The devastating wildfires that broke out across Los Angeles County have resulted in tragic deaths and caused unprecedented damage. In response, the Center has partnered with the LGBTQIA+ Community Fire Relief Mutual Aid initiative—a volunteer initiative—to support queer and trans households and businesses affected by the fires.
According to a 2023 study at the University of California, Irvine, LGBTQ+ individuals are twice as likely to be displaced by a disaster than cisgender, heterosexual people, with people of color the most vulnerable. Additionally, when pandemics or disasters happen, LGBTQ+ establishments and their workforce almost always face an uphill battle to stay in business.
In LA, Honey’s and Ruby Fruit were two hubs for LTBQ+ women and gender-expansive folks that recently shut their doors after a week of closures due to the wildfires. But in times of crisis, the LGBTQ+ community has always come together to lift one another up.
Individuals, families, and businesses in need of support or those who wish to provide mutual aid to those affected are encouraged to visit lalgbtfirerelief.info. For more information, contact @la_lgbt_fire_relief on Instagram or email [email protected].
