LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., May 24, 2023 –– Stories about the vilification and abuse of the LGBTQ community – who account for at least seven percent of all Americans – are in the news daily. How to interpret and respond to this new wave of persecution is the topic of a talk by Peg Corley, Executive Director of the LGBTQ Center OC, at the Laguna Beach Democratic Club meeting on Wednesday, May 31 at the Susi Q Community Room. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting presentation at 6 p.m. Corley’s discussion is titled “LGBTQ+ Advocacy in an Era of the Politicization of Marginalized Communities.” Also speaking during the meeting will be Dom Jones and Joanna Weiss, two of the candidates for the 47th Congressional District.
“Recent attacks leveled at the LGBTQ+ community by far-right interest groups cannot go unchallenged,” said Corley. “For example, more than 130 bills in 40 state legislatures currently restrict gender-affirming care. We are just five months into 2023, and we’ve already seen more anti-LGBTQ legislation than in any two of the last five years combined.”
Laguna Beach Democratic Club Chair Peggy Wolff said, “In the latter part of the 20th century, Laguna Beach was famed as a haven for gay people to relax, socialize, and recreate. Laguna Beach was among the first U.S. cities with an openly gay mayor. West Street Beach will soon sport a rainbow pride lifeguard tower. As Democrats always seeking ways to expand human rights, our club stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ community to say, ‘We’ve come a long way, and we won’t go back.’ Lives are at stake.”
According to the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 45 percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.
Admission is free, and new members are prospective new members are welcome to attend. Club members do not need to be registered Democrats – independents may join – although Democratic Party registration allows members to vote on club matters, including candidate endorsements. Recent general meeting speakers have included Rep. Katie Porter, legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky, Laguna Beach Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf, and Dr. Allyson Brooks of Hoag Women’s Health Institute, among others.
Established in 1946, the Laguna Beach Democratic Club is an all-volunteer, chartered club of the Democratic Party of Orange County. It is in its 77th year of uninterrupted engagement supporting Democratic candidates, policies, and values. Democrats believe in an economy that benefits everyone, health care is a right, diversity is strength, and democracy is worth defending.
For more information about the Laguna Beach Democratic Club, visit thelbdems.com.