The LGBTQ Pride flag was raised over the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, June 1, marking the first time the flag has flown over any Los Angeles County building.
Amid speeches condemning attacks on the gay community, and anti-transgender laws in other states, the Board of Supervisors made good on a March motion to raise the Pride Progress Flag over its headquarters containing county offices, as a symbolic act of love and acceptance of all queer county residents.
“By raising the flag today, we are sending a bright and beautiful message to our LGBTQ residents that we are proud you have chosen Los Angeles County to be your home,” said Fourth District Supervisor and Board Chair Janice Hahn.
Sister Tootie Toot of the L.A. Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence gave a blessing, calling the flag “a lantern to bring light to those who suffer in the dark” and “a beacon of hope to those who feel marginalized or forgotten.”
The Sisters is a 44-year-old charitable group known for drag depictions of Catholic nuns. On Thursday, Toot was wearing a dress and a chiffon cape, black boots, a nun-like white habit, a black beard, heavy cake makeup and red lipstick.
The group was caught up in controversy in mid-May after being chosen to receive the Community Hero Award from the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of the team’s Pride Night set for June 16. The Dodgers rescinded their invitation to the Sisters on May 17 after getting pushback from some Roman Catholics and politicians, including Florida’s Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who accused the group of mocking nuns and the Christian faith.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles issued a statement at that time, speaking against “the decision to honor a group that clearly mocks the Catholic faith and makes light of the sincere and holy vocations of our women religious.” The Diocese of Orange called the Sisters group “anti-Catholic and anti-Christian” and said they engaged in…
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