The importance of Long Beach’s queer history

During “Discovering Long Beach’s Unknown Queer History” on Saturday, Phillip Zonkel and other panelists hope to shed some light on the city's often overlooked past.

Maya-Claire Glenn

Oct 4, 2024 — 2 min read

Carolyn Weathers, a Long Beach resident, played a vital role in a 1970 Los Angeles protest that helped pave the way for homosexuality being removed from the American Psychiatric Association's list of mental illnesses. Photo courtesy Phillip Zonkel.

While Long Beach is often referred to as a haven for queer people, its exact history is often overlooked. The history of the LGBTQ+ community has many prideful moments—the Stonewall riots being most prominent–but most Long Beach residents might be surprised to find that this city and its residents also played a prominent role in the fight for civil rights.

On Saturday, Jewels—Long Beach drag royalty—will host “Discovering Long Beach’s Unknown Queer History,” a free panel to educate residents about the city's queer history.

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