Discovering Long Beach's Unknown Queer History

As the southernmost city in Los Angeles County, Long Beach has an important place on the LGBTQ+ history map, but is often left out of the conversation about Los Angeles’ queer history.

For example, The Patch, a bar in neighboring Wilmington, was the site of a pre-Stonewall protest against police harassment, and was owned by the “Blonde Darling” of Long Beach, Lee Glaze. Another Long Beach resident, Carolyn Weathers, was part of a 1970 Los Angeles protest that helped pave the way for homosexuality being removed from the American Psychiatric Association’s list of mental illnesses.

In “Discovering Long Beach’s Unknown Queer History,” local news outlet Q Voice News and editor Phillip Zonkel will unearth these stories and others and spotlight some of the people who made a difference in important historical events related to Long Beach. Local drag queen Jewels will moderate a panel of guests, including Carolyn Weathers, who will share their experiences in queer history in a fabulous evening that intersects history, education, art, and civics.

This panel conversation will take place at Hamburger Mary’s Long Beach on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. Free two-hour parking available.

This program may not be suitable for all ages.

Panelists

Award-winning journalist Phillip Zonkel is editor and co-founder of Q Voice News. The Long Beach-based publication is the only digital-first queer news outlet in the greater Los Angeles area.

Carolyn Weathers was part of a 1970 protest in L.A. that helped pave the way for homosexuality being removed from the list of mental illnesses. From 1985 to 1986, Weathers and then girlfriend Jenny Wrenn operated Clothespin Fever Press, a small lesbian publishing company.

Gerrie Schipske was the first member of the LGBTQ+ community elected to Long Beach City Council. She served from 2006 to 2014. In 2013, Schipske was the first lesbian to run for mayor. She also is the first lesbian to run for mayor. She also has written books on Long Beach history, including “LGBTQ+ Long Beach.”

Jewels is Long Beach’s royalty drag queen. She has performed at clubs throughout Southern California, including West Hollywood and Long Beach. She is the executive director of entertainment at Hamburger Mary’s and appears in the Q Voice News’ video series “Queer History Lessons with Jewels.” She also raises funds for various HIV/AIDS organizations.

This program is organized by Q Voice News and Phillip Zonkel as part of the Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2024, presented by One Institute.

Hamburger Mary’s Long Beach is a full service restaurant and bar in the heart of Long Beach. Stop by for delicious food, amazing drag shows, and our great dance floor.
Q Voice News publishes compelling journalism that connects, elevates, engages, and empowers the LGBTQ+ community.