Press Statements 2025
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus Releases Statement on the Detainment of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
Monterey Park, CA – The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus stands in firm solidarity with the League of CA Cities Latino Caucus in condemning the unjust detainment of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla—a former Latino Caucus President and unwavering advocate for equity—who was removed while fulfilling his duty to ask questions on behalf of the people.
Senator Padilla’s silencing is not an isolated event. It reflects a broader national climate where democratic participation is increasingly met with hostility—particularly when it comes from leaders who represent historically marginalized communities. For LGBTQ elected officials and community advocates, this moment echoes parallel attempts to suppress queer and trans voices through policy rollbacks, book bans, and heightened scrutiny of those who speak out.
The LGBTQ Caucus is alarmed by the normalization of force, surveillance, and institutional retaliation against those who challenge concentrated power. Senator Padilla’s removal is a stark reminder that leadership rooted in community remains under threat—not just from individual actions, but from systems that prioritize order over justice.
We echo the call for transparency and accountability. More importantly, we ask our fellow public servants to reflect on the conditions that allow suppression to flourish: silence in the face of harm, bureaucracy that overrides humanity, and structures that equate critique with disruption.
As LGBTQ leaders in local government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to equity, inclusion, and democratic voice. We honor those who continue to speak truth—especially when it is met with resistance.
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus Releases Statement on the ICE Raids and Detention of SEIU President David Huerta
Monterey Park, CA - The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus strongly condemns the recent ICE raids in downtown Los Angeles that resulted in the detention of at least 44 individuals and the reported injury and arrest of SEIU California and SEIU-USWW President David Huerta. These actions represent a dangerous abuse of federal power and a direct threat to the dignity, safety, and rights of immigrant and working-class communities—many of whom also identify as LGBTQ.
This incident highlights the disproportionate risks faced by queer and trans immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented or system-involved. The convergence of anti-immigrant enforcement and escalating attacks on LGBTQ rights nationwide creates a hostile environment that endangers lives and erodes civil liberties.
The LGBTQ Caucus denounces the use of force, chemical agents, and aggressive tactics against peaceful demonstrators and labor leaders. Such actions are incompatible with democratic governance and only deepen the trauma experienced by marginalized communities. These raids also serve as a stark reminder of the federal government’s failure to enact meaningful and humane immigration policy reforms.
The Caucus calls for immediate legal representation and support for all individuals detained during the raid, as well as a transparent and independent investigation into the use of force by federal agents. We also urge the implementation of protections against immigration enforcement in public spaces frequently used by vulnerable populations. Finally, we advocate for federal reforms that explicitly include safeguards for LGBTQ+ immigrants, asylum seekers, and labor organizers to ensure their rights and safety are upheld.
As local LGBTQ leaders, we stand in unwavering solidarity with labor and immigrant communities. Our liberation is collective, and we will continue to advocate for policies that center human dignity, racial equity, and social justice.
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus and The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Elected Officials Association Release Joint Statement on Governor Gavin Newsom's Comments Regarding Transgender Women and Girls in Female Sports
Monterey Park, CA - We, at the League of California Cities LGBTQ+ Caucus and the Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Elected Officials Association, wish to express our profound disappointment regarding recent comments made by Governor Newsom on the inaugural episode of his podcast. His statements concerning the participation of transgender women and girls in female sports have not only concerned us, but also contradict the values of inclusivity and equality that we stand for and that the Governor's office has stood for in the past.
At a time when transgender individuals face increasing scrutiny and hostility from various sectors, it is disheartening and harmful to witness divisive rhetoric emanating from our state leadership. Such comments do not merely reflect a personal opinion—they carry wider societal implications, perpetuating stigma and reinforcing barriers against an already marginalized community.
We urge Governor Newsom to consider the impact of his words and to align his public declarations with the principles of equality and justice for all, irrespective of gender identity. The Cal Cities LGBTQ+ Caucus and the Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Elected Officials Association remain committed to working with all leaders to advocate for the rights and recognition of transgender individuals, ensuring that our communities are spaces of safety, respect, and inclusivity.
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus Releases Statement on the California Wildfires
Monterey Park, CA - The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus is profoundly saddened by the destruction and hardship caused by the Eaton Fire. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety in this devastating tragedy. This moment serves as a reminder of the critical need for inclusive and compassionate responses to crises that impact all members of our diverse communities.
Historically, LGBTQ+ individuals and families have faced additional barriers during disasters, from accessing safe shelters to navigating systems that may not recognize or respect their identities. These inequities underscore the importance of ensuring that relief efforts are inclusive and provide equitable access to resources for all impacted, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or family structure.
We urge government agencies, non-profits, and relief organizations to work collaboratively to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community is not overlooked during this time of recovery. The LGBTQ Caucus remains committed to advocating for policies that address these disparities and will continue working with leaders at all levels to rebuild with equity, dignity, and pride. Together, we can emerge from this tragedy stronger, more united, and more committed to justice for all.
“In moments of crisis, the LGBTQ+ community must be seen, heard, and supported,” said Henry Lo, President of the LGBTQ Caucus, Council Member of Monterey Park. “We are committed to advancing equitable relief efforts that respect the dignity of all individuals and address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ families during these challenging times.”
Statement on the Monterey Park Mass Shooting - January 23, 2023
Monterey CA - The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement in response to the mass shooting in Monterey Park.
The mass shooting in Monterey Park is the latest in the string of tragedies impacting the Asian/Asian Pacific Islander American community. The alarming frequency of violence and assaults against the Asian/Asian Pacific Islander American community shall not be ignored and we stand with our API community as they are grieving from the trauma.
From the 2016 Orlando Nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, FL to the past weekend’s shooting in Monterey Park, gun violence has deeply affected all of our communities. We urge you to continue to work with us and our local, state, and federal government partners to make our neighborhoods safe and welcoming. We send our condolences to the families and friends whose lives were lost, and our strength to those recovering from this trauma.
And to the LGBTQ Caucus Board Member, Henry Lo, Council Member of Monterey Park, we grieve with you and Monterey Park’s Asian/Asian Pacific Islander American community and residents, and stand with you as Monterey Park works through the grieving and recovery process.
Statement to Condemn the Russian Invasion of Ukraine - March 1, 2022
Tracy, California - Today, the League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
“We condemn the unprovoked and unlawful Russian military invasion of Ukraine, and we stand in solidarity with Ukrainians as they seek refuge and safety in neighboring countries. This action threatens Ukraine’s right to independence, democracy, and peace, and we condemn this unjustified invasion in its entirety,” said Dan Arriola, President of the League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus and Councilmember of the City of Tracy.
“We must especially act to safeguard and protect marginalized communities within Ukraine, including LGBTQ Ukrainians, who face heightened risks at this time. The Ukrainian people have the right to live free from violence in their own homeland.”
Since the seizure of Ukrainian territory by Russia in 2014, more than 850,000 people have been internally displaced and millions more are in need of humanitarian aid. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine will continue to inflict more harm to the civilian population. As of today, 352 people, including 16 children, have lost their lives as a result of the current Russian invasion.
“While the impact of this conflict is being felt all over the world, we must also continue to condemn all such unjust wars around the globe. War displaces millions of people and creates generational trauma and poverty. We must proceed with compassion and continue to provide humanitarian aid to those seeking refuge.”
Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade - June 30, 2022
Tracy, CA - The SCOTUS decision overturning Roe v. Wade disappointed many of us in California and throughout this great nation.
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus stands unequivocally committed to supporting the right to choose for women, transgender men and non-binary people.
The LGBTQ Caucus also recognizes that LGBTQ rights--historically fought for by generations of LGBTQ activists and leaders--appear to be targeted and threatened by this SCOTUS ruling.
We denounce the erosion of our civil liberties that grant LGBTQ people the right to personal privacy, equitable health care, and same-sex marriage. We will continue to fight for equality, justice, and love for all.
Statement on Monkeypox State of Emergency - August 4, 2022
Tracy, CA - Governor Gavin Newsom, on August 1, 2022, declared a state of emergency on monkeypox infections in California.
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus supports Governor Newsom’s important action to enable California’s LGBTQ communities to access the information, vaccinations, and treatment that they need to slow the spread of this disease.
We stand with the Governor to combat the stigma associated with this health emergency.
Please contact your local county health department for more information. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is also scheduling listening sessions with the LGBTQ community. To learn more about CDPH’s efforts including updates on report cases and other resources, click here. The Governor’s Emergency Proclamation is included here.
Statement to Condemn LA City Officials For Harmful Speech - October 12, 2022
The League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus joins the growing national and local calls for the resignation of Los Angeles City Council Members Kevin De Leon and Gil Cedillo.
Egregious statements directed at so many racial and ethnic communities made by these officials and former Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and former Los Angeles Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera were unbecoming, abhorrent, and traumatizing. These homophobic, racist, and xenophobic views have no part in the governing of the City of Los Angeles.
The LGBTQ Caucus stands in solidarity with other organizations calling for the resignation of the aforementioned Los Angeles City Council members. Los Angeles needs to heal and new leadership is needed for that healing to begin.