May 23, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

LGBT Center to Host Groundbreaking Conference for LGBT Widows and Widowers in L.A.

Renowned Designer, Author, Advocate Nate Berkus to Give Keynote Address

On Saturday, February 29, the Los Angeles LGBT Center will host an innovative conference known as Camp Widow to serve members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner.

“Losing someone you share your life with changes you forever, and I know firsthand how difficult that can be,” keynote speaker Nate Berkus said. “I feel privileged to be sharing my experience and personal journey at this year’s conference.”

In 2004, Berkus’ partner Fernando Bengoechea was swept away by a catastrophic tsunami in Sri Lanka during the couple’s trip. According to news reports, the tsunami, which also devastated parts of Thailand and Indonesia, killed hundreds of thousands of people—many of them still missing.

The highly anticipated daylong event will be held at the Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus. It will feature workshops, discussions, and practical tools and resources produced by nonprofit organization Soaring Spirits International.

“Before marriage equality, many LGBT couples kept their relationships hidden as they endured discrimination and experienced the stigma associated with the AIDS crisis, when compared to their heterosexual counterparts,” said Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Director of Senior Services Kiera Pollock, M.S.W. “What Camp Widow will bring to the Center is the validation that all widows and widowers matter, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone who has lost a partner, spouse, or significant other deserve to have a community of support to grieve—and then thrive.”

The Camp Widow Los Angeles event will take place Saturday, February 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus. The event costs $50, but financial assistance may be available for income-qualified attendees. To register, visit campwidow.org/camp/los-angeles . For more information about the Center’s Senior Services, visit lalgbtcenter.org/seniors.

Related Posts

West Hollywood Releases Transit and Parking Details Ahead of WeHo Pride 2025

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Santa Monica Boulevard to Close for Weekend-Long Celebration May 30–June 1 The City of West Hollywood has released transportation and...

Man Accused of Stalking Jennifer Aniston Ruled Incompetent to Stand Trial

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Stalking Suspect Says He’s Fit for Trial After Initial Psychiatric Evaluation Jimmy Wayne Carwyle, a Mississippi man accused of stalking...

The Grove to Host Patriotic Tribute for 250th Anniversary of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps During LA Fleet Week

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Friday’s Celebration Will Feature Flyovers, Live Music, Military Displays, and Family-Friendly Activities The Grove will welcome the United States Navy...

Prosecutors Weigh Hate Crime Charges After Lesbian Woman Beaten at Illinois McDonald’s

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Kady Grass Suffered Serious Injuries in Alleged Anti-LGBTQ+ Assault Authorities in Kane County, Illinois, are considering filing hate crime charges...

Governor Announces Early Reopening of Pacific Coast Highway After Wildfire Closures

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Major Stretch of PCH Reopens May 23 After Months of Wildfire-Related Closures Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that State Route...

Nikó Sando and Malou Coffee & Kitchen Are the Newest Additions to Brentwood’s Food Scene

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

The Duo of New Eateries Offers Refined Japanese Sandōs and Globally Influenced Coffee Brentwood has welcomed two exciting new additions...

Dawn Richard Testifies Diddy Assaulted Cassie Ventura at a WeHo Restaurant in 2010

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Combs Hit Cassie “Hard” in Front of Usher and Ne-Yo, Says Danity Kane Star Singer and former Danity Kane member...

Exclusive Interview with Cardinale du Vin’s New Chef-in-Residence Paul Chuanchaisit

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

The Westside Wine Bar Expands Its Culinary Horizons With a Bold New Menu By Dolores Quintana Cardinale du Vin is...

Memorial Day Weekend in L.A.: Rosé, Beach BBQs, and Brunches Ring in the Summer

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

The Westside Is Packed With Culinary Events, Pop-Ups, and Parties This Weekend Angelenos looking to kick off the summer season...

(Video) Interview with Chef Roy Choi for his new book The Choi of Cooking

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

We speak with the world-famous Socal Chef in Manhattan Beach at the Los Angeles Public Library.

FDA Probes Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Recalled Cucumbers Distributed in California

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

At Least 26 People Sickened and 9 Hospitalized in Multiple States  Federal health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of...

Thieves Use Cars to Smash Into Fairfax Stores in String of High-End Burglaries

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

LAPD Investigates String of Vehicle-Driven Break-Ins at Specialty Boutiques Storeowners in the Fairfax District are grappling with concerns about safety...

State Farm Seeks New Insurance Rate Hikes for California Homeowners and Renters

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Insurer Aims to Raise Premiums by up to 52% for Some Policyholders by 2026 Just one week after receiving approval...

Mayor Bass Launches Major Initiative to Boost Film Production in Los Angeles After Years of Neglect

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Facing Industry Setbacks, L.A. Rolls Out Plan to Attract On-Location Shoots In a renewed effort to preserve Los Angeles’ status...

Lisa Vanderpump, Ken Todd Settle Labor Lawsuit with Former Pump Employees for $490K

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Judge Approves Final Class-Action Settlement in Long-Running Wage Dispute Lisa Vanderpump and her husband, Ken Todd, have reached a final...