Supervisor Hilda Solis Leads Ceremony Marking Milestone for LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Los Angeles County Supervisors convened Tuesday to inaugurate the county’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Commission, marking a milestone in local governance aimed at advocating for LGBTQ+ communities.
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, representing the First District, led the ceremony, introducing Sunitha Menon as the Executive Director of the new commission. The event featured the presentation of a ceremonial gavel to commission members ahead of their first official meeting.
“Today, Los Angeles County is making history—again—and hopefully setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow,” Solis remarked in a statement.
Solis and Supervisor Janice Hahn initiated the effort in June 2023 with a motion to establish the commission, which would advise on policies affecting LGBTQ+ communities.
“We’ve arrived at this moment because the Board of Supervisors stood in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ family,” Solis continued. “I applaud my fellow Board of Supervisor members for their courage, integrity, and compassion.”
The historic journey culminated with Menon’s appointment, reflecting a year-long effort supported by Supervisor Hahn, who co-authored a resolution with Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath to display the Progress Pride Flag across County facilities during Pride Month.
Menon, previously Managing Director of Operations at Equality California, expressed gratitude for her appointment, emphasizing the commission’s mission to support LGBTQ+ safety and survival in Los Angeles County.
The commission, comprising 15 members, including Nic Arnzen, Ed Reece, Ellie Perez, Eric Schockman, Terra Russell-Slavin, Steve Fisher, Sydney Rogers, Talha Khan-Valbuena, Alejandro Soria, Luis Vasquez, Hector Trinidad Plascencia, Jerry P. Abraham, M.D., and Eddie Martinez, will advise the Board on policy and community engagement.
