The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 4th Annual Queerceañera Returns Sept. 26, Announces Honoree & Prized Journalist Suzy Exposito
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The organization’s premiere queer and trans Latine tradition returns as a signature philanthropic event benefiting its life-saving programs.
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Presented by Gilead Sciences
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LOS ANGELES, August 20, 2026 — The Los Angeles LGBT Center today announced the return of its fourth annual Queerceañera, the Center’s signature celebration of queer Latine cutlure, on Saturday, September 26, at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza in Hollywood. This year’s event will honor award-winning journalist and cultural tastemaker Suzy Exposito for her contributions to journalism and commitment to elevating LGBTQ+ Latine voices.
Under the theme Siempre Contigo (“Always With You”), this year’s Queerceañera celebrates queer Latine leadership and the community, culture, and heritage that carry us forward. At the heart of this year’s celebration is the hummingbird—a symbol of ancestry, resilience, and connection to those who came before us. Always in motion and perpetually in flight, the hummingbird reflects a community that continues to evolve, rise, and move forward together.
This year also marks a new chapter for Queerceañera—or Queerce, for short—as it evolves into a signature philanthropic event supporting the Center’s life-saving programs and services across Los Angeles. The ticketed experience, via general and premiere admission, will bring together community members and leaders, artists, performers, and supporters for an evening of entertainment, hospitality, and shared experiences rooted in queer Latine identity and pride. The evolution comes at a critical moment, as LGBTQ+ organizations nationwide navigate significant funding cuts while continuing to meet the needs of their communities.
As Queerce’s first announced honoree, Suzy Exposito will be recognized for her contributions to journalism and storytelling. Through her award-winning work, including her reporting for the Los Angeles Times’ De Los section, Exposito has documented Latine communities with cultural authenticity and approached stories of queer Latine life with the nuance and care that bring greater visibility and understanding to experiences too often overlooked.
“I was a 15-year-old baby punk in Florida when I began to realize my sexuality would diverge from the path of normativity—which is why it feels poetic to be honored at this year’s Queerceañera,” said honoree Suzy Exposito. “It’s been my life’s work to help undo the countless years of shame and oppression against our communities by telling the stories of LGBTQ Latines. It’s also been my life’s work to be a bisexual menace. I cherish the Center for all they do and will be supremely honored to accept this award on September 26.”
“From the very first Queerceañera, the vision was to create a space where our community could celebrate who we are, honor where we come from, and recognize the people whose work helps move us forward,” said Oliver DelGado, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and founder of Queerceañera. “Having had the opportunity to work alongside Suzy through various Center milestone events, I’ve seen firsthand the care and intention she brings to telling our stories. Representation is about more than being seen—it’s about being understood, remembered, and celebrated. Honoring Suzy is an opportunity to recognize a community hero who has helped ensure queer Latine stories are told with the authenticity and humanity they deserve.”
Since its debut in 2023, Queerceañera has grown into a beloved Latine Heritage Month tradition spotlighting queer and trans Latine leaders, artists, and storytellers shaping life in Los Angeles. Inspired by the traditional quinceañera, the event reimagines the coming-of-age celebration as an inclusive queer cotillion centered on cultural pride, community, and belonging. Previous honorees have included Valentina, Miss Benny, Kandy Muse, Lushious Massacr, and KISO Los Angeles Founder, Oliver Alpuche, whose work strengthens and inspires community.
The celebration will feature a dynamic program of entertainment and special experiences, with additional honorees and programming to be announced in the coming weeks
More information about Queerceañera, including event details and ticket information can be found at lalgbtcenter.org/Queerce. Press interested in covering the event are encouraged to contact [email protected].
Presented by Gilead Sciences, Queerceañera is also made possible by Official Sponsor United Airlines.
WHAT
Queerceañera
The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s annual celebration of queer Latine culture in honor of Latine Heritage Month.
WHEN
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
5:30–10 p.m.
WHERE
Los Angeles LGBT Center
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza
1125 N. McCadden Place
Los Angeles 90038
TICKETS
Purchase tickets at lalgbtcenter.org/Queerce
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About the Los Angeles LGBT Center
Since 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 800 employees provide services for more LGBTQ+ people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBTQ+ people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org.