LOS ANGELES — The Board of Supervisors made history June 11 by officially gaveling into session the county’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Commission.
The board introduced the county’s new LGBTQ+ Commission executive director, Sunitha Menon, and presented fellow LGBTQ+ Commission members with a ceremonial gavel before their inaugural meeting.
This journey began in June 2023 when Supervisor Solis and Supervisor Hahn co-authored a motion to create the LGBTQ+ Commission, which will make recommendations on policies that impact LGBTQ+ communities.
“There are too many states and local governments across the country who are moving backwards when it comes to LGBTQ rights,” said Supervisor Hahn. “I am proud that, with this commission at the helm, LA County is on the right side of history and lifting up LGBTQ voices when we need to hear them most.”
Menon’s selection is the culmination of a year-long effort led by Supervisor Solis and Supervisor Hahn, who co-authored a resolution with board chair Horvath to fly the Progress Pride Flag at all county facilities in time for Pride Month.
“It is an honor to be the first Executive Director of the LGBTQ+ Commission, and I am grateful to Supervisor Solis and Supervisor Hahn for authoring the original motion to form this Commission,” Menon said. “The unanimous support from the Board of Supervisors reflects a shared reality that all LGBTQ+ people in Los Angeles County need dedicated support to ensure our safety and survival. I look forward to working alongside the Commissioners to ensure we are uplifting the needs of the over 500,000 members of our community, particularly for our black and brown trans community members, and those who live in areas with less access to life-saving resources and support.”
Menon previously served as managing director of operations at Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, where she led strategic planning and developed and executed a comprehensive culture change plan focused on expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization.
The Commission’s 15 members will advise the Board of Supervisors to ensure its policies and practices are supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
The LGBTQ+ Commission members are:
Nic Arnzen. Nic has been an organizer and equal rights advocate for decades having supported marches, vigils, and protests locally and globally. He lives in Altadena where he holds office as a town councilmember and is the founder and lead organizer of the yearly Altadena Pride Celebration.
Ed Reece. Ed is an accomplished entrepreneur and elected official, serving as mayor, councilmember, chair, and vice president of various local and regional public agencies and associations. He is recognized as a strategic thinker, executive coach and advisor, and visionary leader in politics, public policy, and business.
Ellie Perez. Ellie is an experienced management professional and LGBTQ+ advocate with a history of working in these fields. She is serving as the interim executive director of The LGBTQ Center Long Beach.
Eric Schockman, PhD. Eric is emeritus professor of politics and international relations specializing in public policy leadership as a practitioner/scholar. He was an early pioneer in LGBTQ+ legislation, served on numerous local, state, and international boards and commissions addressing human rights, including the City of Angels AIDS Hospice.
Terra Russell-Slavin, Esq. Terra is the chief impact officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, where they work to advance LGBTQ rights and have executive oversight of all human services, including youth services, senior services, policy and advocacy, and legal services. She is actively engaged in expanding the center’s women’s health services and oversees the center’s National LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence Institute.
Steve Fisher. Steve is completing his term as central committee member for the Los Angeles Democratic Party and State Democratic Party representing AD 52 for four years. He previously served on the Board of Governors of the Human Rights Campaign and Head of HRC’s Los Angeles Federal Club. He is a literary agent and partner with Independent Artist Group.
Sydney Rogers. Sydney has been in the entertainment and activist field for over 25 years. She identifies as a Black trans femme, bringing more visibility and healing to the TGI (Trans, Gender Diverse, Intersex) community through artivism. She holds positions as program manager of the Trans Economic Empowerment Project, equity manager of Community Programs at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, co-director of the TG/Enby Project, and founder of Infinite Souls Consultations and Big Mama Storytime.
Talha Khan-Valbuena. Talha has served as deputy district attorney for the County of Los Angeles since 2016 and is the co-president of the South Asian Bar Association public interest foundation and a member of the LGBT Bar Association.
Alejandro Soria. Alejandro is the senior director of outpatient mental health, The Village Family Services and has a private practice in the City of San Fernando, Hope, Therapy & Wellness.
Luis Vasquez. Luis is a native Angeleno and co-founder of Rainbow labs, which is dedicated to educating peers on queer issues and creating a safe space.
Hector Trinidad Plascencia. Hector is the founder and executive director of Plascencia Consulting and serves as a consultant with the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ+ Center.
Jerry P. Abraham, M.D. Jeffrey is a fellowship-trained expert, educator, and clinician with a special focus on ending health disparities, advancing health equity, and achieving racial and medical justice.
Eddie Martinez. Eddie is the executive director of Latino Equality Alliance and has over 25 years of non-profit management, civic engagement, and policy-making experience.