Embracing Diversity: Spotlight on LGBTQI Leaders in Long Beach
What initially attracted you to Long Beach as a place to live and build a community? Can you share your journey and what made you choose this vibrant city?
Long Beach wasn’t love at first sight for me. As a snobby West LA girl, I couldn’t fathom living anywhere other than the west side. But life had other plans when my partner got transferred to work at the Long Beach Veterans Affairs. So, we embarked on a house-hunting adventure.
After two days of exploring countless neighborhoods and touring multiple apartments daily, I was ready to give up and declare Long Beach my sworn enemy. Then, we stumbled across an apartment complex in Belmont Heights. And that’s when everything changed. We settled in, and Long Beach began working magic on me. My daughter started her educational journey at Fremont Elementary, conquered Rogers Middle School, and is now a rising senior at Wilson High School. The sense of community we found in these schools was extraordinary. The teachers, students, and their families wholeheartedly embraced diversity and celebrated individuality. Being an LGBTQ mom wasn’t just accepted; it was greeted with open arms and rainbow-colored confetti (well, figuratively speaking 🙂)
Within a few weeks, I realized there’s so much more to a city than its “questionable” reputation (wink wink). It’s a place where diverse communities converge, and being your authentic self isn’t just encouraged, but expected. Here, I’ve formed lifelong friendships that I truly cherish.
How do you and your family typically celebrate Gay Pride Month in Long Beach? Are there any local events or traditions that hold a special significance for you?
First and foremost, the PRIDE parade is an absolute must! It’s like a glittery runway where we can spot our most significant allies and marvel at creative outfits. We wave our flags high, dance freely (while everyone secretly watches), and proudly march alongside our LGBTQ community. It’s also a GREAT opportunity to discover local businesses that share our values. Supporting those who support us? It’s a win-win! But not just the significant events that make our pride celebrations unique. We have our little traditions too. One of our favorites is hosting a rainbow-themed feast. Each guest is assigned a color from the spectrum and brings a dish to share in that hue. It’s like indulging in happiness through food! And, of course, no pride celebration is complete without epic gay anthem karaoke nights. Long Beach knows how to embrace pride month like no other. The local events, camaraderie, and overwhelming love and acceptance in the air create an electrifying and infectious atmosphere. I LOVE living in Long Beach.
How have you experienced the inclusivity of Long Beach in your personal and professional life? Are there any specific instances or initiatives that stand out to you?
Long Beach has truly embraced inclusivity in every aspect of life. I’ve been fortunate to find a fantastic community of LGBTQI friends and neighbors who have become like family to me. Professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to work with organizations that actively promote diversity and equality. One exceptional initiative in the city is the “Safe Spaces” program, which identifies local businesses and organizations dedicated to creating welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone. Discovering these Safe Spaces reaffirms how much our city community values acceptance and support.
Can you tell us about any local organizations or resources in Long Beach that have been instrumental in supporting the LGBTQI community? How have they impacted your life or the lives of others you know?
One organization I am proud to brag about: the Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (LBGLCC). As an LGBTQ mom and business owner, I’m proud to be a board member of this incredible group. The LBGLCC has proven to be a lifeline for LGBTQ-owned businesses, providing invaluable support and guidance in a challenging landscape. They empower these businesses to thrive and succeed, making a tangible difference in their lives. But the LBGLCC doesn’t stop there. They actively engage with the community, organizing events that celebrate diversity, educate, and raise awareness about LGBTQ issues. Their efforts extend beyond the business realm, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ families, including those connected to LonBMoms. The impact they have on the community is truly inspiring.
In your professional life, how do you navigate and embrace your LGBTQI identity within your industry? Are there any unique opportunities or challenges that you have encountered as a leader in your field?
As an entrepreneur in the lifestyle industry, operating Tinsel & Bow (event gifting) and Tidy Places and Spaces (household management), I’m fortunate to be in a field that’s generally more accepting and inclusive. One exciting opportunity I enjoy is working with LGBTQ-owned businesses. As an industry veteran, I actively seek partnerships with organizations that value diversity, equality, and inclusivity. By aligning with businesses that support and celebrate the LGBTQI community, I help build a network of like-minded companies. This not only fosters engagement with LGBTQI customers and clients but also allows others to appreciate the representation and inclusivity my services provide.
Are there any LGBTQI-friendly places or events in Long Beach that you would recommend to others? Can you share your favorite spots or activities with your family in the city?
Long Beach warmly embraces our LGBTQI community, making it a haven for inclusive places and events. From the vibrant gay bars on Broadway, where both LGBTQI and non-LGBTQI individuals celebrate diversity, to enchanting drag queen storytelling events that create inclusive spaces for all ages, there’s so much to explore!
If you want to dance the night away, Hamburger Mary’s is the place to be, offering a supportive atmosphere where we can unleash our inner diva and have a blast. The beauty is that simple gatherings sometimes are the most memorable. This can be done in the city’s parks, where LGBTQI community members and allies come together to relax, connect, and create cherished memories.
