TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation from Safe Spaces Alliance, an organization dedicated to curating LGBTQ+ safe spaces in Long Beach by highlighting businesses and organizations that are owned and operated by members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
DISCUSSION
This past March, a rainbow-painted lifeguard tower in Long Beach burned down becoming the first such instance in Long Beach over at least the past 70 years. The tower was painted by lifeguards in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride which is usually celebrated in mid-May in Long Beach. Because of this, its destruction sent a message of intolerance completely anathema to the City's stated policies of inclusion and equity, as well as a longstanding history of Long Beach leading the way on the rights and dignity for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
While we must acknowledge that this work was, and is, incomplete, the destruction of the rainbow lifeguard tower was an especially distressing reminder that, despite recent trends towards justice, the LGBTQ+ community in Long Beach must continue to receive the support of our City, businesses, organizations, and residents for this progress to continue.
One such group doing this work is Safe Spaces Alliance. Their mission is to promote LGBTQ+ and ally owned businesses and organizations in Long Beach though the creation of a Safe Spaces Pledge and distribution of "You are Welcome Here" decals and placards for both physical and online display. This work is in partnership with Visit Gay Long Beach, the Long Beach LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, the LGBTQ Center Long Beach, and the Office of Councilwoman Mary Zendejas.
This item has not been reviewed by the Budget Office.
EQUITY LENS
Safe Spaces Alliance is an organization working towards equity for the LGBTQ+ community with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ and ally owned businesses and organizations. A study by Glassdoor Economic Research found that 43% of LGBTQ employees are not fully out at work and that 47% believe being so would negatively impact their career. The same study found that over half of LGBTQ employees had witnessed or experienced anti-LGBTQ comments by coworkers.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
As mid-May usually marks the celebration of Long Beach Pride, this item is requested to be presented at the May 18, 2021 meeting of the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact for this receive and file presentation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MARY ZENDEJAS
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
CINDY ALLEN
COUNCILWOMAN, SECOND DISTRICT
SUZIE PRICE
COUNCILWOMAN, THIRD DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMAN, SEVENTH DISTRICT