LA becomes one of first major cities to officially recognize "National Coming Out Day"
The city of Los Angeles Friday became one of the first major cities in the country to officially recognize National Coming Out Day, which one City Council member described as a "historic moment."
Councilwoman Nithya Raman led a presentation to highlight the day, which was first celebrated on Oct. 11, 1988 by LGBTQ+ activists Jean O'Leary and Robert Eichberg to mark the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for lesbian and gay rights.
She also honored the owners of the Black Cat Tavern located in Silver Lake, and PJ Brescia, founder of BabyGay, a nonprofit that bills itself as a "LGBTQ+ and ally community that celebrates the coming out process through storytelling."
"Today is a momentous occasion because this is the first major city in the country to officially recognize National Coming Out Day, and this is a joyful reminder of the true diversity of Los Angeles, and what it means for the country," Raman said. "From pink pony clubs in West Hollywood to the first- ever Pride Parade in the country, L.A. has been the center of vibrant queer spaces throughout this country's history, and our city and our county is better for what has happened here."
The councilwoman underscored the importance of recognizing National Coming Out Day, citing a record 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been introduced just in the last month.
"Some people in this country have decided that hatred is good politics, but here in L.A., we reject that idea," Raman said.
The L.A. region is home to one of the largest populations in homeless youth, with about 40% identifying as LGBTQ+, according to Raman.
"You have here in L.A. a strong community that is waiting with open arms to embrace you," Raman said.
Lindsay Kennedy, co-owner of the Black Cat Tavern, and Brescia noted they would host an event to celebrate National Coming Out Day, starting at 5 p.m. The event, located at the Black Cat at 3939 Sunset Blvd., will feature of LGBTQ+ comedians, musicians and performers.
The Black Cat Tavern opened in 1966 at a time when "homosexuality was medically considered a mental illness and same-sex relations were criminalized in California," Kennedy said. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community faced harassment and intimidation from the police at the time.
"The queer community often socialized in secrecy on New Year's Eve. In 1967, the Black Cat became the target of an undercover police raid, and at midnight, the celebration turned to chaos when plainclothesed officers used brutal force to separate the unsuspecting patrons," Kennedy said.
Fourteen people were beaten and arrested, and six others were charged with lewd conduct for same-sex kissing.
In protest, hundreds of LGBTQ+ people gathered outside the Black Cat Tavern on Feb. 11, 1967. This action, which occurred two years prior to Stonewall, was recognized by the city and state as one of the earliest organized demonstrations by the LGBTQ+ community.
Brescia spoke about BabyGay as more than a platform -- it's a family and a safe haven.
"Today is more than a celebration. It's a pledge to support one another every step of the journey," Brescia said. "Today, we're not just honoring a day, we're forging a future, this is a future where authenticity is not just accepted, it's celebrated."
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed Oct. 12 as National Coming Out Day. Under a motion authored by supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn, the County Library and Department of Arts and Culture will also promote LGBTQ+ history month related events, programs and resources