The LGBTQ+ Commission members with L.A. County Board of Supervisors (Photo – L.A. County)
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors made history on Tuesday, June 11, by officially gaveling into session the County’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission.
By News Desk
The Board introduced the County’s new LGBTQ+ Commission Executive Director, Sunitha Menon, and presented fellow LGBTQ+ Commission members with a ceremonial gavel before their inaugural meeting.
“Today, Los Angeles County is making history – again – and hopefully setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who represents the First District. “Last month the Board of Supervisors made history when we appointed Sunitha Menon to lead the County’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission. Today, we are officially convening the County’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission. We’ve arrived at this moment because the Board of Supervisors stood in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ family. I applaud my fellow Board of Supervisor members for their courage and integrity and compassion.”
This historic journey began in June 2023 when Supervisor Solis and Supervisor Hahn co-authored a motion to create the LGBTQ+ Commission, which will make recommendations on policies that impact LGBTQ+ communities.
LA County Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath said: “This Commission will be instrumental in our ongoing journey towards equality by empowering our LGBTQ+ siblings and ensuring their voices are heard and valued.”
“There are too many states and local governments across the country who are moving backwards when it comes to LGBTQ rights,” said Supervisor Hahn.
“The LGBTQ+ Commission is a promise from Los Angeles County to ensure that every member of the LGBTQ+ community is seen, heard and valued,” said Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang. “The imprimatur of the County means that this is not just a symbolic gathering – it is an official act of government at its very best. This is long overdue, and I am grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their vision and leadership.”
LGBTQ+ Commission
The LGBTQ+ Commission members are:
- Nic Arnzen
Nic has been an organizer and equal rights advocate for decades having supported marches, vigils, and protests locally and globally. He currently lives in Altadena where he holds office as a Town Councilmember and is the founder and lead organizer of the yearly Altadena Pride Celebration. - Ed Reece
Ed is an accomplished entrepreneur and elected official, serving as Mayor, Councilmember, Chair, and Vice President of various local and regional public agencies and associations. He is recognized as a strategic thinker, executive coach and advisor, and visionary leader in politics, public policy, and business. - Ellie Perez
Ellie is an experienced management professional and LGBTQ+ advocate with a history of working in these fields. She is currently serving as the Interim Executive Director of The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. - Eric Schockman
Eric is emeritus professor of politics and international relations specializing in public policy leadership as a practitioner/scholar. He was an early pioneer in LGBTQ+ legislation, served on numerous local, state, and international boards and commissions addressing human rights, including the City of Angels AIDS Hospice. - Terra Russell-Slavin, Esq. Terra is the Chief Impact Officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, where they work to advance LGBTQ rights and have executive oversight of all human services, including youth services, senior services, policy and advocacy, and legal services. She is actively engaged in expanding the Center’s women’s health services and oversees the Center’s National LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence Institute.
- Steve Fisher
Steve is completing his term as Central Committee member for the Los Angeles Democratic Party and State Democratic Party representing AD 52 for four years. He previously served on the Board of Governors of the Human Rights Campaign and Head of HRC’s Los Angeles Federal Club. He is a literary agent and Partner with Independent Artist Group. - Sydney Rogers
Sydney has been in the entertainment and activist field for over 25 years. She identifies as a Black Trans Femme, bringing more visibility and healing to the TGI (Trans, Gender Diverse, Intersex) community through artivism. She holds positions as program manager of the Trans Economic Empowerment Project, equity manager of Community Programs at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, co-director of the TG/Enby Project, and founder of Infinite Souls Consultations and Big Mama Storytime. - Talha Khan-Valbuena
Talha has served as Deputy District Attorney for the County of Los Angeles since 2016 and is the co-president of the South Asian Bar Association Public Interest Foundation and a member of the LGBT Bar Association. - Alejandro Soria
Alejandro is the Senior Director of Outpatient Mental Health, The Village Family Services and has a private practice in the City of San Fernando, Hope, Therapy & Wellness. - Luis Vasquez
Luis is a native Angeleno and co-founder of Rainbow labs, which is dedicated to educating peers on queer issues and creating a safe space. - Hector Trinidad Plascencia
Hector is the Founder and Executive Director of Plascencia Consulting and serves as a consultant with the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center. - Jerry P. Abraham
Jeffrey is a fellowship-trained expert, educator, and clinician with a special focus on ending health disparities, advancing health equity, and achieving racial and medical justice. - Eddie Martinez
Eddie is the Executive Director of Latino Equality Alliance and has over 25 years of non-profit management, civic engagement, and policy-making experience.
The Commission’s 15 members will advise the Board of Supervisors to ensure its policies and practices are supportive of our LGBTQ+ community.
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