Michael,

I’m 34, and after being on the dating scene for about 12 years, I’m coming to the conclusion that I don’t want to be in a relationship. 

I don’t love hanging out with the same person over and over again. I don’t feel all gooey when I’ve been with someone for a while. I run out of things to say, and also, it just gets boring.

I like my space. I don’t like having to share the bathroom or have someone next to me all night, especially when they want to go to sleep holding me. I know that sounds like heaven to a lot of people but it just feels intrusive to me. 

It’s a pain to have to compromise what I want to do. When I want to go someplace on vacation, or try a restaurant, or get up early to go to the gym, or sleep in, I don’t want to have to run that by someone else and get their OK. Life’s short. I want to do what I want to do.

I feel like we are constantly bombarded with the message to date and find a mate, but I don’t really see the point.  I don’t think I’m an introvert—I have a lot of friends—but I also like to spend time by myself and not be accountable to anyone.

When I think about marriage, it seems like a very old-fashioned concept, developed for straight people who want to have children. Historically you needed one person to work and another one to stay home and raise the kids. And you needed to stay together to give your kids two parents and a stable home. I get that.

But if I’m not having kids, what’s the point? I don’t need a husband to have sex. I can and do hook up all the time. It’s so easy to find someone online. And I get to have a lot more variety when I’m single than when I’m dating. Even though my relationships are always open, when I am dating someone, I always hook up a lot less, because I have to worry about the boyfriend’s feelings being hurt if I hook up “too much.”

I know I sound unromantic and maybe selfish but this is how I see it.  

My friends are all about having a boyfriend. They think I’m being ridiculous. Can I get another opinion?

Michael replies:

You make great points. Relationships do require us to give up some of our independence. They can feel stifling at times. And when the excitement of a new partner fades, things will at times feel “boring” in all sorts of ways, including sex. You can choose to avoid all of this by remaining single.

But relationships also give us tremendous overlapping opportunities to grow, including:

Being pushed to develop a clear sense of self: When we must constantly decide what we are willing to do or not do as part of a couple; and when our partner inevitably and frequently has interests, values, and priorities that conflict with ours, then we are challenged, over and over, to decide what is most important to us and how we want to live our lives.

Frequent opportunities to build resilience: All those old issues from our past that get us upset or riled up? We have to work through them so that we can stay (pretty) calm rather than losing our minds when our buttons are pressed.  

Improving our ability to have hard conversations – and without rancor: Unless we’re able to disagree, speak up, or confront when it’s important to do so, we are going to twist ourselves into a pretzel striving to accommodate the other person. And being able to engage in tough talks in a loving way is necessary if we want to have a loving relationship.

Becoming a more generous person: You wrote that you like to have things your way. But part of life, whether or not we are partnered, involves being thoughtful, considerate, and willing to put someone else first at times. Great relationships require us to do all of these things regularly—and many of us find that contributing to the happiness of someone we care about can increase our own happiness.

Besides these ongoing challenges, relationships give us the experience of someone knowing us deeply, and knowing someone deeply.  There can be great comfort in going through life with someone with whom we have this intimate connection, along with ongoing shared experiences of trust, support, comfort, and love. Long-term companionship is also an adventure: Can we keep the relationship vibrant and fun as we both keep changing over time? 

If you choose to remain single: Many people play their friendships on the easy setting, keeping things pleasant, on-the-surface, and non-confrontational; and cutting people off when things aren’t going well. Hanging in there to deal with the rough stuff can lead to deeper, longer friendships, and plenty of personal growth.

I do have a question for you: I am curious what sort of relationships you saw growing up, and what your own relationship experiences have been.  

Intimate relationships aren’t for everyone, and you get to decide what is right for you. But if your negative view of relationships is influenced by having witnessed or experienced intrusive or just plain awful relationships, maybe you want to do some work (therapy, for example) to heal from this stuff, rather than letting your past limit your future. A healthy relationship means being part of a couple while also remaining a vibrant individual, not being stifled, bored, and losing your independence.  

(Michael Radkowsky, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist who works with couples and individuals in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and New York. He can be found online at michaelradkowsky.com. All identifying information has been changed for reasons of confidentiality. Have a question? Send it to [email protected].)

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that the queer media continues to have a voice, continues to be a resource to the queer community, and continues to report the news as it relates to our lives, both on a local and national level.

As we celebrate our 9^th year in publication, the Los Angeles Blade continues to be the leading political and social resource for SoCal’s queer community. Between print and our digital presence, our team of writers, and our relationships with power partners and other minority groups in the community, we continue to represent the diversity within our local queer community. Under the Blade umbrella, we are the only queer publication that is allowed in the White House briefing room. Most recently, the Los Angeles Blade was awarded the Hero Impact Award by the Stonewall Young Democrats and the Excellence in LGBTQ Reporting Newsroom Award by the Los Angeles NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.

WE NEED YOUR HELP now more than ever. Queer media has been hit hard this year. Along with the anti-LGBTQ sentiment coming from our current administration, the industry is victim to sponsorship and advertising cutbacks.

We need to hit this mid-term election head-on. We need your support to grow our reporting team to ensure we have the resources to do our research, have a presence in the field, and share the news as it happens. We also need to grow our digital space. The way our community consumes the news is changing, and we need to ensure our news is out there, on all platforms. Our next quarter plan is to debut the first-ever Los Angeles Blade podcast so that our news is not only at a local level, but a national one.

We are embarking on $20K in 20 days. We are looking to the community to contribute to fair, balanced, and necessary news, as it happens in the White House. With your help, we will not be silenced.

Your donation is tax-deductible and directly supports the Blade Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

DONATE TODAY

At M Grill, a Brazilian steakhouse in Los Angeles, hospitality is not just a service – it’s a philosophy. For General Manager Ivo Cooper, that philosophy is rooted in lived experience, shaped by immigration, identity, and a belief in human connection alongside food.

As an immigrant, Cooper built his life and career from the ground up. “Coming to the U.S. at 18 and building a life from scratch shaped everything about the way I lead,” Cooper tells the Blade, “I had to grow up quickly, support myself, adapt to a new culture, and learn how to earn trust in unfamiliar environments. That gave me discipline, resilience, and a real appreciation for opportunity.”

That early mix of uncertainty and determination continues to shape Cooper’s leadership. Rather than simply managing operations, he approaches his role as a mentor, investing in others in the service industry as a way to elevate it as a whole. He tells the Blade, “I have walked that road myself, and part of what drives me now is the desire to make it a little easier for the next generation. I love sharing knowledge, experience, and perspective with people who want to grow.” At its core, his approach is about making people feel seen – whether they’re working in the restaurant or sitting down to dine.

Good hospitality is often overlooked – either assumed as a given or insufficiently examined for what sets it apart from excellence. Cooper, however, understands hospitality as an art form. His philosophy is simple, humble, and, of course, quotable: “Hospitality, at its best, makes people feel comfortable, seen, and welcome.” Making people feel comfortable and seen is deeply personal to Cooper. As an openly gay, married man, Cooper understands both the privilege of acceptance and the reality that not everyone shares it. He explains, “Being gay is not the only thing that defines me, but it is part of who I am, and I’m grateful that I’ve been surrounded by love and acceptance. I also know that is not the reality for everyone. There are still many LGBTQ+ people … who are afraid to fully be themselves…”

His personal life reflects the same layered identity. His husband, also an immigrant, brings another dimension to Cooper’s experience. “[My husband] is a Canadian from Pakistan and comes from a Muslim family, so our life together reflects a lot of the complexity many people are feeling right now,” Cooper tells the Blade, also explaining that “The majority of our team are immigrants as well, and I want them to know they are valued not only for the work they do, but for who they are.” Whether it’s Cooper himself, his family, or those he works with, there is a clear sense of belonging that defines his approach.

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Cooper’s philosophy has even reached a national audience. In a recent feature with the Try Guys – one of the most widely watched food and culture platforms online, founded by former BuzzFeed creators – M Grill was highlighted not only for its food, but for its approach to hospitality. During the episode, the group notices something unusual: the salad bar has no labels. Naturally, they ask Cooper why, to which Cooper responds: “That choice reflects a much bigger philosophy for us. By not relying on labels, we create an opening for conversation. Guests ask questions, our team guides them, and the experience becomes more personal.” For Cooper, hospitality is not about minimizing friction, but about creating intentional moments of interaction.

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For Cooper, all of this is what he defines as “intentional hospitality” – a philosophy that demands consistency and care at every level. “To me, intentional hospitality means excellence is not accidental. It has to be built into every part of the experience,” Cooper says. M Grill is exactly that space for Cooper’s intentional hospitality to take way, with excellence, and detail. Each day, Cooper pays attention to the minute details that shape how customers feel: everything from pacing to language is taken into account. 

In an increasingly automated world, Cooper believes those interactions matter more than ever. He explains, “Human interaction matters even more now because so much of life is becoming automated and screen-based.” Although AI is seemingly replacing all facets of life, what Cooper finds integral to food service is human interaction: “In hospitality, that human element is everything.”

Even as the hospitality industry faces ongoing challenges – from the pandemic to rising costs and the emergence of AI – Cooper remains focused on what matters most: the guest experience. Rather than succumbing to apathy, he tells the Blade, “The last few years have made me even more focused on what actually matters.” And, for Cooper, what truly matters is the people walking through the door.

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Ultimately, Cooper’s message is one of belonging. “I would tell [young LGBTQ+ professionals and immigrants] that they belong, even if the world around them sometimes makes them question that.” 

He leaves the readers with an important, final remark: “If there is a young LGBTQ+ person reading this who feels uncertain, isolated, or afraid of not being accepted, I hope they know there is space for them … They can build a meaningful life, a successful career, and a real sense of belonging without hiding who they are.”

As a teenager, one of the first cars I drove — and fell in love with — was our family’s hulking full-size wagon. It stretched over 19 feet in length and weighed a whopping 5,300 pounds. That’s three feet longer and 1,000 heavier than, say, a Ford Explorer today. 

But this Leviathan felt safe and practical, especially when tootling around town with my crew or traveling solo cross-country. Of course, this hauler was also an eco-disaster. 

Luckily, that’s not the case today. And even though the number of traditional station wagons keeps shrinking, automakers are still offering a few gems.    

VOLVO V60 CROSS COUNTRY

$54,000

MPG: 23 city/31 highway

0 to 60 mph: 6.6 seconds

Cargo space: 51 cu. ft. (rear seats folded)

PROS: Elegant design. Composed handling. Top safety features.

CONS: So-so power. Modest rear legroom. Only two trim levels.    

The 2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country doesn’t cry for attention — and that’s the point. This is the automotive equivalent of Kristen Stewart, a celebrity who’s confident in her own skin and sees no need to post about it. 

Under the hood, there’s a four-cylinder turbo engine paired with a mild-hybrid system, producing 247 horsepower. You won’t outrun other drivers, but there is a sense of calm authority when accelerating. The standard all-wheel drive and 8.1 inches of ground clearance mean this wagon is ready for dirt roads, bad weather or a spontaneous weekend jaunt. 

And inside? Scandinavian minimalism at its finest. Clean lines. Gorgeous materials. Google-based infotainment that mostly works — though occasionally the system could be a bit faster, at least for my taste. The ride is smooth, composed and quiet, even if acceleration feels more “measured sip” than “espresso shot.” 

But here’s the twist: After more than a decade, this is the final Volvo wagon in the U.S. Its farewell tour ends in 2026. That alone gives it collector-car status.

MERCEDES-AMG E53 WAGON

$95,000

MPG: 21 city/25 highway

0 to 60 mph: 3.4 seconds

Cargo space: 64.6 cu. ft. (rear seats folded)

PROS: Supercar vibe. Hybrid versatility. Stunning interior.

CONS: Some fussy controls. Can feel heavy when cornering.    

If the Volvo V60 Cross Country is subtle, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Wagon is a screamer. It’s like being at a Lil Nas X concert: flashy, high energy, and full of shock and awe.  

This performance wagon — a plug-in hybrid, no less — pushes well over 500 horsepower (and in some configurations over 600 horsepower), launching from 0 to 60 mph as fast as a $300,000 Aston Martin supercar.

Yes, deep down, this is still a wagon. But you also can do a Costco run in something that could embarrass sports cars at a stoplight. That duality is delicious.

Inside, Mercedes leans all the way in. The high-tech Superscreen setup stretches across the dash. Ambient lighting glows like a curated art installation. The 4D surround-sound audio literally pulses through the seats. It’s immersive. Borderline excessive. And entirely the point.

Rear-axle steering helps mask the size of this car, but there’s no hiding the weight — it’s a big, powerful machine. Still, this hauler handles far better than physics suggests it should.

PORSCHE TAYCAN CROSS TURISMO

$121,000

Range: 265 miles

0 to 60 mph: 2.8 seconds

Cargo space: 41 cu. ft. (rear seats folded)

PROS: Lightning fast. Space-age design. EV smoothness.

CONS: Very pricey. Options add up quickly. Limited rear visibility.    

The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo completely rewrites the wagon formula. Fully electric. Shockingly fast. Designed like it belongs in the Louvre.

Performance is instant. Depending on trim level, you’re looking at 0-to-60 mph in less than 3 seconds. No exuberant engine noise — just that smooth, purring EV surge.

Handling? Pure Porsche. Low center of gravity thanks to the battery-pack placement. Precision that makes winding roads feel like choreography. And then — hello — there’s also a Gravel Mode for light off-road use.

Inside, the style is restrained but high-tech. Digital displays dominate, including a 10.3-inch passenger side touchscreen. Yet the layout feels intentional rather than overwhelming. Build quality is exceptional. Options, including leather-free materials and an active-leveling system for hard cornering, are endless — and expensive.

Range varies by model. But as with any EV, your lifestyle (and charging access) matters. 

Overall, this is a wagon that looks and behaves like one helluva class act.

Let’s start with a number that should light a fire under all of us: LGBTQ+ Americans own homes at a rate of 51% — compared to 71% for their straight, cisgender counterparts. That 20-point gap isn’t just a statistic. It represents generational wealth not yet built, neighborhoods not yet claimed, and futures not yet rooted.

Spring 2026 is a moment to change that.

The Spring Market — and Why It Matters

Historically, spring is the most active real estate season of the year. Inventory rises. Buyers re-engage. Energy returns to the market. And Los Angeles, as always, operates with its own intensity.

Yes, the backdrop is complicated. Rising interest rates, an unsettled political climate, a war abroad, and oil prices rattling economic confidence —the news is loud!  A lot of people are sitting on their hands, waiting for clarity that may not come on any predictable schedule.

And yet: the Los Angeles market is still moving. As of spring 2026, the LA median home price sits at $1.1 million, up 7.1% year over year, and well-priced homes are still attracting serious buyers. If that number feels out of reach — it’s the median, not the entry point. Condos, townhomes, and emerging neighborhoods offer real footholds into ownership well below that figure, and with the right programs and team behind you, the door is more open than the headline suggests. Los Angeles is one of the most insulated real estate markets in the country. The concentration of wealth, industry, and sustained demand here creates a floor that most markets simply don’t have. We’ve weathered recessions, corrections, and uncertainty before — and the market has always found its footing.

Stop Trying to Time the Market

Warren Buffett famously said: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” Right now, a lot of people are fearful. Which means, for the prepared buyer, this moment deserves serious attention.

Here’s the advice I give every client, regardless of orientation, identity, income, or background: the best time to buy is when you are ready. Not when rates drop. Not when the headlines soften.

Ready means three things:

• You have your reserves — down payment, cash to close, and a cushion beyond that
• The monthly payment genuinely works for your life — not just technically on paper, but sustainably
• You’re planning to stay 3–5 years or longer — because time in the market is what builds wealth

If all three are true? You’re ready. The season is secondary. The moment is now.

For Sellers: Your Equity Is Speaking — Are You Listening?

For LGBTQ+ homeowners in LA, this market may be quietly telling you something important. The equity you’ve built could be the key to your next chapter — trading up to a larger home, relocating to a neighborhood that better reflects who you are, or leveraging that equity to purchase a second property and step into being a landlord.

That last option deserves a real conversation: being a landlord in Los Angeles is not simple. Rent control, tenant protections, and local regulations mean the numbers need to work before you commit. A good real estate advisor will walk you through the full picture honestly — the upside and the fine print.

For Buyers: You Have More Help Than You Know

First-time buyer? The path to homeownership in LA is more accessible than most people realize — it just requires the right team and the right information.

A combination of programs through NHS, Greenline, and City National Bank can stack to $85,000 in grants toward your down payment and closing costs. Many buyers never learn that these programs exist simply because no one told them.

Beyond that: buying a home is a team sport. Your real estate advisor, lender, title officer, escrow officer, and home inspector all matter. Every member plays a role in getting you across the finish line. The right agent doesn’t just find you a home — they build and quarterback that team for you, from first conversation to keys in hand.

Homeownership in Los Angeles is not impossible. It takes planning and a strategy built around where you are today. But that path exists — and it can be built for you, specifically.

See You at WeHo Pride

We’ll be at WeHo Pride this year — come find us. We’ll have a full homebuying guide, on-the-spot consultations, and zero judgment. Just real talk about what’s possible for you in this market.

This community has always known how to claim space, make noise, and show up unapologetically. It’s time to put your name on a deed.

Your most powerful act of Pride? Owning the place you call home.

By Jed Inductivo  |  Real Estate Advisor, Compass  |  JED.i Los Angeles

Large SUVs are fine for long-distance travel. But in the city? Not so much.

That’s where subcompacts come in. They fit anywhere. Yet they often remind me of sensible shoes: practical, dependable and kinda dull. 

Now, though, more and more small crossovers are starting to channel their inner Christian Louboutin. Stylish. Sassy. And with some swagger to make things interesting.

CHEVROLET TRAX

$22,000

MPG: 28 city/32 highway

0 to 60 mph: 9.1 seconds

Cargo space: 54.1 cu. ft.

PROS: Affordable. Updated. Roomier than expected.

CONS: So-so acceleration. No all-wheel drive. Some road noise.

The Chevrolet Trax has undergone a stunning redo. Longer. Lower. Sharper. And more muscular — especially in sporty trims like the RS, which adds darker accents and a bit of attitude.

It’s like watching an understudy get a breakout moment. 

Under the hood sits a three-cylinder turbo. No, that’s not NASCAR material, but it’s perfectly adequate for daily life. Around town, the Trax felt light, easy to maneuver and surprisingly smooth. While I wasn’t going to be chasing lap times like Brad Pitt in “F1,” this pint-sized SUV kept up with traffic comfortably.

Another plus: Chevy re-tuned the suspension. Rough pavement softens. Long drives are relaxed.

Inside, the dashboard is more upscale than the price tag suggests. A large infotainment display dominates the center stack, and wireless smartphone connectivity is standard. Rear passenger room is generous thanks to the longer wheelbase, and cargo space is decent. 

Inexpensive, yes. And now stylish enough to earn an ovation.

MAZDA CX-30

$26,000

MPG: 24 city/31 highway

0 to 60 mph: 8.0 seconds

Cargo space: 45.2 cu. ft.

PROS: Sexy exterior. Chic cabin. Sporty handling.

CONS: Limited rear visibility. Smallish cargo area.    

Mazda has mastered the art of making affordable cars feel expensive, and the CX-30 might be its best performance yet. Sculpted curves. Dramatic fenders. Rich paint colors that shimmer under sunlight. Park this crossover next to competitors and it looks like it wandered in from a more upscale showroom.

The base four-cylinder engine is lively enough. But the real fun starts with the optional turbo. Press the throttle and the CX-30 surges forward with gusto, whipping you from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 5.9 seconds. Suddenly, merging onto the highway feels less like commuting and more like making an entrance worthy of Lady Gaga.

Handling also shines, with sharp steering, minimal body roll and controlled cornering. To me, the CX-30 is one of the few small rides that genuinely rewards enthusiastic driving.

Inside, the cabin feels premium. Soft-touch materials, elegant stitching and a minimalist dashboard create a refined atmosphere. 

There are tradeoffs. Backseat legroom is tighter than some rivals, and outward visibility can feel limited due to the thick roof pillars.

But if you enjoy driving — really enjoy it — the CX-30 stands apart. 

VOLVO XC40

$40,000

MPG: 23 city/30 highway

0 to 60 mph: 8.1 seconds

Cargo space: 57.5 cu. ft.

PROS: Euro styling. High-quality materials. Top safety gear.

CONS: Bit jarring over potholes. Average fuel economy. 

For a more sophisticated look, there’s the Volvo XC40. Crisp lines. Upright stance. Signature “Thor’s hammer” LED headlights that give the front-end an unmistakable presence.

Under the hood, the XC40 pairs a four-cylinder turbo with standard all-wheel drive. While the XC 40 won’t outrun a true sports car, it moves with purpose. Think quiet confidence — like Jodie Foster in practically all her movies. 

The ride balances comfort and composure nicely. Firm enough for zigzagging through congested traffic, but smooth enough to endure long highway drives.

Inside, the cabin is modern, airy and beautifully assembled. Volvo uses soft textiles, brushed metal and minimalist trim pieces to create an upscale aura. The vertically oriented touchscreen integrates Google apps, like Maps and Assistant. Once you get used to it, the system feels intuitive and tech-forward.

Volvo also excels at clever practicality. Door pockets are enormous. There’s even a removable trash bin in the center console.

While the XC40 may cost more than its mainstream rivals, it offers something they can’t quite replicate. Effortless cool.

Let the games begin! Just like the Winter Olympics this month, the SUV world has its share of bright lights, bold entrances, and cut-throat competitors. 

Enter the Ford Bronco Sport and Toyota RAV4, both ready to claim the podium but each with a different routine. Think hiking boots versus minimalist trainers. Dirt trails versus perfectly paved roadways. 

FORD BRONCO SPORT

$34,000

MPG: 25 city/30 highway

0 to 60 mph: 8.2 seconds

Cargo space: 32.5 cu. ft.

PROS: Boxy chic. Off-road ready. Easy-clean interior.

CONS: Meh gas mileage. Firm ride. Outside noise.    

The Bronco Sport doesn’t try to blend in — and that’s the point. With an upright stance, squared lines and retro-rugged styling, this compact SUV looks ready for a backcountry photoshoot before you’ve even left the driveway. 

Power comes from a three-cylinder turbo engine that handles daily driving with ease. Opt for the four-cylinder turbo, and the personality shifts from relaxed to assertive. Passing power improves. Highway merges are confident rather than cautious.

The standard 4×4 system sets the tone immediately. Traction is constant. Confidence is built in. Add the G.O.A.T. drive trains (in Ford cute-speak, this means “Goes Over Any Terrain”), and the Bronco Sport adapts to mud, sand, snow and rocks like a decathlete moving between events. Higher trims add skid plates, upgraded suspension and special hardware that makes rough territory feel less intimidating.

On pavement, the Bronco Sport is stable and composed, though the firm suspension can be ass-busting over deep potholes and such. And wind noise at highway speeds is kinda annoying, a tradeoff for the boxy profile.

Inside, durability meets thoughtful design. Rubberized surfaces and easy-clean materials welcome muddy boots, sandy paws or ambitious weekend projects. The cargo area features a flip-up rear window and adjustable floor, making it a breeze to load gear. Storage cubbies and nylon straps keep equipment organized without fuss.

Safety and other tech amenities are modern and practical. Wireless smartphone integration, cameras and driver-assistance gizmos such as adaptive cruise control make daily driving and long trips easier to manage.

What truly sets this SUV apart? In a sea of aerodynamic lemmings, the Bronco Sport feels like a free spirit. Rugged. Confident. A little rebellious. 

And, like alpine skier Breezy Johnson, it looks particularly good with a bit of trail dust.

TOYOTA RAV4

$34,000

MPG: 47 city/40 highway

0 to 60 mph: 7.1 seconds

Cargo space: 37.8 cu. ft.

PROS: Fuel savvy. Spacious. Tech-laden features.

CONS: Less-sporty ride. Blasé base trim. Pricey options.  

If the Bronco Sport is the adventurous wanderer, the Toyota RAV4 is the precision athlete who arrives early, stretches properly and performs effortlessly. Cue figure skaters Amber Glenn or Paul Poirier and you get the picture. 

Fully redesigned for 2026, this compact SUV retains a formula that has made it one of the best-selling vehicles in America, blending efficiency, versatility and lots of tech features.

Toyota nixed the traditional gas engine for the RAV4, but that’s just fine. All models are now either standard hybrids, with fuel economy in the mid-40 mpg range, or plug-in hybrids, which can go up to 50 miles on battery power alone. The result: Vehicles that can handle daily commutes in near silence while retaining long-distance flexibility that would make an Olympic coach proud.

Acceleration is smooth and responsive, particularly in the plug-in hybrid, which is surprisingly quick. The transition between electric and gas power is seamless, though heavy throttle inputs mean the engine sometimes sounds strained. Handling is more predictable than sporty, so this was a minor deduction on the RAV4’s scorecard … at least from me.

But overall comfort is outstanding. The suspension absorbs potholes and uneven pavement with ease, and cabin noise remains impressively low at highway speeds. Long road trips feel relaxed rather than fatiguing — less triathlon grind, more victory lap.

Toyota’s Safety Sense offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, enhanced collision avoidance and other systems that operate smoothly without seeming intrusive.

Inside, the revamped cabin is user-friendly. Materials are more refined than before, especially in mid- and upper-level trims. A large, high-resolution touchscreen supports the latest apps, voice commands and over-the-air updates. Such a layout is intuitive instead of flashy — stylish athleisure rather than couture.

Passenger space is generous, and cargo capacity remains among the most practical in this segment. The wide opening is especially helpful when tossing in luggage, sports equipment or an overly optimistic warehouse haul.

For drivers like me who are quick to judge efficiency, reliability and daily usability, the RAV4 delivered a gold-medal performance. 

California’s LGBTQ business community enters 2026 with hard-earned momentum and a clear sense of direction. After several years defined by disruption, recovery, and recalibration, LGBTQ-owned businesses across the state are shifting from survival mode to strategy. The next chapter is less about bouncing back and more about building businesses that are resilient, visible, and ready to scale.

What makes this moment distinct is not just economic conditions, but how LGBTQ entrepreneurs are responding to them. In California, values and commerce are deeply intertwined, and that reality continues to shape how LGBTQ-owned businesses grow, partner, and lead.

Supplier diversity becomes more local and more intentional

Across California, public agencies, utilities, and large institutions are rethinking how they engage small and diverse suppliers. For queer-owned businesses, this means fewer symbolic commitments and more emphasis on readiness and performance. Certification still matters, but in 2026, it is increasingly paired with expectations around capacity, compliance, and the ability to deliver consistently.

This shift creates an opportunity for LGBTQ entrepreneurs who understand their communities and can operate at scale. Community-facing procurement is gaining traction, especially in sectors like professional services, marketing, construction, workforce development, and hospitality. LGBTQ businesses that combine cultural competency with operational discipline are well-positioned to compete for contracts that prioritize both impact and execution.

Compliance and trust move to the center of brand reputation

As California continues to set the pace on privacy, labor, and consumer protection, compliance is no longer just a legal requirement. It is part of brand trust. LGBTQ-owned businesses, many of which rely on digital tools for marketing, customer engagement, and payments, are becoming more intentional about how they collect and protect data.

In 2026, customers, partners, and funders are paying closer attention to how businesses operate behind the scenes. Clear policies, responsible use of technology, and transparency are becoming differentiators, particularly for companies serving marginalized communities that have historically been over-surveilled or under-protected. Trust is not assumed. It is earned.

AI shifts from hype to practical operations

Artificial intelligence is no longer a novelty for LGBTQ entrepreneurs. In 2026, its value lies in operations, not experimentation. LGBTQ business owners are using AI to streamline customer follow-up, manage inquiries, schedule appointments, draft proposals, and reduce administrative overload.

The most effective adopters are not replacing relationships with automation. They are using technology to strengthen follow-through. In a competitive marketplace, the ability to respond quickly, stay organized, and deliver consistently, matters. AI is becoming a tool for sustainability, not spectacle.

Visibility, collaboration, and community media drive growth

One of the most notable trends shaping queer businesses in California is a renewed focus on visibility through trusted, values-aligned platforms. As digital advertising becomes more expensive and increasingly governed by opaque algorithms, LGBTQ entrepreneurs are turning toward partnerships, collaborations, and community media that speak directly to their audiences.

Rather than chasing reach alone, queer-owned businesses are investing in relevance. Editorial storytelling, cross-promotion, and collaboration with LGBTQ publications, chambers, and peer organizations are helping founders build credibility and deepen connections. In cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where competition is fierce and attention is fragmented, community media plays a vital role in narrative ownership.

Promotion in 2026 is not just about selling a product. It is about being seen in the right context, alongside aligned voices, and within a community that understands the value of mutual support. Businesses that prioritize collaboration over isolation are building trust that translates into loyalty, referrals, and long-term growth.

Resilience remains a defining strength

Climate uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and economic volatility continue to shape California’s business environment. For queer entrepreneurs, resilience is not an abstract concept. It is a lived experience. In 2026, that resilience becomes a strategic asset when it is documented, operationalized, and communicated to partners and customers.

LGBTQ-owned businesses are increasingly clear about how they adapt, protect their teams, and stay open in the face of disruption. That clarity matters to buyers, investors, and communities looking for stability in uncertain times.

Looking ahead

The throughline for queer business in California in 2026 is readiness. Values still lead, but systems now support them. LGBTQ entrepreneurs are pairing purpose with performance, visibility with credibility, and innovation with discipline. In a state that often sets the tone for the rest of the country, queer-owned businesses are not waiting to be included. They are building models that endure.

Marquita is a business strategist and the CEO of the California LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, where she works to expand economic opportunity, visibility, and access to procurement for LGBTQ-owned businesses across the state. She focuses on helping LGBTQ entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable companies through partnerships, education, and community-driven growth.

For more information, head to CalRainbowChamber.org.

Join the LA Blade and the California LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce for two days, two distinct events, one bold mission.

Los Angeles ranks 90 out of 100 in the Trust for Public Land‘s 2025 Park Score Index, declining from 49th place just five years ago. 

Over the last five years, the decline has been driven by major inequities in accessibility to green and recreational spaces, disproportionately higher in Latino communities and neighborhoods, where only 19% of children have close access to green space.

For more than 23 years, one organization has been working towards building a city and county where access to parks and green spaces is less of a dream and more of a reality. 

Since its founding in 2002, the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust has worked to address park inequities, specifically in low-income communities of color, by adding 22 acres of accessible green space and helping to create 30 urban parks and community gardens. 

Today, the organization serves more than 500,000 Angelenos living within a 10-minute walk of our green spaces.

Origins

“L.A. Neighborhood Land began from identifying the fact that so many Angelenos did not have parks or public spaces within walking distance of their homes and identifying that parks are critical infrastructure for communities by providing spaces to gather, exercise, relax, build relationships, and even protest,” Tori Kjer, executive director of L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust, said. 

The organization was formed with city funding following a 2002 report titled “Walking to the Park,” which listed recommendations for the formation of an Urban Land Trust that could serve the city via a task force that could identify opportunities for green spaces in heavily populated and condensed neighborhoods. 

“The Trust will often be in a better position with private landowners to negotiate below-market value and less-than-fee-simple acquisitions. As a nonprofit, the Trust can stretch public budget resources by assuming certain land management and stewardship responsibilities through voluntary efforts,” the report stated. 

Today, the L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust currently operates a variety of urban parks and gardens throughout the City and the County of L.A., including Golden Age Park in MacArthur Park, Belvedere Little Green Fingers Garden in East L.A., Jacaranda Park and Vermont Miracle Park in South Central L.A., East Rancho Dominguez Toddler Park in Compton and Mariposa Little Green Fingers Garden in Koreatown, among others. 

When it comes to park development, Kjer said the organization builds parks based on the immediate needs of the community. “We practice community visioning,” she said. “The community helps us identify priorities, whether that is having a community center or places to grow food, or green spaces next to affordable housing sites.” 

Parks and life expectancy 

One of the communities the organization is more active in is South Central L.A., where the relationship between access to parkland and life expectancy is closely linked. 

According to a report by the Prevention Institute, in partnership with UCLA, the National Health Foundation, Community Coalition, Esperanza Community Housing Corporation and the Social Justice Learning Institute, South Central L.A. is considered to have “high park need” and “very high park need” neighborhoods, with an average of 1.6 and 0.7 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, in comparison to the L.A. Countywide average, which is 3.3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. 

The median life expectancy in South L.A. is 77 years, well below the upper levels for the county as a whole. About 15 miles away in the community of Beverly Hills, life expectancy is  90 years, 13 years higher. 

Kjer said this is no accident and actually, the effects of environmental injustices played out in real life. “There are several factors that go into life expectancy, and the built environment is definitely a part of that,” she said. “If we think about the fact that many communities around L.A., like South L.A., don’t have many places for people to go and exercise, and they even have narrower sidewalks, with less space to plant any type of greenery. You have children who are growing up without any access, exposure, or opportunity to be around trees, birds, and insects.”

To relieve some of this need, in 2012, the L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust opened the Fremont Wellness Center and Community Garden on the John C. Fremont High School campus, located in South L.A.  

Since then, along with local partners and residents, the organization has been developing a hub for urban agriculture education, food waste recycling, and fresh produce access. 

The garden helps educate community members and local students who participate in the gardening apprenticeship program on modern food systems and the critical impacts of composting and food waste. For many students, the facility is also the only place they get to garden, touch soil, and see fresh fruits and vegetables grow. 

In partnership with other organizations like Food Forward and LA Compost, the Fremont Wellness Center is currently composting over 500 pounds of food waste per month. In 2017, the L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust also launched the bi-weekly Fremont Free Food Fair, where over 200,000 pounds of fresh produce that would have otherwise gone to waste were distributed.  

The  L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust has also developed Community School Parks (CSPs), which are supervised school-site playgrounds that are open to the public on weekends, holidays, and during the summer. Kjer explained that spaces like this allow students to play, gro,w and learn in schools during non-school hours.  

Through a unique service agreement with the Los Angeles Unified School District, the CSPs unlock playground gates in high-park-need communities every weekend.

Park inequity in Latinos and communities of color 

“Beyond [environmental justice], parks are important for many other reasons,” Kjer said. “In terms of health impacts, not having a park in your immediate community means that people aren’t getting out or moving, and they do not have a space to relax. Oftentimes, people are living in very dense homes with a lot of people. Multiple generations of families are living together, sharing very small spaces. Parks provide that space for people to get a bit of fresh air to breathe and have quality time with themselves or their loved ones.” 

Kjer said parks and green spaces serve as community hubs for multigenerational residents. “Parks are used a lot by seniors,” she said. “Isolation is a contributor to all sorts of mental health issues, especially when people can’t talk to other people or be in community with one another.” 

Ballot measures and civic engagement

Outside of curating and developing physical spaces that foster park and recreational equity, L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust has also taken on civic responsibilities to ensure local and federal governments make informed decisions that reflect a greener L.A. They are part of a coalition of community and parks leaders who, in December 2025, filed legal paperwork with the Los Angeles City Clerk seeking approval to circulate a citizen initiative in order to place a funding measure before voters in Los Angeles in November 2026.

If approved by L.A. City voters, the measure would generate an estimated $320 million annually to restore and replenish L.A.’s park system, which currently requires $14 billion to address deferred maintenance and has suffered a 25% reduction of its full-time staff and a 10% loss of its part-time staff between 2008 and 2025. 

“For too long, park-poor communities like South L.A. and the East San Fernando Valley have borne the brunt of decades of disinvestment. This initiative is our opportunity to correct these historic inequities and ensure every Angeleno has access to parks that are essential for health, climate resilience, and community well-being,” Kjer said. 

L.A. Park Needs Assessment

The fight to not only have more parks but also to be able to economically maintain them takes form in the Los Angeles Park Needs Assessment (PNA), a comprehensive, data-driven initiative by the City of L.A. and L.A. County

The PNA evaluates over 500 city sites and thousands of county locations to understand the scale and scope of park needs. 

Kjer said the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) budget has not kept pace with inflation over the past 25 years. Since the last assessment, the city has added over 1,000 acres of parkland. According to RAP and organizations like the L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust, the current budget is not able to cover basic park needs. The 2025 PNA identifies a need for $15 billion in one-time capital spending to catch up on deferred maintenance and to meet the level of service goals. 

Kjer said having the city and county assess the park landscape gives her hope for more green spaces. “I’m excited,” she said. “The [assessment] demonstrates the critical need for funding for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. L.A. spends so much less on parks than other cities. The department has significant staffing cuts, which leads to parks closing early and not being well-maintained. In the last few years, we’ve really seen the impact of the disinvestment of parks from the city.”

The L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust hopes the PNA guides equitable investment, prioritizing neighborhoods with the highest need based on social and environmental factors. For more information on the L.A. Neighborhood Land Trust, visit https://www.lanlt.org.

This Hanukkah feels different for me. It is my first one back in West Hollywood after time away, and the return has made the holiday feel more personal than ever. The glow of the menorah seems to hold everything I lived through and everything I rebuilt this year. I have always loved the candles, but this year their light feels like it is telling the story of how I found my way back to myself.

Coming home meant more than unpacking boxes. Years ago I poured my heart into civic life here. I served on the Transgender Advisory Board. I started the Westside Young Democrats. I spent so many evenings in community rooms and public meetings because being civically involved was my first true love. It was the one thing that always made me feel steady and alive.

Then I came out as trans a few years ago, and everything shifted. Coming out is brave and beautiful, but it also carries a risk that every trans person understands. You can lose people. You can lose comfort. You can lose the life you built. I lost more than I expected, and the heartbreak of that left me drifting. Nothing healed it. Not work. Not distance. Not trying to reinvent myself. I felt disconnected from the community that once grounded me and from the parts of myself that once felt certain.

Moving back to West Hollywood changed that. Almost immediately after returning, my work started to be recognized in ways I never expected. My research firm’s work appeared in the Los Angeles Times. Soon after, I received a dream job offer at a union where my urban economics background could continue the proud family legacy of always standing with workers. Then my analysis appeared in Bloomberg, and I spoke on NBC about the housing market and the economy. Around that same time, I began building a nonprofit to help entertainment industry workers afford to live here so the industry that shapes so much of West Hollywood and LA County can continue to thrive.

I was grateful for all of it. Truly. But even with those accomplishments happening around me, I felt a quiet truth. External success did not mend the deeper part of me that had been hurting. No headline, interview, or new title replaced the feeling of connection I had lost. What actually healed me was saying yes again to civic life. I joined the West Hollywood Civic Leadership Academy, and it felt like a lifeline. I found myself back in the party and the progressive organizations I loved. Slowly, I started to feel rooted again. I felt like I had a place and a purpose and a community that recognized me.

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West Hollywood has always embraced individuality in a way that feels almost spiritual. The city held space for all the parts of me that I had pushed away. Jewish. Queer. Neurodivergent. Trans. All of it. Being back reminded me that civic work is not just something I do. It is part of who I am and part of how I return to myself when life breaks open.

Lighting the menorah this year brings all of that forward. Growing up, Hanukkah was beautiful, but I often felt different. I did not yet have language for my neurodivergence. I did not have words for my queerness. I only knew there were parts of myself I hid because explaining them felt impossible. Now I light the candles with a sense of honesty I never had as a child. The story of the oil lasting eight nights feels like a lesson in trusting that even a small flame can grow again after loss.

The shamash candle means the most to me now. The one that lights the others. The one that gives without asking for anything in return. After a year of rebuilding myself, that spirit feels right. Showing up for community. Making space. Helping others shine. Finding purpose again in the place that always held room for me.

I think about people who are still searching for that sense of home. In Jewish spaces. In queer and trans spaces. In civic spaces. In their own families. I want my menorah in the window to say something simple and real. You belong. You can show up as yourself. You do not have to hide to be part of a community. There is always a path back to yourself, even when you feel lost.

I am grateful to be back in West Hollywood. I am grateful to be Jewish and queer and neurodivergent and trans in a place that supports all of it. And I am grateful that this Hanukkah is not only about tradition. It is about return and renewal and the feeling that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

Chag Hanukkah Sameach. May your candles shine with honesty and hope, and may you always find your way home.

By Joshua Baum: Joshua Baum is an urban economist, labor advocate, and community leader in West Hollywood. They work at SEIU Local 721 and lead Hilgard Economics, where their research on housing and the creative economy has shaped key conversations across Los Angeles County. Joshua founded the Institute for Creative Workforce Housing to support the workers who power Hollywood. A graduate of the WeHo Civic Leadership Academy and a former Transgender Advisory Board member, Joshua is part of a new wave of leaders fighting for a more affordable and inclusive West Hollywood. They use they and them pronouns.