Statement on the Monterey Park Mass Shooting - January 23, 2023
Monterey CA - The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement in response to the mass shooting in Monterey Park.
The mass shooting in Monterey Park is the latest in the string of tragedies impacting the Asian/Asian Pacific Islander American community. The alarming frequency of violence and assaults against the Asian/Asian Pacific Islander American community shall not be ignored and we stand with our API community as they are grieving from the trauma.
From the 2016 Orlando Nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, FL to the past weekend’s shooting in Monterey Park, gun violence has deeply affected all of our communities. We urge you to continue to work with us and our local, state, and federal government partners to make our neighborhoods safe and welcoming. We send our condolences to the families and friends whose lives were lost, and our strength to those recovering from this trauma.
And to the LGBTQ Caucus Board Member, Henry Lo, Council Member of Monterey Park, we grieve with you and Monterey Park’s Asian/Asian Pacific Islander American community and residents, and stand with you as Monterey Park works through the grieving and recovery process.
Statement to Condemn the Russian Invasion of Ukraine - March 1, 2022
Tracy, California - Today, the League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
“We condemn the unprovoked and unlawful Russian military invasion of Ukraine, and we stand in solidarity with Ukrainians as they seek refuge and safety in neighboring countries. This action threatens Ukraine’s right to independence, democracy, and peace, and we condemn this unjustified invasion in its entirety,” said Dan Arriola, President of the League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus and Councilmember of the City of Tracy.
“We must especially act to safeguard and protect marginalized communities within Ukraine, including LGBTQ Ukrainians, who face heightened risks at this time. The Ukrainian people have the right to live free from violence in their own homeland.”
Since the seizure of Ukrainian territory by Russia in 2014, more than 850,000 people have been internally displaced and millions more are in need of humanitarian aid. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine will continue to inflict more harm to the civilian population. As of today, 352 people, including 16 children, have lost their lives as a result of the current Russian invasion.
“While the impact of this conflict is being felt all over the world, we must also continue to condemn all such unjust wars around the globe. War displaces millions of people and creates generational trauma and poverty. We must proceed with compassion and continue to provide humanitarian aid to those seeking refuge.”
Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade - June 30, 2022
Tracy, CA - The SCOTUS decision overturning Roe v. Wade disappointed many of us in California and throughout this great nation.
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus stands unequivocally committed to supporting the right to choose for women, transgender men and non-binary people.
The LGBTQ Caucus also recognizes that LGBTQ rights--historically fought for by generations of LGBTQ activists and leaders--appear to be targeted and threatened by this SCOTUS ruling.
We denounce the erosion of our civil liberties that grant LGBTQ people the right to personal privacy, equitable health care, and same-sex marriage. We will continue to fight for equality, justice, and love for all.
Statement on Monkeypox State of Emergency - August 4, 2022
Tracy, CA - Governor Gavin Newsom, on August 1, 2022, declared a state of emergency on monkeypox infections in California.
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus supports Governor Newsom’s important action to enable California’s LGBTQ communities to access the information, vaccinations, and treatment that they need to slow the spread of this disease.
We stand with the Governor to combat the stigma associated with this health emergency.
Please contact your local county health department for more information. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is also scheduling listening sessions with the LGBTQ community. To learn more about CDPH’s efforts including updates on report cases and other resources, click here. The Governor’s Emergency Proclamation is included here.
Statement to Condemn LA City Officials For Harmful Speech - October 12, 2022
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus joins the growing national and local calls for the resignation of Los Angeles City Council Members Kevin De Leon and Gil Cedillo.
Egregious statements directed at so many racial and ethnic communities made by these officials and former Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and former Los Angeles Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera were unbecoming, abhorrent, and traumatizing. These homophobic, racist, and xenophobic views have no part in the governing of the City of Los Angeles.
The LGBTQ Caucus stands in solidarity with other organizations calling for the resignation of the aforementioned Los Angeles City Council members. Los Angeles needs to heal and new leadership is needed for that healing to begin.