Profiles in LGTBQ+ Pride: 50 Angelenos Making an Impact

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Profiles in LGTBQ+ Pride: 50 Angelenos Making an Impact originally appeared on L.A. Mag.
Drag queens
Notable Projects: MOM (Moguls of Media) all drag podcast network; Drag: The Musical (Alaska); live performances in clubs across the globeWhat are you most proud of?'Co-founding MOM Podcasts with Alaska and helping other drag queens pivot to digital things during COVID,' says Belli (on right). 'I feel like I had my heyday and my dreams came true with A Star Is Born and a No. 1 Billboard album [Shartistry in Motion], so now I'm about helping facilitate other artists' creative visions through producing, styling or pulling focus.'
Singer and restaurant/nightclub owner
Notable projects: Former 'N Sync band member, children's book author, former owner of Rocco's West Hollywood and co-owner of Beaches Tropicana
Who from L.A.'s LGBTQ+ community has inspired you? 'The Abbey was the very first place I went to when I came out, and I'll never forget how welcomed and accepted I felt. [David Cooley's] hospitality and the space he created helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin. Watching how he's built something so meaningful in West Hollywood inspired me to invest in WeHo myself.'
Actorshe/her; @stephaniebeatrizNotable projects:Films In the Heights and Encanto, and series Twisted Metal, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and A Man on the InsideWhat accomplishments are you most proud of?'I'm very proud that I played Rosa Diaz on eight seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine — a surly but lovable bisexual queer character on a network show who brought me a lot of joy. Helping craft her coming-out story on the show was such a gift Dan Goor, our showrunner, gave me.'
Marketing exec and bar owner
Notable Projects: SVP of Marketing, Community Relations & Broadcasting for the L.A. Dodgers and owner/CEO at Gym Bar WeHoWhat accomplishments are you most proud of?'At the Dodgers, I've helped lead one of the most-attended Pride nights in professional sports. It's been meaningful to create space in Major League Baseball, where LGBTQ fans and youth feel truly seen and celebrated. Meanwhile, taking over an iconic LGBTQ sports bar in West Hollywood [with my husband Jonathan Cottrell] has been a personal and community-driven passion.'Artist
Notable Projects:Truth Be Told performance at MOCA's American Gurl exhibition and Uncensored interactive performance in NYC with SaveArtSpace
What does Pride mean to you? 'Histories are central to my work, and the history of Pride is no exception. Pride began as a rebellion. It was an act of defiance against police violence and systemic oppression. But more than anything, it was an expression of love: love for self, for community and for the right to exist fully and freely. That legacy feels especially urgent today.'
Actor and singer
Notable Projects:Series The Leftovers and Yellowjackets; and 'Signals' single and music video
What are you most proud of?'The daily queer news podcast I recently launched, Today in Gay — hosted by Nay Bever and Vico Ortiz and produced by an all-queer team of nine.'
Interior designer
Notable Projects:Designs celebrity homes and currently working on Sylvester Stallone's villa, Pink's ranch house, Cardi B's mansion and Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber's penthouse
What accomplishments are you most proud of? 'A big favorite and recent project, which has ended up being republished all over the world as well as on the cover of Architectural Digest, was RuPaul's house in Beverly Hills that I completed last year. It is a perfect representation of his personality, taste and sense of humor.'
Playwright, Filmmaker and actorhe/him; @mcalvani
Notable Projects: Netflix's The Four Seasons — 'my return to acting after 15 years'
What accomplishments are you most proud of? 'My first feature film High Tide, which I wrote, directed and produced. I've been a gay man all my life and a storyteller for most of it, and yet I had never put queer characters at the center of my stories before. Bringing this film to life somehow ended up healing me from my own internalized homophobia.'
Poet
Notable Projects:Serving as Poet Laureate of West Hollywood and California Arts Council Fellow; poetry collection Braided Spaces
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'My personal mission asan artist is to engage people with poetry in different ways that surprise them. Poetry Scrabble is an interactive sculpture I designed and featured at last year's WeHo Pride Arts Festival. It brings strangers and friends together to discover something new.'
Fashion designer
Notable Projects:Underwear and capsule collections like the Hamptons, Ibiza Energy and F.A.G.
What are you most proud of?'To be recognized as the first openly gay men's underwear designer who built a brand specifically celebrating queer bodies and sexuality. When I founded the brand, the fashion industry still treated LGBTQ+ visibility as a liability rather than an asset. I deliberately chose to break barriers by creating not just underwear but cultural statements.'
Actor and comedian
Notable Projects:Upcoming roles in Disney's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 and Gregg Araki's thriller I Want Your Sex opposite Olivia Wilde and Charli XCX; her new Live & Livid comedy tour
Who from L.A.'s LGBTQ+ community has inspired you?'So many people, from the always hilarious Alec Mapa to the fierce activism, talent and beauty of Laverne Cox [to] my current favorite rock star, Mal linllBlum [and] my beautiful 'children' Sabrina Wu, Joel Kim Booster, Dylan Adler and Sam Oh. My family is here. My community is here.'
Actor and comedian
Notable Projects:Hulu's Good Trouble and Poker Face Season 2; Starz's Joy Ride; Netflix's Shortcomings and Nobody Wants This Season 2; Bride Hard (premiering June 20 in theaters); Season 3 of Apple TV+'s Shrinking
What does Pride mean to you?'Pride is such a beautiful word. It reminds us that we deserve to be seen, heard and respected. It symbolizes how far we've come as a community but also how much more we still need to fight for. Continuing to celebrate who we are is absolutely necessary, especially right now, because we're not backing down! We're so much stronger when we're together.'
ActorNotable projects:TV series My So-Called Life; Star Trek: Discovery; Noah's ArcWho from L.A.'s LGBTQ+ community has inspired you?'Darrel Cummings, who was chief of staff for the L.A. LGBT Center. His work alongside Lorri Jean, for years, shaped queer L.A. We met when I was doing My So-Called Life, and he has remained, at any given time, mentor, big brother, landlord, boss, friend, shoulder to lean on … with his husband, the great director Tim Dang.'
Celebrity hairstylist
Notable Projects: Hairstylist to clients like Amy Adams, Leslie Bibb, Kaitlyn Dever and Greta Gerwig
What are you most proud of?'My evolution of self-love. I used to not like myself — for years. Adolescence was rough and insecurities were high. [I came] to realize my unique artistic point of view and gentle nature were my biggest superpowers.'
Entertainment journalisthe/him; @iamscottevans
Notable Projects:House Guest, his Webby award-winning YouTube show, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this Juneteenth
What does Pride mean to you?'It means courage to me: the courage to show yourself, to speak up for yourself, to be yourself. These days, it still takes courage. The celebration of Pride usually means you don't have to summon that alone — that there are people literally and figuratively on your side boosting you, supporting you, really seeing you.'
Comedian and Actor
Notable Projects:TV series Last Comic Standing; The Mindy Project;The L Word: Generation Q; three Netflix comedy specials including her latest, Crushing ItWho from L.A.'s LGBTQ+ community has inspired you?'I'm a huge fan of Lily Tomlin for many reasons, but I love that she has been active in our community for decades alongside her partner, Jane Wagner. They've both been longtime supporters of the Los Angeles LGBT Center and are always outspoken in standing up for gay rights.'
Chef and restaurateur; she/her
Notable Projects:Chef/co-owner of Socalo restaurant and Border Grill in Santa Monica, and Alice B. at the Living Out Palm Springs LGBTQ community center — an ode to Alice B. Toklas and her life partner, Gertrude SteinWhat accomplishments are you most proud of?'Getting an award from the Smithsonian and Julia Child Foundation was surreal. Julia was an amazing teacher and mentor. But from my work in our community, being on the board of the L.A. LGBT Center has by far been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Food is not only nourishment but a way to bring people together.'
Actor
Notable Projects:Star of ABC's Modern Family and Broadway shows like Take Me Out; launched Tie the Knot bow ties benefiting marriage equality
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'I'm proud I was able to be a part of a television series that changed a lot of hearts and minds about the LGBTQ community. Watching TV when I was growing up, I didn't see characters that reflected me. I didn't see relationships that felt aspirational to me. I'm also proud to live my life openly with my husband [Justin Mikita].'
Video creators
Notable moment:The L.A. couple's kiss on a bridge went viral after photographer Henry Jimenez Kerbox documented it.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'One big one would be going to San Diego state prison for the second time to speak to inmates and tell our story, as well as hearing theirs,' says Vasquez. 'But for sure, our biggest accomplishment has definitely been being chosen to be L.A. Pride 2025 community grand marshals at this year's parade.'
Fashion entrepreneur
Notable Projects:Luxury resale business pioneer and CEO of Covet by Christos livestreaming network
What are you most proud of?'Coming out at work in the late 1980s in a conservative environment took a lot of courage. I'm also proud to have released my memoir [Covet the Comeback], where I delve into all the ways being gay has fully formed my personal experiences, career and outlook.'
Writer, producer and director
Notable Projects:Creator and executive producer of Netflix series Dead to Me and dark comedy No Good Deed, which premiered in December
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'I'm proud of the continued LGBTQ representation that I weave through all my work — from my old, very silly online talk show This Just Out, which celebrated the joys of all things lesbian and queer, to Judy's fluidity on Dead to Me and Leslie and Sarah's aspirations to make a family and find a home on No Good Deed. My goal is always to bring real, layered, fallible queer characters to the forefront.'
Public relations powerhouse
Notable Projects:Founding partner at Apex Public Relations; handles the city's starriest events, from the GLAAD Media Awards to the Vanity Fair Oscar party
What are you most proud of?'Starting our PR company with my partners — Robin Baum, Simon Halls and Stephen Huvane — for the past 15 years, and its most recent iteration as Apex PR. I am proud of the progress [the community has] made; I am proud of our resilience. I am proud that we live in a city that has been on the forefront of the gay rights movement.'
Writer and producer
Notable Projects:Creator and writer of NBC's Brilliant Minds, inspired by famous neurologist Oliver Sacks and starring Zachary Quinto
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'It's been incredibly rewarding to write a medical show that focuses on mental health. Plus, to have a gay lead on a network medical drama is the kind of representation I wish I had growing up. I cut my TV writing teeth on the teen soap Degrassi and I loved our LGBTQ representation on that show; it showed teens and their families: 'You are not alone.''
Actors and authors
Notable projects:Their new book, So Gay for You, is out June 3; the Pants With Kate and Leisha podcast; The L Word TV series
Who from L.A.'s LGBTQ+ community has inspired you?'The community as a whole is inspiring,' says Moennig. 'I'm a firm believer that the different generations have a wealth of knowledge to pass on to each other.' Adds Hailey: 'My friend Colman Domingo. He's someone who carries both his artistry and his identity with unapologetic grace. What makes him a true LGBTQ+ leader in my eyes is how he navigates public life with intention.'
Actor and playwright
Notable projects:TV shows including Netflix's Santa Clarita Diet and Showtime's YellowjacketsWho from L.A.'s LGBTQ+ community has inspired you?'I really love the programming that Trans Dudes of LA are doing. I've been able to attend a few of their events and I'm always inspired. Everything is really intentional and so well-organized, to say nothing of how much fun it is to be in those rooms. The community engagement is wonderful to see.'
News anchor
Notable projects:News anchor and reporter for CBS Los Angeles and KCAL9
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'I'm incredibly proud to be an out, queer anchor here in Los Angeles. That's not an opportunity available everywhere in the country, and I take the responsibility of representation seriously. I'm also proud to have hosted KCAL's first-ever Pride special — a meaningful moment that celebrated individuals and businesses making a positive impact in the queer community.'
Actress; she/her
Notable projects:Monica made history at the 2022 Venice Film Festival when Lysette was the first trans actress to lead a competition film there; her next feature film, Dope Queens, will debut at Geena Davis' Bentonville Film Festival this month.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'I'm most proud that I dared to dream bigger than women like me were allowed. I'm certainly proud of Monica. Every time someone tells me how moved they were by it, it makes me feel like I did some good in the world. Hustlers [a fact-based story about strippers who outsmart their Wall Street clients] was a big deal too.'
Fashion and costume designer
Notable Projects:Dressing stars for the stage and screen (resulting in nine Emmy awards, a Tony award and three Oscar nominations); the 2024 doc Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion; and a line of new/archival Bob Mackie Designs on AmazonWhat was a moment of self-discovery?'[When I was growing up,] nobody was talking about how they felt or what was really in their brain — or why they thought they were different. I just thought I was different because I didn't want to play baseball or football or any of that stuff. And I would put on a record and play the music, and it was as if that was a real show for me.'
Producer and nightlife guru
Notable Projects:Producer of upcoming horror movie, The Chattering; partner at the h.wood Group (which includes L.A. venues The Nice Guy, Poppy, Keys, Delilah and Harriet's); podcast host; and DJ with partner Breck Lombardi at Di Di in WeHo
What are you proud of? 'Living my truth as an authentic transgender woman every single day. Simply existing as myself is an accomplishment in itself. Being a partner at the h.wood Group holds deep significance for me, especially in the cis-male-dominated nightlife and hospitality industry, because it affirms that I not only have a seat at the table but a voice that matters.'
Actor; singer-songwriter
Notable projects:Nash-Betts has appeared in TV series When They See Us; Mrs. America and Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story; Betts is a rock and soul singer-songwriter and reality show star who makes music for film and TVWhat accomplishments are you most proud of?'We are most proud of being the first same-sex couple to be on the cover of Essence magazine in over 50 years and marrying the greatest love we've ever known,' says Nash-Betts. As for who's inspired them, Betts chimes in, 'RuPaul is such an inspiration to us. He's charted his own path and has always provided a platform for queer visibility.'
News anchor
Notable Projects:Emmy Award-winning anchor and investigative reporter at CBS Los Angeles' KCAL News
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'I'm proudest to be 'out' as a broadcast journalist. In the beginning, it wasn't easy. Many news organizations thought an openly gay man was too polarizing to cover the news. I focused on my work, and it eventually led to me anchoring the first national LGBTQ+ newscast in the country for CBS News.'
Actor, writer, producer and comedian
Notable projects:Writer on Brooklyn Nine-Nine; writer-producer-actor on 2022 horror film The Blackening; recurring character on Apple TV+'s The Studio What accomplishments are you most proud of?'The Blackening was an opportunity to not just showcase myself in many different facets but also add to the lexicon of what and who a queer lead in a film can be.'
Communications executive
Notable work:VP of communications and talent at GLAAD
What are you most proud of?'GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, is constantly working behind the scenes to have LGBTQ people included in all forms of media. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year, I'm proud the Primetime Emmy Awards honored GLAAD with the Television Academy's Governors Award.'
Actor and comedian
Notable Projects:Big Dad Energy, 'the world's first' exclusively transmasculine stand-up comedy night in L.A. (soon to be a TV special); sex comedy Airplane 2025 (Amazon Prime); psychological horror film House of Abraham (releasing June 13).
Who from L.A.'s LGBTQ+ community has inspired you?'I have been fortunate to be mentored by L.A. queer art legends like performance artists Ron Athey, Sheree Rose and Cassils.'
Entrepreneur
Notable Projects:Green Qween cannabis shops in DTLA, WeHo and Sherman Oaks; events and clubs including Simon Says, Summertramp (at Outloud/WeHo Pride); DTLA Proud
What gives you Pride?'Creating spaces that feel like chrysalis moments for queer people, where transformation happens, self-definition is sacred and being seen isn't a privilege, it's a given. Every project I've led has centered on queer liberation, visibility, reclamation and joy — not just as themes, but as guiding principles. These aren't just parties or storefronts; they're cultural sanctuaries.'
Hotelier, club owner and entrepreneur
Notable Projects:MISTR (providing online PrEP Medication to prevent HIV); partner in Green Qween; new owner of The Abbey and The Chapel as well as Tryst Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Fire Island, the latter of which has transformed The Waterfront at The Pines
Who from L.A.'s LGBTQ+ community has inspired you? 'I have deep respect for David Cooley and what he built with The Abbey. Long before 'gayborhoods' were trending on TikTok, he created one of the most iconic queer spaces in the world. He represents a generation of entrepreneurs who fought to build a gay business community from the ground up — and I see it as my job to help protect and evolve that legacy for the next generation.'
Singer-songwriter
Notable Projects: Performed at Outloud Festival mainstage May 31; new single, 'My Type,' from her upcoming EP
What are you most proud of?'The opioid epidemic hits the LGBTQ+ community disproportionately hard, and they're much less likely to receive support for mental health and addiction treatment. After losing my sister and my best friend fromhigh school to fentanyl overdoses, I started working with the charity End Overdose to distribute Narcan and test strips at my shows.'
Pastry chef
Notable Projects:Executive pastry chef at Saltie Girl restaurant and founder of SweetBoy bakery
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
'I'm super proud of my new line of cookie tins available on SweetBoy.com. For the month of June, we will be selling Rainbow Sugar cookie tins, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Trans Lifeline. Pride is a reminder of how hard those who came before us have fought for our right to joy. I'm also getting married this year during Pride weekend, which just feels correct.'
Writer-director and comedian; Actor and comedian
Notable Facts:
Smith is a two-time Survivor contestant; Santos starred in NBC series Superstore and 2018's Crazy Rich Asians; the couple wed in Palm Springs in 2023.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'I'm most proud of my contribution to transmasc [transmasculine] visibility through my time on Survivor and subsequent activism,' says Smith. Adds Santos: 'When people tell us how just seeing us together — a trans man and a queer Asian immigrant being successful and living a normal, happy life — has given them hope that anything is possible, that's pretty hard to beat.'
TV personality/real estate agent; musician
Notable Projects:Stause is the star of Netflix reality series Selling Sunset; spouse G Flip is a singer-songwriter whose 2023 album Dummer won the J award for Australian Album of the Year
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'I'm most proud that I'm able to work in acting, [as an] influencer, in real estate and the reality TV space all at once,' says Stause. Notes G Flip, 'Right now, I'm most proud of the music video I made for my new song 'Big Ol' Hammer.' I envisioned this extremely queer music video set in a mechanic shop, with dancing, a hot pink car and a cameo from Fortune Feimster yelling at us. It all came together. It's the gayest thingI've ever seen.'
Actor and comedian
Notable Projects:Hacks (Max); the upcoming Lena Dunham-created series Too Much (Netflix): 'Both changed my life in huge ways, and I feel like everyone who worked on them are family to me.'
What does Pride mean to you? 'Pride to me is being who you are and loving yourself for it. It's recognizing the history of queer culture and those who fought for our rights, freedom and joy, and making sure all of us always have those rights. I will always stand up for queer rights; I will always stand up for trans rights. Pride is also seeing someone in a bootleg Hi Gay shirt! I love gay!'
Makeup artist
Notable work:Celebrity makeup artist and founder of the Patrick Ta Beauty line
What does Pride mean to you?'Growing up, I didn't see any openly gay Asian American makeup artists. Representation is so important to me, so I can be that person to look up to for someone else. I am so proud of our first ever pop-up event we hosted recently in L.A. It was such a special and rewarding experience to see [it] come to life in my Los Angeles community.'
Actor; he/him
Notable Projects:Actor on Ugly Betty (ABC) and Shrinking (Apple TV+); co-founder of Pride Plays, a festival that celebrates LGBTQ+ voices in theater and will be held this month in New York City and Washington, D.C.
What are you proud of?'I'll always be proud of the work we did on Ugly Betty — a show that highlighted queer people in deep and nuanced ways, especially for the scenes I shared with Mark Indelicato as Justin Suarez. Also, [that] the Pride Plays feature LGBTQ writers and directors at the forefront of storytelling and offer opportunities for LGBTQ actors to represent themselves onstage.'
Hairstylist and TV personality
Notable Projects:Star of Netflix's Queer Eye; comedian and podcast host who's taking his JVN's Hot & Healed Tour on the road
What accomplishments are you most proud of?'Queer Eye as a whole has taught me so much and touched so many people's lives. Our Emmy wins are a highlight. I'm so proud of my stand-up comedy progression and the quality and resilience of JVN Hair. I also think my podcast, Getting Better, teaches me so much about the world and the community we've built over the years.'
This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.