October 15, 2024 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

L.A.’s Ivy Bottini Recognized for Activist Efforts

U.S. Representative Adam Schiff recognized 13 women for their work in improving life in the 28th Congressional District, which includes West Hollywood, in an Echo Park ceremony on April 5. Among the women recognized was established LGBTQ+ activist and West Hollywood resident Ivy Bottini, 91.

“These women have worked to found or support a myriad of charitable organizations, started multiple businesses and given so much of themselves to improve the common good,” Schiff stated. “They are all pillars of our communities, and I thank them for their invaluable service.”

A description of the honors described Bottini as “a legendary activist, professional artist, mother, award-winning actress and community leader. Renowned from coast to coast for her feminism and fight for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community, she paved the way for many of the advances in civil and human rights we enjoy today.”

Among a sizable listing of Bottini’s fruitful works as an activist, the ceremony’s announcement includes that Bottini was a founding member of the first chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966.

“She designed the iconic logo for the organization, which is still in use today. In August of 1970 Ivy and over 150 of her fellow activists made headlines by unveiling a banner reading ‘Women of the World Unite’ over the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.”

“[Bottini] founded AIDS Network LA, Los Angeles’ first AIDS organization and the Los Angeles Lesbian/Gay Police Advisory Board, co-founded AIDS Project LA and served for over 15 years on the West Hollywood Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board.”

Bottini’s devotion to positive change in her community was even recognized by Jerry Brown:

“In 1981, she was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the California Commission on Aging, making Ivy the first ‘out’ lesbian or gay person to be appointed to a state board or commission.

She was instrumental as an advocate for affordable housing for gay and lesbian seniors in the opening of Triangle Square, the first in the nation assisted living, affordable income apartment complex for LGBT elders.”

“Over the years, Ivy has received numerous recognitions for her years of service and most recently, she was recognized as the 2016 Woman of the Year for the 3rd Supervisorial District of the County of Los Angeles and as the 2017 Woman of the Year for the 50th Assembly District of the State of California.”

“Ivy is an inspiration throughout the country. Her life’s work is an example of finding one’s voice and using it forcefully for the benefit of all Americans.”

The 12 other women Schiff recognized were Claudette Nicole Saba Monestime (Atwater Village), Vicky Marachelian (Burbank), Isa-Kae Meksin (Echo Park), Emily Gleicher (Elysian Valley), Lori Hartwell (Glendale), Anastasia Mann (Hollywood Hills), Donna Ford (La Canada Flintridge), Kiljoo Lee Kurumada (La Crescenta), Brenda Levin (Los Feliz), Patricia Anne Kinaga (Pasadena), Nina Sorkin (Silver Lake), Kelly Erin Decker (Kagel Canyon) and Medea Kalognomos (Sunland).

Related Posts

West Hollywood Valet in Critical Condition After Brutal Attack, Suspect Identified

September 17, 2024

September 17, 2024

Kindly Barney’s Beanery Valet Attacked; LASD Seeks Community Assistance A longtime valet at a popular West Hollywood restaurant is in...

Skin Laundry Laser Focuses On Rejuvenating Skin

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

Facials don’t have to be invasive. That’s why Skin Laundry has taken a revolutionary approach to skincare technology, making the...

Homeless Initiative Meeting In West Hollywood

February 2, 2022

February 2, 2022

The City of West Hollywood’s Homeless Initiative works to address homelessness with a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency, collaborative response. It’s estimated that...

WeHo Premieres the ‘Moving Image Media Art’ Exhibition Series

February 2, 2022

February 2, 2022

The City of West Hollywood announces the premiere of the Moving Image Media Art (MIMA) program and the worldwide debut...

WeHo Spreads Word About Free Covid Testing

February 2, 2022

February 2, 2022

The City of West Hollywood is reminding residents that free COVID-19 testing is available for them.  Demand for COVID-19 testing...

2022 ‘WeHo Reads’ Series Celebrates the ‘Road to Joy’

February 2, 2022

February 2, 2022

The City of West Hollywood invites community members to celebrate literature and local authors with its 2022 WeHo Reads literary...

WeHo Urges Residents To Stay Alert Due To Recent Assaults

January 6, 2022

January 6, 2022

The City of West Hollywood and West Hollywood’s Sheriff’s Station is offering tips to encourage public safety in the community. ...

Fare Collection Will Resume In West Hollywood

January 6, 2022

January 6, 2022

Fare collection will resume on Metro buses on January 10, following suspension of fares during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City...

WeHo Rings In New Year With Virtual Drug and Alcohol-Free Annual #BOOM! Event

January 6, 2022

January 6, 2022

The City of West Hollywood rung in the New Year with a virtual drug and alcohol-free annual #BOOM! Event.  This...

Attack in WeHo Leaves 5-Year Resident in Hospital

December 16, 2021

December 16, 2021

Matthew McGrath, a five-year resident of West Hollywood, spent two weeks in the hospital and underwent multiple surgeries after he...

WeHo Offers Sandbags To Help Residents With Heavy Rain

December 14, 2021

December 14, 2021

The City of West Hollywood is offering free sand-filled sandbags to West Hollywood residents and businesses as heavy rains fall...

Pride Poets’ Corner: Featuring Corey Saucier & the Dirge for 24 Hour Fitness

December 7, 2021

December 7, 2021

On November 30, 2020, the 24 Hour Fitness location in West Hollywood, which had been in the community for 25...

WeHo’s 31st Annual Toy & Food Drive

November 30, 2021

November 30, 2021

The City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station are partnering to help give back to those in...

WeHo Wins ‘Most Business-Friendly City Award’ from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation

November 30, 2021

November 30, 2021

The City of West Hollywood has been awarded the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s 2021 Most Business-Friendly City Award....

WeHo Commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021

November 30, 2021

November 30, 2021

The City of West Hollywood commemorated Transgender Day of Rememberance through a virtual event.  Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is...