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.
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.
“We know about Los Angeles history, New York history, San Francisco history,” said Phillip Zonkel, editor and co-founder of Q Voice News and a panelist at the event. “I think when it comes to Long Beach history, people aren’t aware of some of it. Lee Glaze led a protest against police harassment and terror in 1968 which took place before the Stonewall riots in New York City, which means that Long Beach is on the gay history map before New York City and that’s huge.”
Another panelist for the event is Carolyn Weathers, who participated in a 1970 protest at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, a protest that was pivotal in removing homosexuality as a mental illness in the United States.
“When homosexuality was no longer considered a mental illness, it opened the doors to fighting for equality and social justice on a whole other level because they couldn’t use that against us,” said Zonkel. “People should know her name.”
Other panelists include former city councilmember Gerrie Schipske, the first lesbian to run for mayor in Long Beach in 2013, and Jerome Hunt, a professor at Long Beach City College who specializes in African-American LGBTQ+ politics.
Discovering Long Beach’s Unknown Queer History takes place Saturday, Oct. 5 at Hamburger Mary’s (330 Pine Avenue) 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. While admittance is free, event hosts ask that you please RVSP.
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