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<\/a><\/p>\nReverend Troy Perry<\/p>\n
There were numerous foreparents of the LGBTQ+ movement. Individuals who stepped up and created part of the foundation on which today\u2019s LGBTQ+ citizenry benefit. Reverend Troy Perry was one of those parents. Without him both the LGBTQ+ spiritual and pride communities would be without a significant legacy, if they existed at all.<\/p>\n
Before 1968 there was virtually no Christian denomination of any kind that was not hostile, let alone tolerant or welcoming, to out LGBTQ+ parishioners. At that time, Troy Perry felt a calling after a dark suicide attempt. He says, \u201cThe Lord was dealing with me. My previous church taught that you couldn\u2019t be both Christian and gay. After a suicide attempt while I was arguing with God that he couldn\u2019t love me God spoke to me in a still small voice in the minds ear, \u2018don\u2019t tell me what I can do. I love you, Troy, and I don\u2019t have any stepsons or stepdaughters. Reread my Word.\u2019 And reread God\u2019s word I did.\u201d Shortly after that revelation, a close friend was arrested.<\/p>\n
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Troy Perry, right, and his spouse,\u00a0Phillip Ray De Blieck
(Photo by Karen Ocamb)<\/p>\n
Perry\u2019s answer was to start the Metropolitan Community Church movement which extended loving principles of Christianity (Yes, there are some) specifically to LGBTQ+ people hungry for a spiritual community. He started with 12 people in his living room. Today there are several hundred congregations in 37 countries. He performed the first public same sex wedding in the United States in 1968, and filed the first ever lawsuit seeking legal recognition for same-gender marriages in 1970, many decades before even LGBTQ+ Americans recognized the heterosexist discrimination, and the understanding that we had the ability, and responsibility, to fight back.<\/p>\n
Perry was one of the masterminds behind the very first Pride parades in the world, LA Pride in 1970, and throughout his life has garnered the attention of presidents. Jimmy Carter called him to Washington to discuss gay and lesbian civil rights, Bill Clinton sought him out about hate crimes and AIDS and Barack Obama called him to come and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stonewall.<\/p>\n
In 2023, Perry and his husband celebrated the 55th anniversary of their church at the Founders Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles where he reports they had \u201cgreat music, great sharing and great times seeing long-time friends again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many voices around the world have paid tribute. Iglesia Casa de Luz thanked him \u201cfor having been the instrument that divinity inspired in your heart to begin this mission, this inclusive ministry where all people, without distinction, can have a sense of belonging to the family of God and of being in the place correct in a place of spiritual refuge where no one is condemned.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Stephen Schmidt was more to the point and said, \u201cYou have reshaped the world and made the Church a safe place for our people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Los Angeles Blade is proud to identify him as one of our two Heroes of 2024.<\/p>\n
Jewel Tais Williams<\/p>\n
Perry shares the foreparent dais with Jewel Tais-Williams. If Perry laid the foundational planks for LGBTQ+ spirituality, Tais-Williams laid the foundation for POC, intersectionality and civil rights for healthcare for the most marginalized. Shortly after Perry launched into creating MCC Church in a space no other denominations wanted him, Tais-Williams bravely stepped into an arena where no others in the space wanted her either: she became probably the first black lesbian to own a bar in Central (or any other part) Los Angeles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She evolved the bar, Jewel\u2019s Catch One, into a safe haven for the queer Black community. She was visible when she really was not \u201csupposed to be.\u201d\u00a0 She told the LGBTQ+ History project, \u201cIf you were one of the browner people then, there were things that you couldn\u2019t do. They were jobs that you didn\u2019t even think about applying for. The darker-skinned, for instance, couldn\u2019t work out where the public would see them.\u201d Well. Screw that. She was and would be seen.\u00a0 More importantly, she would be felt.<\/p>\n
She had intended for the club to be \u201ca nice place where we could go and be comfortable.\u201d A fight between two gay lovers changed the bar\u2019s brand and reputation. In the early 70s, West Hollywood\u00a0clubs wielded their own level of discrimination and would not allow people of color or women. Undeterred, Jewel\u2019s Catch One expanded as a dance club in 1975.<\/p>\n
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Jewel Thais-Williams, right,\u00a0and\u00a0spouse\u00a0Rue\u00a0Thais-Williams. (Photo by Karen Ocamb)<\/p>\n
In the early 80s, the AIDS crisis hit Los Angeles. As the LGBTQ+ community realized that no one was coming to save us, AIDS Project LA took hold with its growing support from the Hollywood community. Tais-Williams quickly realized that the total community was not getting their needs addressed and sought to rectify it by co-founding the Minority AIDS Project. APLA asked her to be on their board, and she only agreed if they would make their \u201cface more friendly\u201d so black community members would feel welcome to come get food and health services. In 1989, she also co-founded Rue\u2019s House with her partner Rue. Rue\u2019s House was the first housing facility for women with AIDS and their children in the United States.<\/p>\n
2023 marked the 50th anniversary of Jewell\u2019s Catch One, and Tais Williams has been featured in several documentaries including Jewell\u2019s Catch One and Commitment to Life. She has lent her voice and wisdom to The Lavender Effect.<\/p>\n
For those who follow after her, she advocates for \u201cloving yourselves.\u201d She tells us \u201cLook in the mirror every day, and say I love you just as you are. There\u2019s a universal plan for everybody\u2019s presence here on this planet. How did I happen to go to this place? Why did that idea come into mind? \u2026 I just think that everything goes according to plan. The important part is you just being willing to carry out whatever you wish in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n
The LA Blade\u2019s wish is to honor her as one of our two Heroes of 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Game Changer Award<\/p>\n
The LA Blade is pleased to award pharmaceutical company Gilead with the 2024 Game Changer Award. This year, Gilead Sciences provided a total of $3 million in grant funding to eight organizations to provide services to communities disproportionately impacted by HIV in rural areas in the United States. (While HIV is prevalent in both urban and rural communities in the United States, resources are heavily concentrated in urban centers, and lack of public health infrastructure and heightened stigma in rural communities create barriers of access to necessary care.) These grants are part of Gilead\u2019s ongoing Zeroing In\u2122 program to help end the HIV epidemic by supporting organizations working to improve the overall health and wellness of communities most impacted by the HIV epidemic. Gilead selected the grantees due to their strategic, community-driven approaches toward dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent people in rural communities from accessing quality HIV testing and treatment.\u00a0 As Jane Stafford, Gilead\u2019s executive director of public affairs, states, \u201cGilead is proud to go where the need is greatest.\u201d From our perspective, that is the key to being a game changer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n *************************************************************************************<\/p>\n Best Drag Performer<\/p>\n Sasha Colby<\/p>\n In 2023, Sasha Colby was crowned winner of RuPaul\u2019s Drag Race \u2013 Season 15. As an acclaimed drag performer, actress dancer, Trans advocate and activist living in West Hollywood, LA Blade readers claimed her as their own, and their favorite. Colby started her transitional journey at age 17, became a drag daughter of the legendary Cassandra Colby, and won the pageantry circuit\u2019s Miss Continental 2012.<\/p>\n Angelenos will have their chance to\u00a0show her even more love in March when the\u00a0Sasha Colby: Stripped Tour<\/a>\u00a0lands at our own Palace Theater on March 9 (tickets here<\/a>).<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: Rhea Litre<\/p>\n Best Drag Show<\/p>\n Showgirls at Micky\u2019s, West Hollywood<\/p>\n Hostess Morgan McMichaels seals the deal on the popular Showgirls at Micky\u2019s. Great food, friendly service and convenient parking were called out as factors making this the best, but the talent of McMichaels is the coup de grace in the eyes of LA Blade readers. \u201cMorgan McMichaels\u00a0is an amazing host that will take you into the wonderful world of drag with magnificent characters,\u201d says Julie H.\u00a0\u201cMorgan McMichaels went out of her way to make me feel special,\u201d reports a birthday celebrant. \u00a0<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Brunch with the Brunchettes at Hamburger Mary\u2019s<\/p>\n Favorite Influencer<\/p>\n George Takei<\/p>\n As we enter a vitally important election year, LA Blade readers have shown that they revere the guidance of one of the great LGBTQ+ voices, George Takei. It feels reductive to even remind people of his portrayal of Mr. Sulu in the original Star Trek. For queer people, he is so much more. He\u2019s an actor, social justice activist, social media mega-power, New York Times bestselling author, and subject of To Be Takei, a documentary on his life and career. <\/p>\n Takei serves as chair of the council of governors of East West Players, the nation\u2019s foremost Asian Pacific American theater. He is also a member of the Human Rights Campaign, chairman emeritus of the Japanese American National Museum\u2019s Board of Trustees and a member of the US-Japan Bridging Foundation Board of Directors. In recognition of his contribution to the Japan-United States relationship, Takei was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan. <\/p>\n In 2023, Takei urged participation in our democracy, he wrote, \u201cA Democrat was in the White House when my family was sent to the internment camps in 1941. It was an egregious violation of our human and civil rights. It would have been understandable if people like me said they\u2019d never vote for a Democrat again, given what had been done to us. But being a liberal, being a progressive, means being able to look past my own grievances and concerns and think of the greater good. It means working from within the Democratic party to make it better \u2026 There is no leader who will make the decision you want her or him to make 100 percent of the time. Your vote is a tool of hope for a better world. Use it wisely, for it is precious. Use it for others, for they are in need of your support, too.\u201d Clearly, his LA Blade fans know how to vote. They voted him the best.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: Gigi Gorgeous<\/p>\n Best Queer Artist<\/p>\n Guadalupe Rosales\u00a0<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s runner up takes the top spot in 2023. Rosales\u2019 work has been featured by Vogue, i-D Magazine, The New Yorker, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, ArtNews, Artsy and Artforum, Univision and NPR. Rosales is a multidisciplinary artist and educator best known for her community generated archival projects, Veteranas and Rucas and Map Pointz, found on social media. Recent solo exhibitions have been held at Commonwealth and Council, Los Angeles, Dallas Museum of Art and Museo Universitario del Chopo in Mexico City. LA Blade readers are anxious for her forthcoming book East of the River coming out this year.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: Farrell<\/p>\n Best LGBTQ+ Bar<\/p>\n Heart WeHo<\/p>\n Winning for the second year in a row, Heart WeHo is known as \u201cwhere the night comes alive.\u201d Key events in 2023 included Betsey Johnson and Miley Cyrus\u2019 Pride Party. LA Blade readers called out its viewing parties and \u201cphenomenal\u201d music.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: The Abbey<\/p>\n Best Neighborhood Bar<\/p>\n Beaches<\/p>\n You will find Beaches in the heart of West Hollywood. Proud of its design and fashion, the hybrid restaurant and lounge is described as reflecting \u201cnostalgia of 80\u2019s Miami disco culture.\u201d\u00a0 The two-story space offers two full bars and VIP seating and specializes in \u201cCalifornia Cuban Cuisine.\u201d\u00a0 LA Blade readers \u201clove this bar!\u201d Great music, good dancers and powerful drinks top some of the reasons why.\u00a0<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: Hi Tops<\/p>\n Best LGBTQ+ Party<\/p>\n Fuego Fridays at Heart WeHO<\/p>\n Fuego\u2019s Friday events have people talking, and LA readers voting! Featuring Latin music, hot Latin gogos, drink specials and lasting until 4 a.m., patrons partied til morning light.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: Makeout Mondays at Rocco\u2019s<\/p>\n Best GoGo Dancer<\/p>\n Dante Martin<\/p>\n Regularly featured at Long Beach\u2019s Falcon North, Dante Martin gets pulses racing and LA readers voting. He can be found online on Instagram, X and OnlyFans.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: Ernest Guillermo Borilla Espinose<\/p>\n Best Brunch<\/p>\n The Abbey<\/p>\n 2022\u2019s winner does it again. This year, LA readers called the \u201cworld famous\u201d Abbey\u2019s brunch \u201camazing.\u201d Launched 32 years ago as a small coffee house by David Cooley as a safe space for the gay community. \u201cCome as you are,\u201d was their mantra. The stain glass window d\u00e9cor inspired the religious themed name and atmosphere. A 2023 review read, \u201cCame here for brunch last Sunday, and it was everything I was hoping for and more. The food was great, the drinks were flowing, and the queens were perfection.\u201d LA Blade readers love perfection and brunch toasted The Abbey as the best.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Beaches<\/p>\n Best Restaurant<\/p>\n Bottega Louie<\/p>\n Winning Editor\u2019s Choice for 2022, Bottega Louie served it up for LA Blade readers in 2023 and earned the Best-of spot! Opening its doors in 2020, Bottega Louie is known for its open kitchen and menu of pastas, salads, small plates, pizza and pastries. In addition, Bottega Louie runs a gourmet market where patrons can purchase packaged foods including confections, chocolates, pasta sauces, dry pastas and preserves. Our readers said \u201cyum!\u201d<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Cecconi\u2019s<\/p>\n Best Radio or TV Station<\/p>\n 104.3 Pride on iHeart Radio<\/p>\n Named the Editor\u2019s Choice of 2022, 104.3 Pride elevates to the top spot, swapping with last year\u2019s winner. The station considers itself the \u201cpulse of LGBTQ+ America and plays upbeat Top 40 music (including remixes) and dance music targeted to the LGBTQ+ community. The service is also carried on the HD Radio sub-channels. The channel and accompanying online portal provide the LGBTQ+ audience with programming that aims to be entertaining, informative and uniting.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: KTLA<\/p>\n Best Coverage of LGBTQ+ Issues by a Mainstream News Outlet<\/p>\n KTLA<\/p>\n Winning for a second year in a row, KTLA featured SoCal LGBTQ+ pertinent stories that included the Dodgers uninviting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to Pride Night (they were subsequently re-invited, thanks to the backlash), hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community and numerous stories of California schools fighting proposed anti-trans policies.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Variety<\/p>\n Best Cannabis Retailer\/Lounge<\/p>\n Green Qween<\/p>\n 2022s winner of this category showed that they were not done with the top spot, taking it again in 2023. Business partners Andres Rigal and Taylor Bazley launched Green Qween as \u201ca queer-driven cannabis dispensary in an industry where LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation have been lacking.\u201d Donating a portion of proceeds to the DTLA Proud Community Center, Green Qween sees itself as an incubator for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC cannabis brands and growers. Green Qween has declared, \u201cWe will reclaim, honor and sustain queer history in cannabis legalization by incubating LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, women-owned and marginalized brands.\u201d LA Blade readers just see them as the best.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: The Woods<\/p>\n Best LGBTQ+ Owned Business<\/p>\n Urban Pet<\/p>\n Winning Editor\u2019s Choice in 2022, Urban Pet chose 2023 to shine as the LA Blade readers\u2019 number one. Boasting celeb clients including \u00a0Amanda Seyfried, Jenna Dewan, Channing Tatum, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia DeRossi, Mila Jovavich, Pink, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Linda Resnick, Urban Pet is very much a reflection of its owner Zack Grey.\u00a0After segueing from a 14 year career as a professional dancer, he worked as a personal assistant to a well-known dog trainer and transitioned into launching his own dog training company. He was quickly lauded for his innovative personal training and technique. Pet Product News has called him \u201cone of the top 25 people to follow,\u201d and Super Zoo, the largest pet industry trade show, awarded him the Retailer of the Year Award. LA Blade readers just call him \u201cthe best.\u201d<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: My 12 Step Store<\/p>\n Best LGBTQ+ Social Group<\/p>\n Somos Latino Outreach and Understanding Division<\/p>\n The Latino Outreach and Understanding Division (LOUD) is a division of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) that addresses the social and health disparities that threaten the Latino community through innovative programmatic, marketing and direct-action strategies. Founded in 2013 by Latinos determined to make a difference in their communities, LOUD works to fight the fight against HIV\/ AIDS in underserved communities and supports critical Latino issues. Their marketing initiatives are culturally relevant and effective at encouraging positive behavioral change in Latino communities with direct action strategies throughout the United States.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Impulse Group LA<\/p>\n Best House of Worship<\/p>\n Tie: Congregation Kol Ami and InVision Church LA<\/p>\n Congregation Kol Ami<\/p>\n 2022\u2019s winner and Editor\u2019s Choice tied this year for the top spot. Kol Ami is an important leader in the Jewish, LGBTQ+ and West Hollywood communities since its founding in 1992. Rabbi Denise L. Egers, who plans to retire in 2024, broke barriers that resulted in more LGBTQ+ inclusion at synagogues worldwide. Kol Ami describes itself as \u201ca progressive, Reform congregation rooted in a rich Jewish tradition, with commitment to social justice, diversity and a world in which all individuals are honored and connected. Our congregation celebrates an LGBTQ+ core at the center of a profoundly diverse community.\u201d (1200 N La Brea Ave, West Hollywood)<\/p>\n InVision LA<\/p>\n \u201cThe worship was amazing and the pastor delivered an amazing message,\u201d says one visitor. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how priceless that message is to the LGBTQ+ community especially,\u201d says another. InVision believes in \u201cthe demonstration of spiritual gifts given by God.\u201d They seek to promote excellence in all things in the \u201cpursuit of a relationship with Jesus\u201d and proclaim a steadfast, bold decree of acceptance, affirmation and inclusion for every child of God in their midst and \u201cevery person that is to come, regardless of race, gender, class, background or sexual orientation.\u201d<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Hollywood Boulevard Episcopal<\/p>\n \u00a0Most Committed Activist<\/p>\n Chelsea Byers<\/p>\n The new vice mayor of West Hollywood, Chelsea Byers, has impressed LA Blade readers with her 17 years of social impact strategies and community organization initiatives. She has worked tirelessly with nonprofits, grassroots and activist groups. Installed in her new role on Jan. 16, Byers said, \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to the year ahead, full of meaningful opportunities to advance issues most important to the West Hollywood community.\u201d LA Blade readers look forward to her growing impact as well.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Michael Weinstein\u00a0<\/p>\n Favorite Public Official<\/p>\n Lindsey Horvath<\/p>\n Our 2022 Editor\u2019s Choice, Horvath was named the favorite for 2023. As chair of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, she credits Supervisor Sheila Kuehl for supporting her to become the youngest elected woman to serve on the board. Under her leadership, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on June 6 to expand healthcare services for Transgender people and to establish for the first time a LGBTQ+ commission to advise the board on related policies and programs. Horvath has laid out her additional ongoing objectives for her tenure. She states, \u201cVoters chose a new path forward \u2014 a path where we humanely and effectively solve our homelessness crisis, a path where we invest in meaningful public safety solutions, a path where we fight unequivocally for full reproductive freedom, and a path where we urgently protect our environment and create a sustainable future for generations to come.\u201d LA Blade readers are on board and chose her as their hope for the future.<\/p>\n Runner-Up: Adam Schiiff\u00a0<\/p>\n Most LGBTQ+ Friendly City<\/p>\n West Hollywood<\/p>\n The city of West Hollywood was born out of a determined campaign by LGBTQ+ activists, seniors and renters on Nov. 29, 1984. The city has a rich history and can be credited for launching iconic rock and punk musical acts. It boasts celebrity-owned bars and restaurants, unparalleled nightlife and shopping. It hosts world impacting events like the HBO Emmy Party, Elton John\u2019s Annual Oscar Party, WEST HOLLYWOOD PRIDE and the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, the largest Halloween street party in the world. With approximately 39,000 residents, it has been called \u201cLos Angeles\u2019 hottest destination for the entertainment industry.\u201d Many feel that West Hollywood sets a standard for super creative individuals representing the state-of-the-art on trends and new ideas.<\/p>\n The Human Rights Campaign has scored West Hollywood as earning 100 out of 100 possible in terms of LGBTQ+ friendliness.\u00a0LA Blade readers already knew that as they name West Hollywood the friendliest city for the fifth year in a row.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Palm Springs<\/p>\n Best Local Pro Sports Team<\/p>\n LA Dodgers<\/p>\n Earning the top spot was not an easy feat for the Dodgers this year. Sure, they had a lock on it going into their 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night. For that event, they announced their intention to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence activist organization. Then the fires of hell, as some evangelicals might have predicted, broke out. Right wing homophobes clutched their pearls in protest. Shamefully, for five days, the Dodgers caved, and dis-invited the Sisters. Then, as the LA Times describes it, the Dodgers \u201cDid the right thing by bringing them back.\u201d\u00a0As the Sisters were honored inside the stadium, thousands protested outside. The LA Times commented, \u201cThey didn\u2019t listen. They didn\u2019t run. They didn\u2019t cave. The Dodgers, who caved once, didn\u2019t cave again.\u201d For that, LA Blade readers thank them, and have declared the Dodgers the best local team for the fourth year in a row.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: LA Lakers<\/p>\n Best Realtor<\/p>\n The Collective<\/p>\n The Collective bills itself as the \u201chippest Boutique Real Estate Agency with some of L.A.\u2019s most experienced real estate agents.\u201d At the heart of the Collective is the vision to be guides to building wealth through real estate.\u00a0The team says it is not your average set of agents who simply search for homes or lists them on the MLS. They have created a company that is education driven through webinars and events, both for their own agents, and their clients.\u00a0 LA Blade readers were impressed.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Rodeo Realty<\/p>\n Best Ally<\/p>\n Hilda Solis<\/p>\n Hilda Solis, the daughter of immigrants, was raised in her San Gabriel Valley working-class family. As a county supervisor, United States Secretary of Labor and lawmaker, Solis has always been an effective champion for expanded quality health care, new solutions to the homelessness and housing crises, reimagining public safety, cleaner air and water, immigrant rights and better jobs and economic opportunities for all. Solis became the first woman to receive the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2000 for her pioneering work on environmental justice issues. This year she advocated for the move to expand Transgender healthcare services and establish a LGBTQ+ commission. Soils stated that the actions were to counter anti-LGBTQ+ bills being promoted and passed around the nation. For that, LA Blade readers stated, \u201cThank you!\u201d<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Laura Morales Garcia <\/p>\n Best Salon\/Spa<\/p>\n FLEX Spa<\/p>\n FLEX Spas Los Angeles is a premier all male private club. Their facilities are an exclusive\/private all male membership facility providing accommodations for full gym facilities, suites, cabanas, lockers, personal trainers and massage therapists.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Burke Williams<\/p>\n Best Car Dealership<\/p>\n Honda of Hollywood<\/p>\n Honda of Hollywood is family. \u201cGreat staff, friendly service, feels like a small family-like environment\u201d promises one customer. \u201cAt Honda of Hollywood, we strive for excellence during every visit. Our team of experts is here to help you with all of your automotive needs \u2026 Whether you\u2019re from Hollywood, Los Angeles, or another city, get in touch with our team to experience superior customer service,\u201d they state. \u201cAmazing dealership. Recommend 100 percent,\u201d is their usual customer mantra. LA Blade readers have test driven them into being the Best Car Dealership for the third year in a row.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: BMW of Beverly Hills<\/p>\n Best Doctor\/Medical Provider<\/p>\n AIDS Healthcare Foundation<\/p>\n The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest provider of HIV\/AIDS healthcare in the world. It currently has 1,725,070 patients in care across 45 countries. As a global non-profit, it provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy. In recent years, AHF has expanded its focus on global public health to include housing, food security, pandemic response and preparedness, and more. Their local fans, and LA Blade readers, agreed naming them the year\u2019s best for the fourth year in a row.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: One Medical<\/p>\n Best Fitness<\/p>\n LA Fitness, Hollywood<\/p>\n Founded in 1984, LA Fitness now has over 550 clubs across the U.S. and Canada. LA Fitness highlights their offerings this way: \u201cLA Fitness offers many amenities at an outstanding value. Gym amenities may feature functional training, state-of-the-art equipment, basketball, group fitness classes, pool, saunas, personal training and more!\u201d Its clients call out its wide range of equipment, friendly staff, great classes and convenient parking. For the third year in a row, LA Blade readers have named LA Fitness the best.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Equinox on Sunset<\/p>\n Most LGBTQ-Friendly Workplace<\/p>\n City of West Hollywood<\/p>\n The city of West Hollywood strives to maintain a high-quality work environment with competitive compensation and benefits. They have publicly committed to engage, attract, develop, support and retain the best workforce to provide exceptional customer service to the West Hollywood community. The city government states, \u201cSince incorporation in 1984, the city of West Hollywood has become one of the most influential cities in the nation for its outspoken advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues. No other city of its size has had a greater impact on the national public policy discourse on fairness and inclusiveness for LGBTQ+ people. More than 40 percent of residents in West Hollywood identify as LGBTQ+. The city has advocated for more than three decades for measures to support LGBTQ+ individuals and has been in the vanguard on efforts to gain and protect equality for all people on a state, national, and international level.\u201d\u00a0This resonates with LA Blade readers who think they are the most LGBTQ+-Friendly around.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Getty Museum<\/p>\n Best Non-Profit<\/p>\n Equality California<\/p>\n Fighting for full, lived LGBTQ+ equality, Equality California has numerous initiatives. These incorporate passing pro-equality legislation, electing pro-equality leaders, fighting for civil rights in the courtroom, reducing disparities in LGBTQ+ health and well-being, developing a pipeline of LGBTQ+ leaders and increasing civic participation within the LGBTQ+ community. LA Blade readers appreciate their leadership and have voted them the best non-profit.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: AIDS Healthcare Foundation<\/p>\n Best Actor<\/p>\n Bradley Cooper<\/p>\n Bradley Cooper is earning huge recognition for his self-directed performance in the film Maestro. The film portrays the life of the legendary Leonard Bernstein and his bisexuality. His performance has earned him nominations for Golden Globes, Bafta, Critics Choice and SAG awards. So far, he has not won any of those but, hey Bradley, with LA Blade readers, you\u2019re a winner, Baby.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice:\u00a0 Jodie Foster<\/p>\n Best Museum\/Art Gallery<\/p>\n The Getty<\/p>\n The Getty embarks on numerous philanthropic projects including several supporting the LGBTQ+ community.\u00a0As this year\u2019s winner, The Getty confirms that it is a Los Angeles treasure. In its two locations, it represents over 6,000 years of art. Besides a library collection of books, archives and services, the museum holds over 100,000 artwork images as well as special collections. The Getty Center, with its bird\u2019s eye view of Los Angeles, is located in Brentwood and showcases European art amid modern architecture. Its second location is the Getty Villa Museum which lies along the coast and displays ancient Greek and Roman art in a recreated Roman house. LA Blade readers have shown their appreciation for the second year in a row by naming the Getty as the Best Museum of the year.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: LACMA<\/p>\n Best Theater<\/p>\n LA Opera<\/p>\n With six mainstage productions, the LA Opera kicked off its 38th season \u201coffering illuminating interpretations of classic works through the extraordinary artistry of the world\u2019s leading musicians.\u201d The season\u2019s roster included Alexander Zemlinsky\u2019s The Dwarf, the LA Opera premiere of William Grant Still\u2019s Highway 1, USA, the company premiere of El \u00faltimo sue\u00f1o de Frida y Diego, Don Giovanni, La Traviata and Turandot.\u00a0LA Blade readers were humming along and belted out a sincere \u201cyou\u2019re the best.\u201d<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice:\u00a0 LACMA<\/p>\n Best Music Venue<\/p>\n The Hollywood Bowl<\/p>\n Three years ago, the Hollywood Bowl won for Best Virtual A&E Events. Two years ago, they were named the Best A&E Venue. This year, marks their second win \u2014 for Best Music Venue. This can only lead you to conclude that live or virtual, artistically or musically, in the eyes of LA Blade readers, they are still perennially the best. Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell. Janet Jackson opened the 2023 season and LA Blade readers were impressed.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice:\u00a0 Disney Concert Hall<\/p>\n Best Hotel<\/p>\n Fairmont Century Plaza<\/p>\n Fans cite the hotel\u2019s great location, excellent staff and overall beauty as the secret formula the Fairmont commands over other hotels in the area. A recent reviewer said, \u201cThis is one of the nicest and most luxurious hotels my family and I have stayed at. The room was huge \u2026 The staff were exceptional and very attentive. This hotel is in a great location next to Century City Westfield in a very clean and safe part of Los Angeles.\u201d<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice:\u00a0 Sunset Tower<\/p>\n Favorite Musical Artist<\/p>\n Dolly Parton<\/p>\n Last year, Dolly was our Editor\u2019s Choice. Since she kicked off New Years 2023 with goddaughter Miley Cyrus, her popularity shifted into high gear. In defense of her Transgender audience she was quoted this year as saying , \u201cHow we are is who we are.\u201d She ended the year releasing her rock album Rockstar at the end of 2023 and it shot immediately to #1 on the charts. LA Blade readers agreed and put her #1 in their hearts.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice:\u00a0 Bad Bunny<\/p>\n Best LGBTQ+ Event<\/p>\n GLAAD Awards<\/p>\n Winning the top spot for the second year in a row, the GLAAD Awards has special meaning for the LA Blade. It, and sister publication, the Washington Blade won the Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ+ Media. The award honors a pioneering individual, group, or community media outlet that has made a significant contribution to the development of LGBTQ+ media. The award is named after Barbara Gittings in recognition of her groundbreaking work as editor of The Ladder, and for her appearances as an out lesbian on national news media throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The award program featured appearances by Christina Aguilera who was introduced by Club Q Survivor, Michael Anderson. Bad Bunny was honored with GLAAD\u2019s Vanguard Award and was introduced by Ricky Martin; Jeremy Pope received GLAAD\u2019s Stephen F. Kolzak Award and was introduced by Gabrielle Union. As for best LGBTQ event, LA Blade readers honored GLAAD.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice:\u00a0 OutFest<\/p>\n Best Regional Pride<\/p>\n WeHo Pride<\/p>\n WeHo wins for the second year in a row. Last year, the City of West Hollywood presented its second WeHo Pride in early June, kicking-off celebrations across the nation during Pride Month. WeHo Pride Weekend celebrations in and around West Hollywood Park included an all-weekend music fest dubbed OUTLOUD with performances from Grace Jones, Carly Rae Jepsen, Orville Peck, Passion Pit, Santigold and Princess Nokia.\u00a0LA Blade readers named it the best around again.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice:\u00a0 LA Pride<\/p>\n Best Streaming Service<\/p>\n Revry<\/p>\n Revry is the world\u2019s first global queer TV streaming network. It offers free 24\/7 live TV channels and on demand movies, and shows. The network launched in 2016 and only focuses on queer content and creators. It was founded by Damian Pelliccione, Alia J. Daniels, Christopher Rodriguez, Wadooah Wali and LaShawn McGhee. Revry releases original content, including the series Gayborhood, Before I Got Famous and Drag Roast.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: Amazon Prime<\/p>\n Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Entertainment Company<\/p>\n Netflix<\/p>\n Featuring top caliber LGBTQ+ content such as Rustin, Nyad and Maestro in 2023, Netflix waved its rainbow flag loud and proud. Other queer content included, Heartstopper, The Young Royals, Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story and long timers like Orange is the New Black and Grace and Frankie.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice:\u00a0 Paramount Pictures<\/p>\n Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer of 100+ Employees<\/p>\n Disney<\/p>\n Disney\u2019s commitment to their employees includes investing in and supporting their people \u201cthrough our focus on creating a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture, investing in their well-being, health and safety, and providing opportunities for their continued growth, development, and career mobility.\u201d The company is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: Media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. DeSantis may hate them, but LA Blade readers love them.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Choice: TikTok<\/p>\n Best LA Region Airport<\/p>\n LAX<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s Editor\u2019s Choice landed its planes in the Best spot this year. Providing enhanced travel experiences across Terminals 2 and 3 this year, LAX surpassed pre-pandemic passenger numbers on consecutive days. With more domestic travelers beginning or ending their trips at LAX than any other U.S. Airport, it has gotten both busier and better. LA Blade readers named it the best.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s choice: Hollywood\/Burbank<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LOS ANGELES \u2013 Welcome to the seventh annual special issue of the Best of LGBTQ+ LA! The Los…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":211739,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[97383,97384,9021,93,97385,48,52,51,19099,19100,47,66843,50,49,97386,97387,97388,81864,12834,97389,37294],"class_list":{"0":"post-211738","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-los-angeles","8":"tag-alexander-rodriguez","9":"tag-best-of-la-awards","10":"tag-drag-race","11":"tag-featured","12":"tag-gus-kenworthy","13":"tag-la","14":"tag-la-headlines","15":"tag-la-news","16":"tag-lgbtq-representation","17":"tag-lgbtq-visibility","18":"tag-los-angeles","19":"tag-los-angeles-blade","20":"tag-los-angeles-headlines","21":"tag-los-angeles-news","22":"tag-mistr","23":"tag-mistr-models","24":"tag-pride-house-la-west-hollywood","25":"tag-salina-estitties","26":"tag-the-abbey","27":"tag-tom-goss","28":"tag-visit-west-hollywood"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/211738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=211738"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/211738\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/211739"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=211738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=211738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=211738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/gilead-CP-logo-600x338.jpeg\"){kind=logo}
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sasha-Colby-600x544.jpg\")
Sasha Colby\/Facebook
(Photo Credit: Preston Make-up)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Morgan-McMichaels-promo-SEPT-2023-598x600.jpg\")
Promo poster\/Morgan McMichaels Sept. 2023<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/George-Takei-The-Shuttlepod-Show-DEC-2023-600x323.jpg\")
George Takei appearing on The Shuttlepod Show, Dec. 2023. (Screenshot\/YouTube)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Guadalupe-Rosales--600x402.jpg\")
Guadalupe Rosales in the KCET-PBS Special: Archiving L.A.\u2019s 90s Latinx Rave Scene. (Screenshot KCET)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Heart-WeHo-1-600x400.jpg\")
Heart WeHo (Blade file photo by Troy Masters)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Beaches-600x460.jpg\")
Beaches in WeHo. (Photo Credit: Beaches\/Facebook)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/FUEGO-FRIDAYS-Heart-600x574.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Heart WeHo<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Dante-Martin-600x516.jpg\")
Dante Martin (Courtesy of Hamburger Mary\u2019s Long Beach.)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-Abbey-Nov-16-2020-600x450.jpg\")
Diners at The Abbey.
(Blade photo by Noah Christiansen)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Bottega-Louie.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bottega Louie Instagram<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1043-Pride-on-iHeart-Radio-600x336.jpg\")
Photo Credit: iHeartMEDIA LA<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KTLA-logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Green-Qween-600x388.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Green Qween\/Facebook<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Urban-Pet-600x228.png\")
Photo Credit: Urban Pet<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Latino-Outreach-and-Understanding-Division-600x401.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Latino Outreach and Understanding Division\/Facebook<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Congregation-Kol-Ami-600x450.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Congregation Kol Ami\/Facebook<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/InVision-LA-600x600.png\")
InVision LA graphic<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Chelsea-Lee-Byers-being-sworn-in-768x512.jpg\")
Vice-Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers being sworn in on January 16, 2024.
(Photo courtesy of the City of West Hollywood)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lindsey-becomes-Board-Chair.jpg\")
Lindsey P. Horvath became the youngest-ever Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as she took the gavel Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.
(Photo provided by the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/City-of-West-Hollywood-1985-600x335.jpg\")
Border sign, City of West Hollywood, California in1985.
(Photo Credit: City of West Hollywood)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/LA-Dodgers-600x600.jpg\")
LA Dodgers graphic<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/THE-COLLECTIVE-REALTY-600x293.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bryan Danna \u2013 The Collective Realty<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hilda-Solis-with-bass-newsom-600x402.jpg\")
Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis speaking at a Jan. 3, 2024, press briefing as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom look on.
(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/FLEX-Spas-Los-Angeles-600x311.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Flex SPAS<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Honda-of-Hollywood-2.jpg\")
Honda of Hollywood graphic<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AIDS-Healthcare-Foundation.png\")
AIDS Healthcare Foundation graphic<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/LA-Fitness.jpg\")
LA Fitness graphic<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/New-Pride-Mural-Installed-WeHo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: City of West Hollywood\/Jon Viscott<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Equality-California-600x400.jpg\")
Equality California 2023 Palm Springs Awards. (Photo Credit: Equality California)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Bradley-Cooper-600x320.jpg\")
Bradley Cooper on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. (Screenshot\/YouTube The Tonight Show)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Getty-The-480x600.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Getty<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/LA-Opera-480x600.jpg\")
Photo Credit: LA Opera<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-Hollywood-Bowl-600x401.jpg\")
Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/fairmont-hotel-los-angeles-graphic-600x600.jpg\")
Fairmont Century Plaza Pride graphic.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Miley-Cyrus-Dolly-Parton-New-Years-Eve-600x353.jpg\")
Dolly Parton with god-daughter Miley Cyrus Dec. 31, 2022. (Screenshot\/YouTube)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GLAAD-Media-Awards-Trophy-400x600.jpg\")
GLAAD Media Award.
(Photo Credit: GLAAD)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WeHo-Pride-logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
LA Blade graphic<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Revry-logo-600x600.png\"){kind=logo}
Revry graphic<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Netflix2-600x430.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Disney-Logo-New-2024-600x333.jpg\"){kind=logo}
Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/LAX-600x450.jpg\")
Photograph courtesy of Los Angeles World Airports<\/p>\n