Join THE LAVENDER EFFECT ® for “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 will discover 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.
This tour will take place in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Attendees should plan to meet tour guide Jim Anzide at the Union Station Information Kiosk.
This program is suitable for all ages.
Participants
Jim Anzide is an East Coast Transplant (although he’s been in LA for over 20 years) and never forgets his roots. He was born and raised in a Southern New Jersey suburb of Philadelphia called Turnersville – zip code EIEIO. Jim went to undergrad at James Madison University where he was a double major in Communications/Journalism and Hotel Restaurant Management. After a brief stint in the Big Apple, Jim continued on to University of Washington in Seattle where he received his MFA in Acting. Shortly after relocating in LA, Jim and a few friends founded The Ovation Award Winning – Circle X Theatre Co. where Jim was Artistic Director. Out of all of his education, geographic upheaval and extensive background in drama, Out & About Tours—Hollywood’s 1st & Only Gay Bus Tour™—was birthed in 2009.
“It has been nothing short of pure, gay joy.” — Jim Anzide, Out & About Tours.
Jim is employed by THE LAVENDER EFFECT® as the Guided Tours Manager.
This program is organized by The Lavender Effect ® as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2024, presented by One Institute.
THE LAVENDER EFFECT® is a nonprofit project of Community Partners Advancing the Future of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Allied (LGBTQ+) Heritage & Culture. Our oral histories, educational workshops, guided tours, and exhibits reach a large audience to share authentic stories of LGBTQ+ people.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Heritage & Culture also helps to demystify our diverse communities, reduce shame, combat homophobia, and empower youth. Our vision encompasses the following goals: (I) Advancing society's understanding and appreciation of queer people; (II) Promoting Los Angeles as a world center for LGBTQ+ equality and culture; (III) Advancing the global campaign for full queer equality; (IV) Demystifying human sexuality and sexual identity; (V) Strengthening unity among all diverse people; (VI) Educating and inspiring future generations.