The ACLU of Southern California celebrates LGBT History Month by participating in several events that highlight the LGBT community's rich history and ongoing struggle for equality.

On October 15, we participate in Models of Pride, an annual event where community organizations hold workshops about LGBT youth issues for more than 700 students, parents, and teachers. The ACLU/SC will make two presentations: one will educate parents about their children's legal rights to be free from harassment and discrimination.  The other will teach students about their legal rights to freedom of speech and expression, their right to privacy, and their right to be safe at school.

On October 16, we co-present the world premiere of the documentary "Teach Your Children Well" at Sunset-Gower Studios. Lily Tomlin narrates an examination of the consequences of unchecked school bullying.  This is the latest selection of Kat Kramer's Films That Change the World.  Other celebrities like Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Esai Morales, CoCo Peru, and Dan Savage support the film and several will be in attendance at the event.

On October 21, Loyola Law School presents a symposium titled “LGBT Identity and the Law.”  Some of the nation's leading scholars will be presenting on antidiscrimination, constitutional protections, healthcare, and families.  Please consider joining us for the day, particularly the opening panel regarding antidiscrimination, which ACLU/SC Deputy Executive Director James Gilliam will moderate.  Register for the event here.

On October 25, we present the documentary film "On These Shoulders We Stand" in conjunction with LAUSD and other community partners.  The film is described as an illuminating historical account of early gay life and activism in Los Angeles-- not everything began with Stonewall.  We are proud that it features some of the early work the ACLU/SC did to protect and advance LGBT rights.

On October 26, our ACLUnext group, representing a new generation defending civil liberties, presents a panel entitled “What’s Next for LGBT Rights?” in West Hollywood. The panel will feature ACLU/SC Executive Director Hector Villagra, ACLU/SC Deputy Executive Director James Gilliam, and Yasmin Lee, a transgender actress with credits that include Hangover II. RSVP to vfox@aclu-sc.org.