 

Trinity Park was one of the first places I have memories of. A year after my family immigrated to the U.S., we moved into a three-bedroom house across the street from the park. The first year in the states was difficult for my mother, who juggled two jobs. 

For me, understanding very little English and not being able to speak it made it extremely difficult to communicate or connect with other kids and adults at school. My thick accent was always a point of concern and embarrassment. 

Trinity Park, which in the early 2000s was even more notorious for crime and shootings, was a special place for my family and me during the almost three years that we lived neighboring it. 

When my mother worked long hours, my aunts and uncles would take me to the park at least twice a week, where I would run uncontrollably and ride the swings for as long as possible. The park, in a sense, saw me grow up and helped me build a close sense of community at a time when I felt very alone and isolated. 

That, too, is what the park has been to many of the kids and community living in the park’s surroundings. Trinity Park, is also located 12 minutes from downtown L.A., in an area of South Central L.A. known as Historic South Central within CD-9, where the majority of the population is composed of Black and Latino working-class families. 

The Trinity Recreation Center opened its doors in 1968. In the last few years, there have been significant upgrades and additions to the park, including the 2016 opening of a synthetic soccer field and a skate park, which officially opened in 2021. 

To what to many outsiders might look like an unsafe and unpredictable piece of land, Trinity Park holds dear memories for many of those who have passed through or hung out in the park at some point in their lives. 

The park was also where I remember making my first true friend in L.A., a friendship that wasn’t sparked because we went to the same class or because our parents knew each other, but because of a simple connection between kids while playing. I don’t remember her name, but the photo below was taken the day I met her at Trinity Park. 

My mother, on one of her only days off, had taken me to the park. It was the summer of 2004 and we arrived at the park close to sunset. I wish I could recall more than us playing tag and running around the park, but I remember the feeling of making my first friend, one I had made on my own. We probably spent three to four hours together that day playing and at the end of it all, my mother ran across the street to bring her camera. I think she, too, wanted to preserve the memory, the feeling of seeing her daughter connect with another kid after what had been a very tough time in both of our lives. 

Brenda’s friend she made in Trini Park (L) and Brenda (R) pose together at Trinity Park in 2004.

(Photo courtesy of Brenda Fernanda Verano)

That was also the park where I taught myself to ride a bike and that gave me confidence, something that was hard for me to find as a kid. 

Later in life, although we moved out of the home across the street from the park, my family and I continued living in that same neighborhood and all throughout my high school journey, I walked through that park every day to get to school. In middle school, the park was also a meetup place for my friends and me after school, where we would hang out and share music playlists. 

The park has been a silent but consistent entity from childhood to now — adulthood — always in the background of pieces and times in my life.

EDITORS NOTE: This article was published through the Bezos Fellowship grant provided by the Ethnic Media Services, which recently changed its name to American Community Media. The article was written by Brenda Fernanda Verano, an award-winning journalist and reporter for CALÓ News, a local non-profit newsroom focusing on the Latin American community of Los Angeles.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla of California was forcibly removed from a federal building in Los Angeles after attempting to ask questions of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a press conference on immigration Thursday

The city has been rattled in recent days as protestors objecting to the Trump-Vance administration’s immigration crackdowns clashed with law enforcement and then the president deployed National Guard troops and U.S. Marines, which was seen as a dramatic escalation.

According to a video shared by his office, the senator, who serves as ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, introduced himself and said, I have questions for the secretary.” After he was pushed out of the room, officers with FBI-identifying vests told Padilla to put his hands behind his back and handcuffed him.

“Senator Padilla is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government’s operations in Los Angeles and across California,” reads a statement from his office.

“He was in the federal building to receive a briefing with General Guillot and was listening to Secretary Noem’s press conference,” the statement continued. “He tried to ask the secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information.”

Democrats were furious, with many releasing strong statements online condemning the actions of law enforcement officers, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D), and the state’s other U.S. senator, Adam Schiff (D).

Human Rights Campaign Chief of Staff Jay Brown also issued a statement: “A sitting U.S. senator should be allowed to ask a Cabinet secretary a question at a press conference — in his own state, on an issue affecting his constituents — without being violently thrown to the floor and handcuffed. Everyone who cares about our country must condemn this undemocratic act. Full stop.”

Trans Lifeline has been named Best Nonprofit by readers of the LA Blade, a powerful nod to the trans-led organization’s work supporting the community through some of the most challenging years in recent memory.

The organization, which operates as a peer-run crisis hotline and resource network for trans people, was founded on the belief that no one understands what trans people need better than trans people themselves. Now North America’s largest trans-led direct service provider, Trans Lifeline offers peer support, microgrants, and advocacy for trans individuals in crisis, with every service shaped by lived experience and radical care.

In June 2024, Trans Lifeline welcomed kai alviar horton* as Executive Director. horton’s leadership has been defined by a deep commitment to love, liberation, and community care. Under his guidance, the organization has prioritized internal health, invested in hotline and support teams and fostered a culture where trans leadership, particularly from Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, thrives.

The past year brought growth, but also unimaginable grief. In 2024, over 533 anti-trans bills were introduced at the state level and more than 80 at the federal level. Trans Lifeline stood firm in its mission amid the onslaught of legislative attacks. At the same time, the community mourned the loss of at least 350 trans people, many of them Black and brown trans women and femmes. For the team at Trans Lifeline, those losses are not just statistics. They are personal, collective and deeply felt.

“We could never have imagined the depth of connection, healing, and resilience we would experience together,” said Myles Markham, speaking on behalf of the organization. “There are no words to capture that grief. Through it all, Trans Lifeline has continued to serve as a symbol of unwavering love.”

That love is translating into urgent, expansive action. Early into 2025, Trans Lifeline  experienced a 400% increase in call volume. To meet the moment, the organization scaled up operations by hiring more operators, launching a new text-based support line and training a fresh cohort of volunteers. They’ve also begun rebuilding the infrastructure for their beloved microgrants program, with plans to relaunch it before the end of the year. The program provides direct financial assistance to trans individuals, part of the group’s core commitment to economic justice.

Being voted Best Nonprofit of the year carries heavy symbolic weight. “This award gives Trans Lifeline prominent exposure among Angelinos who are LGBTQ, allied, or seeking support,” said Markham. “It signals to our donors, partners, volunteers, and crisis service users that the organization is valued and trusted by the trans community.”

Recognition like this is especially meaningful for peer-led organizations. 

“It goes such a long way in demonstrating that investing in work led by those directly impacted is the only way forward,” they added. “The Blade’s award reinforces the value of our lived experience and our service to trans people in crisis.”

And for trans youth, their message is simple and unwavering: “It’s okay to not feel okay right now. We are in your corner today and forever. You can call or text us at (877) 565-8860—whether you’re in crisis or not, even if you’re not sure if you’re trans. We love you and are here to support you through it all.”
To support TransLifeline visit their website.

The Trending Up Conference brought together influential digital voices, lawmakers, advocacy organizations and movement leaders to discuss how creators are redefining the political landscape. Last month, over 200 content creators gathered in the nation’s capital, not to chase likes or algorithmic trends, but to take meaningful action in shaping policy.

Through collaborative sessions on topics ranging from the economy and climate change to LGBTQ rights, immigration, reproductive rights, education and disability justice, the conference showcased the powerful role creators play in shaping public discourse. It also provided dedicated spaces for creators and policymakers to work side by side, building connections and strategizing for impactful change.

“The more we collaborate and work together, the more successful we will be in advocating for human rights for everyone,” said Barrett Pall, a life coach and influencer in the queer community.

Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL) the youngest member of Congress, discussed innovative strategies for civic engagement. He emphasized the importance of meeting young voters where they are — through culture, music, and storytelling — to combat political disengagement. Frost, a former organizer and musician himself, has long championed the use of creative platforms to mobilize underrepresented communities and inspire a new generation to participate in the democratic process.

His remarks aligned with a central goal of the conference: to empower creators to drive political awareness and action, particularly among young voters whose turnout in recent elections has been alarmingly low.

Warren emphasized the importance of creators in driving meaningful change.

“You are the people making America’s national conversation. What we’re trying to do here matters, and you’re part of that fight,” urged Sen. Warren, adding that they should recognize their power and responsibility. “If enough of us tell enough stories, we’ve got a real chance to build a country where every kid has a fighting chance.”

She continued by reinforcing the value of our voices.

“This moment is up to you to make the decision,” she said. Warren then asked the audience, “what are you going to do when your country is in real trouble?” Warren’s message was clear: creators are essential in this moment and our voices must be uplifted and leveraged in the fight to reshape the nation for the better. 

“We need to find ways to talk to each other across this nation and that conversation starts with all of you,” she said. 

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also emphasized the importance of reaching audiences across all platforms. 

“Whether it’s going on Fox or going on Flagrant, how can I blame somebody for not embracing the message that I believe in if they haven’t heard it? We’ve gotta be cross-cutting these platforms [or else] no one is persuading anybody,” said Buttigieg. 

He believes in meeting people where they are, spreading progressive messaging in language that resonates, and ensuring that those who might not typically hear his message have access to it.

“Democrats used to think that they were the ones who were digitally savvy,” he added. “The algorithm is not neutral.” A recent study revealed that TikTok’s algorithm during the 2024 presidential race disproportionately recommended conservative content — Republican posts received 11.8% more recommendations than Democratic content. This highlights how platforms themselves can skew the political narrative, further underscoring the necessity for creators to actively push back against these digital biases.

“What we build next has to be different from what we inherited,” Buttigieg said. “You are at the very heart of that — that’s why I’m here today.”

While Buttigieg advocates for engaging across platforms, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approach has raised concerns. Instead of using his platform to meet a broad spectrum of voters, Newsom has recently chosen to amplify far-right voices. His decision to invite extremist figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon onto his podcast under the guise of creating a “middle ground” is deeply troubling. At the same time, Newsom — who once championed California as a sanctuary for transgender youth and a defender of inclusive education—has taken a stance against transgender women and girls competing in female sports, calling it “deeply unfair.”

“I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness, it’s deeply unfair. We’ve got to own that. We’ve got to acknowledge it,” he told Kirk. This capitulation to conservative talking points doesn’t just undermine his past work—it emboldens those who are trying to dismantle hard-won rights.

At Trending Up, creators pushed back against this political drift by meeting directly with California representatives to discuss urgent social issues — including threats to Medicaid, the pink tax, disability rights and the disproportionate impact of billionaire tax breaks. Across these conversations, one thing was clear: creators are not just influencers. We are educators, mobilizers and trusted voices in out communities, capable of translating policy into stories people care about.

Tiffany Yu reflected that Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove’s presence alone spoke volumes: “Her showing up to create content with us meant that she understood we as creators are more than just influencers — we’re mobilizers and educators.” Ashley Nicole echoed this sentiment after meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“When people know, they will resist — but they have to know about it,” said Nicole. That quote stuck with me because it highlights how important it is to get information in front of people in a way they can connect with.”

Loren Piretra emphasized the urgency of economic justice: “We talked about the billionaire tax breaks…and how most people don’t realize they’re closer to being unhoused than to being billionaires.” Meanwhile, Nikki Sapiro Vinckier described her conversation with Rep. Ami Bera as a rare moment of digital fluency from an elected official.

“His willingness to engage on camera signals that he sees value in creator-led political communication, which isn’t always the case.”

These interactions underscore the evolving role of content creators as vital conduits between policymakers and the public. By translating political complexity into accessible, engaging content, creators aren’t just informing their audiences — they’re mobilizing them toward meaningful civic engagement.

In a media landscape dominated by far-right outrage and rampant disinformation, creators using their platforms for good are a powerful counterforce—reclaiming truth and championing the issues that matter most. While extremist voices often dominate the conversation, the majority of Americans stand with the progressive causes creators at Trending Up are fighting for: reproductive rights, LGBTQ protections, and climate action. It’s time for elected officials to stop pandering to the far-right and start amplifying the voices of the people driving change.

This moment demands more than political compromise — it calls for bold leadership that empowers creators who are already shaping a better future. Uplifting these voices is not just strategic; it is crucial for protecting democracy and ensuring that progress, not division, is at the heart of our nation’s political discourse.

ICE raids have taken place across Los Angeles County over the last few days and tens of thousands of Angelenos have taken to the streets to protest against the raids and the police brutality involved in the arrests.

The Trump administration has threatened to arrest Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass if they were to interfere with the ICE raids. In response, California has now filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration.

Early Monday morning, the U.S. Northern Command announced that it activated around 700 Marines, after the Pentagon and the Trump administration deployed around 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles over the weekend. As of today, Trump has deployed double the amount of National Guard troops and ICE raids are said to continue for the next 30 days. The deployment is set to cost $134 million and last 60 days or more according to Secretary Pete Hegseth and a senior defense official. 

Reporters have been hit with rubber bullets, batons and have been tear gassed while trying to document the protests. There are eyewitness reports and video footage showing police officers trampling people over with horses, running people over with squad cars and detaining people who have legal status.

In a broadcast interview with CNN, Mayor Bass stated that she believes that if ICE raids hadn’t happened on Friday, we would not be seeing the type of disorder we are seeing. The Los Angeles Police Department declared Downtown L.A. an unlawful assembly area after union president David Huerta was detained by ICE along with several undocumented immigrants. Huerta appeared in court on Monday and was released on a $50,000 bond. 

LAPD Chief Jim Donnell says they have adapted their tactics to arrest people, but that they are ultimately “overwhelmed” by the number of protesters. 

“We have adapted our tactics to take these people into custody and to be able to hold them accountable,” said Chief Donnell. “We are overwhelmed as far as the number of people out there engaged in this type of activity,” 

Mayor Bass said she was “completely in sync” with what the police chief stated, adding that she believes there is enough video footage to prosecute protestors even if they did not get arrested on scene.

“Some people might think that just because they haven’t gotten arrested on the spot, that they’ve gotten away with it and the message I would send is: there’s ton of video tape and people who didn’t get arrested today for committing violent acts — don’t plan on the fact that you get off because you can get arrested in the next few days,” said Mayor Bass. 

Mayor Bass doubled-down on her statement regarding the ICE raids and how L.A. is a city of immigrants and ICE raids will continue to affect the local economy. 

There have also been reports that ICE raids are taking place across schools and graduation ceremonies. 

Los Angeles Unified School District is set to deploy school police to set up safe zones around graduations and school campuses amid these raids targeting celebrations. According to the LA Times, school police will patrol and guard campus entrances when ICE and Border Patrol are seen in the area. Graduation ceremonies will become sanctuaries for families until immigration agents disperse from the area. 

Medical providers like St. John’s Community Health released a statement on the issue. 

“The aggressive increase in ICE activity is forcing already vulnerable people to fear going to the doctor, school, or even the grocery store — and putting countless families in danger,” said Jim Mangia, president and CEO of St. John’s Community Health.

Community leaders like Tony Hoang, executive director at Equality California stated that as a child of immigrants, it deeply saddens him to see the ICE raids take place across Los Angeles.

“Equality California joins Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta in calling for an end to National Guard deployment. We condemn the raids that have occurred and are continuing, which are xenophobic and traumatizing to families, individuals, and communities,” he said.

“We stand in solidarity with immigrant communities across Los Angeles and the state—and we call on every leader, at every level of government, to reject this assault on our values and take urgent action to protect those under threat.”

Forty nine members of Congress and two U.S. senators, all Democrats, signed a letter Monday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding information about Andry Hernández Romero, a gay Venezuelan national who was deported to El Salvador and imprisoned in the country’s notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, a maximum-security prison known by the Spanish acronym CECOT

“We are deeply concerned about the health and wellbeing of Mr. Hernández Romero, who left Venezuela after experiencing discriminatory treatment because of his sexual orientation and opposition to Venezuela’s authoritarian government,” the lawmakers wrote. They urged the State Department to facilitate his access to legal counsel and take steps to return him.

After passing a credible fear interview and while awaiting a court hearing in March, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly transported Hernández out of the U.S. without due process or providing evidence that he had committed any crime.

In the months since, pressure has been mounting. This past WorldPride weekend in Washington was kicked off with a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court and a fundraiser, both supporting Hernández and attended by high profile figures including members of Congress, like U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.)

U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) was among the four members who wrote to Rubio about Hernández in April. On Friday, he spoke with the Los Angeles Blade before he and his colleagues, many more of them this time, sent the second letter to Rubio.

“There’s a lot of obviously horrible things that are happening with the asylum process and visas and international students and just the whole of our value system as it relates to immigration,” he said, which “obviously, is under attack.”

“Andry’s case, I think, is very unique and different,” the congressman continued. “There is, right now, public support that is building. I think he has captured people’s attention. And it’s growing — this is a movement that is not slowing down. He’s going to be a focal point for Pride this year. I mean, I think people around the world are interested in the story.”

Garcia said he hopes the momentum will translate to progress on requests for proof of life, adding that he was optimistic after meeting with Hernández’s legal team earlier on Friday.

“I mean, the president, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio — any of these folks could could ask to see if just he’s alive,” the congressman said, referring to the secretary of Homeland Security, whom he grilled during a hearing last month. ICE is housed under the DHS.

“People need to remember, the most important part of this that people need to remember, this isn’t just an immigration issue,” Garcia noted. “This is a due process issue. This is an asylum case. We gave him this appointment. The United States government told him to come to his appointment, and then we sent him to another country, not his own, and locked him up with no due process. That’s the issue.”

Garcia said that so far neither he nor his colleagues nor Hernández’s legal team were able to get “any answers from the administration, which is why we’re continuing to advocate, which is why we’re continuing to reach out to Secretary Rubio.”

“A lot more Democrats are now engaged on this issue,” he said. U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, both from California, joined Monday’s letter. “The more that we can get folks to understand how critical this is, the better. The momentum matters here. And I think Pride does provide an opportunity to share his story.”

Asked what the next steps might be, Garcia said “we’re letting his legal team really take the lead on strategy,” noting that Hernández’s attorneys have “already engaged with the ACLU” and adding, “It’s very possible that the Supreme Court could take this on.”

In the meantime, the congressman said “part of our job is to make sure that that people don’t forget Andry and that there is awareness about him, and I think there’s a responsibility, particularly during WorldPride, and during Pride, all throughout the month — like, this is a story that people should know. People should know his name and and people should be aware of what’s going on.”

As Los Angeles Black Pride (LABP) gears up for another saucy season of celebration, culture, and resistance, we are proud to announce a new six-week media partnership between LABP and the Los Angeles Blade. This collaboration is not just promotion but intention. It is about making sure Black queer voices are not just heard, but honored and amplified.

To kick it off, we are excited to announce that Saucy Santana will headline LABP’s Saturday night main stage. Known for their unapologetic energy, queer-centric bops, and fearless showmanship, Santana represents exactly what LABP is about — joy as power, presence as protest, and visibility that refuses to be diminished.

The theme for LABP 2025 is “Black Queer Futures Are Now: We Are No Longer Waiting to Be Seen.” Our partnership sets the tone for what’s to come. It is a shared commitment to telling Black queer stories, past and present, and investing in what’s to come.

What started as a party born out of necessity has now become a full-scale movement. LABP Executive Director Brandon Anthony, who began his journey throwing parties like Ice Cream Thursdays, recounts the roots of this project:

“It started off as something I felt was missing… a space that felt like us: where the music hit right, where the energy felt familiar, and where we could just be,” he says. “What began as a vibe we needed grew into a platform. Now, it’s a business, a brand, a movement, but at the heart of it, I’m still just someone who wanted to create space for my community to feel good, feel seen, and feel proud.”

From nightlife to nationwide recognition, LABP is proof that when Black queer folks create for themselves, the result is not just representation, it’s revolution. In a landscape where many Pride events still sideline Black and Brown voices, LABP has become a necessary act of reclamation.

“Because if we don’t, who will?” Anthony asks. “Too often we get left out or placed in the background. Our energy, our style, our voices — we drive the culture. When we center ourselves, it gives others permission to do the same. Joy is more than a feeling, it’s a form of resistance.”

That resistance has never been more needed. From limited funding to systemic erasure, LABP continues to thrive against the odds. But the message is clear: thriving should never necessitate struggle.

“We’re not just asking for visibility — we’re asking for the tools to thrive,” he explains. “Now more than ever, we need partners who are aligned with the people, not just the optics.”

With the 2025 theme of “Legacy and Leadership in Action,” LABP honors the trailblazers who paved the way. Icons like Jewel Thais-Williams, founder of the legendary Catch One, are celebrated annually through the Jewel Thais-Williams Award.

“Catch One wasn’t just a nightclub, it was a safe haven,” Anthony shares. “Legacy isn’t just about the past. It’s about lifting up the folks doing the work right now and keeping that energy alive.”

LABP continues that work through programming that extends far beyond June. Year-round initiatives include pop-up markets, health services, creative workshops, and political advocacy.

“One of the moments that really showed what we stand for was the All Black Lives Matter march in 2020,” he says. “We co-led it alongside Gerald Garth, and it was powerful to see thousands show up for Black Trans lives. That wasn’t just a moment – it was a movement.”

Whether it’s showcasing emerging artists on stage, uplifting Black trans creatives, or building platforms for new leaders, LABP is focused on making sure the next generation has room to grow.

“When people are given a platform to show what they can do, it creates more than visibility, it creates momentum,” he says. “That’s what keeps everything moving forward.”

And with names like Saucy Santana taking center stage, that movement is gaining speed. Santana’s headlining performance isn’t just a concert — it’s a declaration. It says that Black queer talent is main-stage worthy, every time. This partnership is not performative – it’s purposeful. It’s a bridge between platforms, audiences, and shared values.

“LA Blade has a huge reach, and by choosing to amplify Black queer voices, they’re helping bridge gaps and build deeper understanding,” says Anthony. “This isn’t about charity or tokenism. It’s about showing the world who we are, what we’re building, and why it deserves to be seen.”

In the words of LABP’s ongoing mission: We are no longer waiting to be seen. We are building what’s next.

Citing the need for experienced leadership to protect LGBTQ rights and control the skyrocketing cost of living in Los Angeles, West Hollywood City Council member John Erickson has announced a bid for the California Senate District 24 seat that will be up for election in November 2026.

“I’m running for California state Senate because after what I’ve seen, not only from the first few months of the Trump administration, the devastating fires, but also the impact of what we’re seeing on our state budget from federal and state budget cuts,” Erickson says. 

“And as an LGBTQ elected official, and someone who’s lived paycheck to paycheck and deals with housing insecurity because I live in a rent-controlled apartment, I understand the different ways that the rising costs of living impact our lives. We need someone up there who lives these realities.”

The sprawling district, which includes West Hollywood, Hollywood, Malibu, Agoura Hills, Santa Monica, and many of the South Bay cities, is currently represented by term-limited Sen. Ben Allen. Erickson says his experience on WeHo City Council makes him an ideal representative for this diverse collection of communities. 

“That’s why West Hollywood is such a great test case for it, because we have so many different communities and populations,” he says. “All of these different locations, they all make up people who are really well versed in what’s going on and progressive, but also wanting to make sure government’s working for them.”

While California has long been a leader on LGBTQ rights, Erickson says it’s still important to have queer representatives at the state level.

“Having more representation is always critical, right? If you see it you can believe it and you can achieve it,” he says, citing his proven leadership on West Hollywood City Council. 

Erickson says the attacks on LGBTQ rights are intensifying both from the federal government and the courts, and California needs lawmakers who are prepared to stand up for us.

“There are challenges in the state of Texas that are trying to make PrEP and PEP completely illegal to get, so we need to make sure that we’re doing all that we can to make sure access to that is available,” he says. 

And when it comes to trans rights, Erickson is unequivocal in his support for trans people, despite growing hostility from the federal government, and Gov. Newsom’s recent calls for trans women to be excluded from sports.

“We can never and should never put equality on the chopping block for any member of any community,” he says. “We have seen individuals playing in sports who have full rights and dignity of who they are in their lives and that needs to be honored and uplifted.” 

Erickson says he has a plan to stand up for trans inclusion and equality at the state and federal levels.

“I would advocate for the full inclusion of budgetary dollars as well as fighting for their rights either through legislation or supporting litigation that the state would be engaged in,” he says.

Of course, the District also faces huge challenges related to the skyrocketing cost of living and rebuilding from this year’s devastating fires, which Erickson says are related problems: The fires have exacerbated a housing shortage while driving up the cost of insurance for everyone in the region. 

He says he wants to ensure that state and federal resources are directed at clearing fuel from fire-prone areas to prevent more fires

“We need to make sure that our partners in the federal government also aren’t removing any funds from us. The federal advocacy that the states can be playing to ensure that California is getting not only our rates from FEMA but the monies that we’re owed is critical,” he says.

On insurance, Erickson says the state has to focus on reducing costs for businesses while also investigating a state-run insurance program.

“California regulates insurance, and so, we can create a California-based insurance program that I know there’s been some talk about,” Erickson says. “California is the fourth largest economy in the world. We have the power to throw our weight around in that way.”

Erickson has come out as a supporter of the so-called “Abundance Agenda” that advocated for removing government obstacles from the producing things that people want more of – whether that’s housing or public works projects like transit and infrastructure – as  way of bringing down costs and stemming the tide of people leaving California.

“The abundance agenda has allowed us to say we’re in a housing shortage,” he says. “Very few people can live in the communities in which they work. That’s unacceptable. Communities need to be investing in public infrastructure, streets, trees, and sidewalks, and investing in the expansion of metro or bus.

“We’re in a shortage, I think, of common-sense policy reforms”

Erickson has long been a supporter of West Hollywood’s dream for a Metro K-Line extension through the city, which he says will help reduce traffic and improve mobility while reducing people’s day-to-day costs.

“I think as more and more communities are getting activated and frustrated around the lack of, Moment on these issues. I’ve seen the success of the movement.”

He also cites the current slump in the local film and TV industries as evidence that the state needs to reduce the cost of doing business.

“They’re leaving California over all of these costs of doing business skyrocketing,” he says.

Erickson is joining a crowded field seeking the Senate seat. Already having declared their candidacy are Palos Verdes school board member Eric Alegria; Doheny-Sunset Plaza neighborhood council president Ellen Evans; journalist Brian Goldsmith; LA Human Relations Commission member Brittany McKinley; LA Planning Commission member Mike Newhouse; and cardiologist Sion Roy, all Democrats. The sole declared Republican candidate is Palisades Charter High School trustee Kristina Irwin.

In a city loaded with Pride celebrations, Pride Night Out has carved out a space all its own. The vibes are intimate, intentional, and solidly rooted in community. What began as a modest backyard get-together in the dreamy neighborhood of Silver Lake has since bloomed into one of LA’s most relevant queer events bringing together trailblazers, tastemakers, and allies for an evening of panel discussions and more. It effortlessly blends art, connection, and resistance with its own signature style. 

At the wheel of this Pride-centric powwow is Andrew Bear, a creative force behind the event and co-founder of Hyperion LA, a queer-inclusive production company that has made itself known for its storytelling and cultural impact.

In our conversation, Bear shares the origins and evolution of Pride Night Out, the philosophy behind this year’s theme “Why Now?”, and how the event blends queer history, art, and joy in a time of political urgency. From honoring legacy folks like the Queen Mother of the Imperial Court to creating intentional moments of celebration, Bear shares what it means to authentically lead with care and courage in today’s queer cultural landscape. For more information about the event, visit hyperionla.com/pride-night-out.

LOS ANGELES BLADE: First things first – can you tell us a little bit about the origins of Pride Night Out? What inspired the very first event?

ANDREW BEAR: Pride Night Out started as a passion project. I wanted to create a space that felt curated, intentional, and warm — a place where queer creatives, founders, and culture-drivers could gather outside of the usual nightlife or corporate mixers. It began with a few friends and collaborators in a Silver Lake backyard and has since grown into something that feels meaningful, magnetic, and still deeply personal.

BLADE: Pride is celebrated all across Los Angeles during Pride month. What sets Pride Night Out apart?

BEAR: Pride Night Out is about depth, not scale. We keep it focused so the energy stays high and the connections feel real. It’s not a party just for the sake of it. It’s an intersection of creative minds, queer visionaries, and people who actually want to build community. It’s stylish, celebratory, and intentional and being hosted in our own space makes it feel rooted in something bigger than a single night.

BLADE: What does the theme of this year’s panel, “Why Now?”, mean to you both personally and communally?

BEAR: “Why Now?” is a question I’ve been asking myself all year. For me, it’s about no longer waiting — to speak, to act, to lead. As a community, it feels like we’re being called to respond to the moment we’re in — politically, culturally, creatively. The theme is an invitation to be bold and honest about what matters most right now, and why we can’t afford to wait.

BLADE: The Queen Mother of the Imperial Court is scheduled to make an appearance. How are you incorporating queer legacy and lineage into this otherwise forward-looking event?

BEAR: Queer history lives in the room, whether we name it or not but we wanted to name it. Having the Queen Mother join us is such an honor. This year, we’re intentionally blending legacy and next-gen voices, not just in the programming, but in the energy of the night. It’s about remembering who came before us while making space for what’s next.

BLADE: How does Hyperion LA’s identity as a queer-inclusive production company inform the way Pride Night Out is produced?

BEAR: It’s not performative — it’s in our bones. From the way we staff the event to the brands we partner with, Pride Night Out is produced through a lens of inclusion, storytelling, and beauty. At Hyperion, we’re not just producing content, we’re producing culture. That same care and intention shows up in every detail of the event.

BLADE: How does art, performance, and nightlife affect or impact queer resistance today? Is this part of the intention behind the music + vibes portion of the evening?

BEAR: Nightlife has always been a site of resistance for queer people. Music, performance, and fashion have long been our weapons and our balm. The vibes are absolutely intentional — they create space for release, for joy, for connection. That’s powerful. That’s political. That’s Pride.

BLADE: The queer scene in Silver Lake has a rich and unique history. What makes the Silver Lake queer community feel different from other parts of LA?

BEAR: There’s a scrappy beauty to Silver Lake. It’s layered — historic, creative, a little chaotic, but always evolving. The queer community here feels deeply invested in each other. It’s not just where we live, it’s where we organize, collaborate, and care. It’s one of the last neighborhoods in LA that still feels like a neighborhood.

BLADE: What role do media and visibility play in moments like this? What are your hopes for the coverage/amplification of the event?

BEAR: Visibility is everything, especially now. Media coverage isn’t just PR, it’s preservation. It says we were here, we gathered, and we created something worth documenting. I hope the coverage shows the depth of the night — the fashion, the feeling, the power of queer people showing up for each other.

BLADE: In a climate where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is spreading like wildfire, how do you balance celebration with cultural urgency?

BEAR: By refusing to separate them. Celebration is resistance. Our joy is not apolitical — it’s necessary. Pride Night Out isn’t escapism, it’s energy. We honor the urgency of this moment by creating space for people to recharge, reconnect, and reimagine together.

BLADE: What’s one thing you hope guests walk away with at the end of the night?

BEAR: Clarity. Whether it’s clarity around their purpose, their people, or just the reminder that they’re not alone. And maybe a little glow, from the lighting, the conversation, the Champagne, all of it.

BLADE: And last but not least, how has producing Pride Night Out changed or reaffirmed your own connection to queer identity and leadership?

BEAR: It’s made me braver. It’s shown me that queer leadership doesn’t have to follow a blueprint – it can be stylish, tender, disruptive, and unapologetic. This event keeps me connected to the why behind everything I do. It’s both a mirror and a love letter.

More than 200 people gathered in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday and demanded the Trump-Vance administration return to the U.S. a gay Venezuelan asylum seeker who it “forcibly disappeared” to El Salvador.

Lindsay Toczylowski, president of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, a Los Angeles-based organization that represents Andry Hernández Romero, is among those who spoke alongside U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Human Rights Campaign Campaigns and Communications Vice President Jonathan Lovitz. Sarah Longwell of the Bulwark, Pod Save America’s Jon Lovett, and Tim Miller are among those who also participated in the rally.

“Andry is a son, a brother. He’s an actor, a makeup artist,” said Toczylowski. “He is a gay man who fled Venezuela because it was not safe for him to live there as his authentic self.”

(Video by Michael K. Lavers)

The White House on Feb. 20 designated Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, as an “international terrorist organization.”

President Donald Trump on March 15 invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which the Associated Press notes allows the U.S. to deport “noncitizens without any legal recourse.” The Trump-Vance administration subsequently “forcibly removed” Hernández and hundreds of other Venezuelans to El Salvador.

Toczylowski said she believes Hernández remains at El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, a maximum-security prison known by the Spanish acronym CECOT. Toczylowski also disputed claims that Hernández is a Tren de Aragua member.

“Andry fled persecution in Venezuela and came to the U.S. to seek protection. He has no criminal history. He is not a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. Yet because of his crown tattoos, we believe at this moment that he sits in a torture prison, a gulag, in El Salvador,” said Toczylowski. “I say we believe because we have not had any proof of life for him since the day he was put on a U.S. government-funded plane and forcibly disappeared to El Salvador.”

“Andry is not alone,” she added.

Takano noted the federal government sent his parents, grandparents, and other Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II under the Alien Enemies Act. The gay California Democrat also described Hernández as “a political prisoner, denied basic rights under a law that should have stayed in the past.”

“He is not a case number,” said Takano. “He is a person.”

Hernández had been pursuing his asylum case while at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego.

A hearing had been scheduled to take place on May 30, but an immigration judge the day before dismissed his case. Immigrant Defenders Law Center has said it will appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals, which the Justice Department oversees.

“We will not stop fighting for Andry, and I know neither will you,” said Toczylowski.

Friday’s rally took place hours after Attorney General Pam Bondi said Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who the Trump-Vance administration wrongfully deported to El Salvador, had returned to the U.S. Abrego will face federal human trafficking charges in Tennessee.