Past Events
2024
THE LAVENDER EFFECT ® hosted “Exploring LA’s Love Revolution,” a tour of the unique locations that gave birth to Los Angeles’ rich, vibrant, and little-known LGBTQ+ history. Tour-goers discovered how Los Angeles has frequently been the first and most impactful region in the global fight for equality, as the birthplace of groups like The Mattachine Society, The Gay Liberation Front, and The Gay Women’s Service Center. Forged out of the fierce love these pioneers shared with their partners and their community, they had no other choice but to make their silenced voices heard.
The tour was lead by Alex Bolling and took place in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This program was organized by The Lavender Effect ® as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2024, presented by One Institute.
THE LAVENDER EFFECT® hosted a Flagging in WeHo on Sunday, June 30th, 2024! This joyful musical and visual event was a WeHo Pride Community Event and featured DJ Casey Alva. Flags and flagging lessons were offered by our partners Desert Flaggers and all ages, identities, and abilities participated. The tradition of Queer Flagging started in gay clubs in the late 70s & early 80s. Discos like Studio One encouraged “flaggers” to warm up and/or maintain the energy on the dance floor. View Photos Here.
2023
THE LAVENDER EFFECT® facilitated a free Oral Histories Workshop in LA on October 15th as part of the 2023 Circa: Queer Histories Festival, presented by One Institute.
San Antonio Pride hosted the Oral Histories Workshop in Texas on June 20th.
The Getty Center invited Team Lavender to the launch event for LA Pride on June 7th.
Above: Photo Opp. & Getty Outreach Table with Andy Sacher (L) & Allen Page (R)
LA Pride & MMD sponsored the Pop-Up Lavender LA History Exhibit on June 11th.
Above: Lavender LA Popu-Up History Exhibit at LA Pride Village in Hollywood, CA
Venice Pride & MMD sponsored the Pop-Up Lavender LA History Exhibit on June 2nd.
2022
2021
2020
2019
“Walk in Our Shoes Tour”
Summer LGBTQ+ Curated Walking Tour
THE LAVENDER EFFECT® has partnered with Hotel Indigo to offer a curated LGBTQ+ walking tour. During the two-hour “Walk in Our Shoes” guided tour participants will explore the neighborhood’s significant LGBTQ+ sites and cultural landmarks that highlight the perseverance, controversy, and liberation during the fight for equality. From grand hotels and bathhouses that sated the secret desires of the Hollywood elite to activism landmarks that predate Stonewall, guests will uncover the power of love and community that united the diverse city. Tour tickets are $30 per person (21 years and older). To book, please select a month and date below.
“Sungay” Brunch at Metropole
Inspired by the vibrant Pride celebrations around the city, Metropole Bar + Kitchen– Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown’s signature lobby-level restaurant – will be hosting a weekly “Sungay Brunch”, offering a selection of fun, multicolored menu items, including rainbow pancakes, rainbow vegetable skewers, rainbow juice cart + sangria, and more. The hotel is proud to be a supporter of THE LAVENDER EFFECT®, donating a portion of the brunch proceeds back to our organization. Starting June 2, Sungay Brunch will take place every Sunday through Labor Day Weekend from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information on Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown, please visit hotelindigola.com.
2018
2017
THE LAVENDER EFFECT, ONE Archives Foundation, and Outfest Legacy Project present a special screening of “Out of the Archive: Snapshots of Queer LA”
2016
LA PRIDE Festival & Parade + One City One Pride Arts Festival
STAND BY ME book reading and Q&A with Author and Historian Jim Downs
City of West Hollywood Library Community Room
625 North San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069
June 16th from 7:30 – 9:00 PM
2015
The LGBTQ community has made tremendous progress since the first Christopher Street West Parade in 1970. This is a direct result of the countless efforts by Southern California’s trailblazers who continue to fight for LGBTQ equality. Please join LA! PRIDE & THE LAVENDER EFFECT as we celebrate “Pioneers of Pride” at the LA! PRIDE Parade. 2015 Honorees include Betty DeGeneres, Robert Patrick, Gail Rolf, Stuart Timmons, Andre’ Ting, Dr. Virginia Uribe, Phill Wilson, and Mia Yamamoto.
This year’s Parade is on June 14th and begins promptly at 11:00 AM. EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE by wearing the color lavender and cheering from the sidelines. Or you can gather at Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Blvd. to march with THE LAVENDER EFFECT. Please arrive by 10:30 AM as we’ll be one of the first in the procession. View the Parade Route Map and other information about LA! PRIDE at www.lapride.org.
Please wear the color lavender to show your support for SoCal Leaders of the LGBTQ Movement.
Please join THE LAVENDER EFFECT and Out & About Tours at the Rainbow Galleria:
2014
Tickets: $10 suggested donation – click HERE to reserve seats.
Event Schedule:
- 7:00pm – 7:30pm Reception
- 7:30pm – 8:30pm Panel Discussion
- 8:30pm – 9:00pm Q&A
- 9:00pm – 9:15pm Oral History Project with Religious Leaders
Goals: To expand attendees’ understanding of the milestones that have brought religious communities through stages of “vilification,’ ‘tolerance,’ and ‘acceptance” of LGBT people. To explore new open and affirming congregations, who and what work is being done in our local community, and how that has influenced others. To learn how we can use insight and wisdom to encourage more regional, national, and global faith-based communities to affirm and celebrate LGBT people in the future.
Click HERE for details and tickets (or go to: http://lgbtpioneers.bpt.me)
THE LAVENDER EFFECT® is thrilled to announce that they we are contracting with OUT & ABOUT Tours to share our passion for LGBTQ History and Culture in Los Angeles. This culturally rich, vital, and often hidden history is at the heart of this great city’s heritage, and part of a larger global movement. Our unique collaboration is serendipitous with a historic tipping point, and unveils this much-needed collaboration to enrich, educate, and amuse over 20,000 people a year – visitors and locals alike.
OUR NEWEST TOURS INCLUDE (click on name for details & tickets):
GAY LA Downtown Walking Tours on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (begins at Union Station).
LGBTinsel Town Walking Tours on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (begins at Hollywood Museum).
GAY LA Bus Tour on October 26th from Noon to 3:00 PM (begins at Hollywood Forever Cemetery)
Tax-deductible tickets for all events will sell fast: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/226825
Lavender Los Angeles
Saturday June 21, 2014 at 11:00am to Noon
Los Angeles Central Library, Meeting Room A,
630 W. 5th Street; Los Angeles, CA 90071
The Lavender Effect’s Founding Director and Creative Executive Andy Sacher will present an image collection that documents the important role Los Angeles played in creating a LGBTQ community in America and a national movement for equality. This presentation is sponsored by Los Angeles Public Library and takes place on June 21st from 11:00 AM to Noon at the Los Angeles Central Library in Downtown LA.
Details at: www.lapl.org/whats-on/events/lavender-los-angeles.
Outlaugh! Special Event 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 8:00pm
Eleven Restaurant and Nightclub, 8811 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Join The Lavender Effect for its 3rd Annual Outlaugh! Special Event on Tuesday, May 20 @ 8:00 PM.
Kick off Gay Pride Month with LA’s best Lesbian and Gay stand-up comics!
COMEDY! COCKTAILS! OTHER STUFF!
And since it all happens at WeHo’s fabulous Eleven Restaurant and Nightclub, you can eat, drink, and make merry before, during, and after the show!
We are also thrilled to announce that Julie Goldman is headlining the Outlaugh Special Event 2014! She can be seen on BRAVO’s new show THE PEOPLE’s COUCH, can be heard on the wildly popular GAYEST OF ALL TIME podcast with Jonny McGovern, and you can click online and watch her anytime you want with her creative partner Brandy Howard in their multiple web series ROOMIES, GAY STREET THERAPY and IN YOUR BOX OFFICE.
Celebrate Women’s History Month at “Legendary Bingo”
Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 6:00pm
Hamburger Mary’s; 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard; West Hollywood, CA 90046
Join us in March at West Hollywood’s famous Legendary Bingo as we celebrate Women’s History Month. Keep coming back to this page as we’ll have more information soon regarding our host and some of the fantastic prizes you can play for!
Suggested $20 cash donation at the door.
2013
Making Love Letters
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 8:00pm
West Hollywood Library; 625 N San Vicente Blvd; West Hollywood, California
A. Scott Berg, Harry Hamlin, & Barry SandlerMaking Love Letters is a fun – and fund-raising – event to be held on Wednesday, June 19, at 8:00 PM at the West Hollywood Library, will be a unique combination of drama and discussion.
A panel will discuss the historical and cultural impact of the landmark 1982 film Making Love, which starred Harry Hamlin, Kate Jackson, and Michael Ontkean. The film was the first major studio movie to feature positive gay role models.
Confirmed participants include:
- A. Scott Berg, who came up with the idea for the film. Berg won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Charles Lindbergh, and his highly-anticipated biography of Woodrow Wilson will be published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons in September.
- Barry Sandler, who wrote the screenplay. Sandler is a writer and producer whose many other films include Kansas City Bomber, The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox, and The Mirror Crack’d. He is the recipient of the GLAAD Media Award and the Outfest Gay Pioneer Award.
- Dan Berkowitz, who will moderate. Dan is a member of The Lavender Effect’s Board of Advisors, and a former Co-Chair of West Hollywood’s Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board.
Rumor has it the panel will be augmented by at least one of the film’s stars. Stay tuned . . . !
The drama will come when several of Hollywood’s leading ladies read excerpts from the many letters Sandler received from viewers of the film, telling him how it changed their lives. Actresses who have agreed to participate, schedules permitting, include Barbara Bain (3-time Emmy-winner, Mission Impossible), Cleo King (Nana on Mike and Molly), Martha MacIsaac (Becca on 1600 Penn), Mary Gordon Murray (Tony nominee, Little Me), and Ann Walker (LaVonda Dupree on Sordid Lives).
General admission tickets will be available for $20, with VIP tickets at $50. VIP tickets will enable donors to make a more generous contribution to The Lavender Effect, and will ensure reserved seating.
Outlaugh! Special Event
Friday, June 14, 2013 at 8:00pm
West Hollywood Library; 625 N San Vicente Blvd; West Hollywood, California
The Lavender Effect presents an Outlaugh Special Event – an evening of gay and lesbian stand-up comedy. Outlaugh, “America’s Original Queer Comedy Fest,” was created by Mike Player, who is producing this year’s event. Last June, Outlaugh was TLE’s very first fund-raiser, and was a great success – and this year promises to be even better!
The dynamic Sandra Valls, known for her appearances on Showtime and Logo, will headline the show, along with a lineup of guest comics. Watch for a special appearance by 86-year-old community icon and TLE Advisory Board member Ivy Bottini, who toured the country as a stand-up comic for many years.
Tickets are $20 (general admission) and $50 (VIP). VIP tickets include one Pre-Show drink ticket (details will be provided), ensure reserved premier seating, and enable donors to make a more generous contribution to The Lavender Effect.
Oral History Project Preview
at the Rainbow Key Awards
Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 7:30pm
West Hollywood Library; 625 N San Vicente Blvd; West Hollywood, California
Join us for a very special preview of The Lavender Effect’s Oral History Project at the West Hollywood Rainbow Key Awards.
Saluting all Recipients of The Rainbow Key Awards and especially the 2013 Honorees:
- Chaz Bono
- Drian Juarez
- Torie Osborn
- Felice Picano
- Stuart Timmons
- Virginia Uribe and Gail Rolf
Funded in part by the City of West Hollywood through its Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission & Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board. This is a free event! However, RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Please respond no later than June 7, 2013 to Jeff Book 323-848-6471 or JBook@weho.org.
Momentum Exhibition
at LA Pride!
Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Sunday, June 9, 2013 from 12:00pm – 8:00pm
West Hollywood Library Garage; 625 N San Vicente Blvd; West Hollywood, California
As part of it’s dedication to preserving queer art and culture in the Los Angeles area, Christopher Street West will be hosting Momentum within the celebration grounds of Pride 2013. In an exhibition of large-scale light and interactive installations, Momentum will examine our queer heritage in tandem with the socio-political viewpoints of contemporary artists.
With the joint participation of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, Impact Stories, The Mazer Lesbian Archives, The Lavender Effect, The Colors of Compassion and curated by queer art non-profit INSTALL:WeHo, history intersects in the heart of the Gay Pride 2013. Momentum will be located in the Library Parking Garage in the south portion of the LA PRIDE festival. See the Christopher Street West website for tickets and more information!
Gay May Days
Friday, May 3, 2013 through Sunday, May 5, 2013
Spirit Studio Silverlake; 2601 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Gay May Days is a 3-day weekend of performances and a communal space with workshops, special events, and nightly maypole dances. Contributions of great LGBTQ figures in history will be honored and the nature of gayness will be explored by members of LA’s contemporary creative community.
Gay May Days celebrates aspects of Beltane, Social Justice, & The Eros of Springtime through a gay centered perspective. The event is curated by Jason Jenn and Ian MacKinnon. More information is located at http://gaymaydays.tumblr.com/.
All of Sunday’s proceeds go to The Lavender Effect. Additionally there will be a silent art auction benefiting The Lavender Effect all weekend long.
Third Annual LGBT Heritage Month Opening Ceremony
Thursday, May 30 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
City Hall South Lawn; 200 N. Spring St.; Los Angeles, California
On behalf of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles City Council, Christopher Street West/LA PRIDE, LGBT Heritage Month Planning Committee, and Toyota Motor Sales and Toyota Financial Services, please join us at the Third Annual LGBT Heritage Month Opening Ceremony on Thursday, May 30 and the Council Presentation on Friday, May 31.
Celebrate the LGBT community in Los Angeles with an evening of delicious food, special guests and spectacular performances!
Catered by celebrity chef Susan Feniger’s STREET with Master of Ceremonies Doug Spearman and performances by The Gay Man’s Chorus of L.A., Vox Femina, Aubrey’s Showgirls and Katrina Parker of the hit NBC show, The Voice!!
This year’s honorees are . . . Adam Lambert, Mia Yamamoto, and Rodney Scott!
This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are recommended. To RSVP, contact Justin Gonzalez at lgbt@lacity.org or (213) 922-9763!
LGBT Heritage Month City Council Ceremony
Friday May 31 at 10:00 AM
John Ferraro Council Chambers; 200 N. Spring Street, Room 340; Los Angeles, California
Continuing the celebration from the night before, please join us for the official City Council presentation ceremony on Friday morning.
This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are recommended. To RSVP, contact Justin Gonzalez at lgbt@lacity.org or (213) 922-9763!
Legendary Drag Queen Bingo
with special guest Ann Walker
February 27th, 2013; Hamburger Mary’s, West Hollywood
