Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Make History, Officially Convene County’s First-Ever LGBTQ+ Commission, Capping a Year-Long Journey for Equality
Los Angeles, Calif. JUNE 11, 2024 – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors made history today by officially gaveling into session the County’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission.
The Board introduced the County’s new LGBTQ+ Commission Executive Director, Sunitha Menon, and presented fellow LGBTQ+ Commission members with a ceremonial gavel before their inaugural meeting.
“Today, Los Angeles County is making history – again – and hopefully setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who represents the First District. “Last month the Board of Supervisors made history when we appointed Sunitha Menon to lead the County’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission. Today, we are officially convening the County’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission. We’ve arrived at this moment because the Board of Supervisors stood in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ family. I applaud my fellow Board of Supervisor members for their courage and integrity and compassion.”
This historic journey began in June 2023 when Supervisor Solis and Supervisor Hahn co-authored a motion to create the LGBTQ+ Commission, which will make recommendations on policies that impact LGBTQ+ communities.
“The inaugural meeting of LA County’s LGBTQ+ Commission marks a significant milestone in the County’s commitment to uplift and deliver for our LGBTQ+ communities,” said LA County Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath. “This Commission will be instrumental in our ongoing journey towards equality by empowering our LGBTQ+ siblings and ensuring their voices are heard and valued. I look forward to partnering with our Commissioners and Executive Director to inform policymaking and service provision as we work to further LGBTQ+ rights in Los Angeles.”
“There are too many states and local governments across the country who are moving backwards when it comes to LGBTQ rights,” said Supervisor Hahn. “I am proud that, with this commission at the helm, LA County is on the right side of history and lifting up LGBTQ voices when we need to hear them most.”
Menon’s selection is the culmination of a year-long effort led by Supervisor Solis and Supervisor Hahn, who and co-authored a resolution with Board Chair Horvath to fly the Progress Pride Flag at all County facilities in time for Pride Month.
“It is an honor to be the first Executive Director of the LGBTQ+ Commission, and I am grateful for Supervisor Solis and Supervisor Hahn for authoring the original motion to form this Commission,” Menon said. “The unanimous support from the Board of Supervisors reflects a shared reality that all LGBTQ+ people in Los Angeles County need dedicated support to ensure our safety and survival. I look forward to working alongside the Commissioners to ensure we are uplifting the needs of the over 500,000 members of our community, particularly for our black and brown trans community members, and those who live in areas with less access to life-saving resources and support.”
Menon previously served as Managing Director of Operations at Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, where she led strategic planning and developed and executed a comprehensive culture change plan focused on expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization.
“The LGBTQ+ Commission is a promise from Los Angeles County to ensure that every member of the LGBTQ+ community is seen, heard and valued,” said Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang. “The imprimatur of the County means that this is not just a symbolic gathering – it is an official act of government at its very best. This is long overdue, and I am grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their vision and leadership.”
The Commission’s 15 members will advise the Board of Supervisors to ensure its policies and practices are supportive of our LGBTQ+ community.
