West Hollywood City officials and staff gathered with members from the lesbian and queer women community for a “Meet Me in the Park” event on Saturday, April 30, to recognize and celebrate Lesbian and Queer Women Visibility Week. The fellowship included a full schedule of programming at the Great Lawn at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard.
The event began with a Sound Bath Meditation lead by Jaspal Kaur. Participants laid out blankets and sleeping bags and closed their eyes and had a peaceful moment at the Great Lawn before a full day of interactive activities.
The meditation was followed by welcoming remarks from members of the City of West Hollywood’s City Council, who included West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister, Mayor Pro-Tempore Sepi Shyne, and council members Linsey Horvath and John Erickson. Council member John D’Amico could not attend the event, but he sent his best regards per Mayor Meister, who welcomed everyone on behalf of the City of West Hollywood.
Lesbian and Queer Women Visibility Week – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES
“Hello lesbian and queer women,” said Mayor Pro Tem, Shyne from a stage. “Wow. What an incredible day. I’m your lesbian on city council and I really felt that it was important to have our city recognize, honor, and plan for Lesbian and Queer Women Visibility Week. I am so grateful to my colleagues for unanimously supporting lesbian and queer women. For so long lesbian and queer women have felt like we didn’t belong in the city of West Hollywood. We are part of the LGBTQ+ community and this event is an affirmation of the space and the safe space we are creating in the city. I hope you enjoy yourselves.”
Lesbian and Queer Women Visibility Week – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMESThe event included a “You Want Me to Call You What?” a Lesbian Speakers Series panel discussion featuring gender non-confirming, nonbinary, and masculine presenting persons who have created welcoming workspaces for lesbian and queer women of all presentations. Panelists on the list of speakers included: Dr. Diandra Bremond (she/her) Adjunct Professor at USC; Kim Fuentecilla (she/her/they/them) Assistant Principal at Animo Ralph Bunche Charter High School; Madin Lopez (they/them) Executive Director of ProjectQ; and Kalela McNeil (she/her) Actor, Comedian, and Entrepreneur.
Lesbian and Queer Women Visibility Week – Photo via Council member John EricksonThe day also included a Pup Meet Up and contest that gave prizes for Best Butch, Best Femme, Best Costume, Best Dog/Human Look-Alike, Best Trick, Cutest Queer dog; there was a Field Day in the Park featuring games like Giant Jenga, Connect Four Interactive Bingo, and kickball; and a guest DJ kept the afternoon festive.
Lesbian and Queer Women Visibility Week – Photo via Council member John EricksonThen it was off to Beaches WeHo for a Cherry Bomb “Meet Me in the Park After Party” that ran from 6pm-2am, Cherry Bomb is highlighting on the “L” in LGBTQ+.
On Monday, April 18, 2022, at its regular meeting, the City Council of the City of West Hollywood issued a Proclamation to commemorate April 25, 2022 through May 1, 2022 as Lesbian and Queer Women Visibility Week. The City displayed the Lesbian Pride flag in medians on Santa Monica Boulevard and West Hollywood City Hall.
For additional information, visit www.weho.org/lgbtq.
