Notable gay icons Kathy Griffin and Lily Tomlin were one of the many who helped ring in the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s New Campus.
After breaking ground nearly two years ago, the Anita May Rosenstein campus is said to be the world’s first intergenerational LGBTQ facility, serving both LGBT seniors and youth, Variety reports. The Campus includes drop-in centers for both youth and seniors as well as 100 beds for homeless youth. The Ariadne Getty youth academy provides educational services. Phase two of the project, set to be completed in a few months, will include 99 apartments for seniors.
“It’s just amazing how this place thrives and grows year after year,” Tomlin told Variety at the ribbon cutting celebration in Hollywood. “This is a welcoming place where kids are welcomed. They’re made to feel good about themselves. They’re given the tools and the support to pull themselves out and grow. It’s a rich rich community to be a part of.”
The event was also attended by Los Angeles LGBT center CEO Lorri L. Jean, County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Rep. Adam Schiff, Councilman David Ryu and Mayor Eric Garcetti all delivered remarks on stage to thunderous applause.
“Mike Pence would hate this!,” Kathy joked on her Instagram. “So proud to speak at the @lalgbtcenter for the grand opening of the “Anita May Rosenstein Campus” and the 50th anniversary of the LA Gay and Lesbian center! It took many years of determination and lots of money in private donations, but they made this amazing campus happen. They give tours. Check it out!”
The LA LGBT center shared an aerial view from the packed day. “Thank you, everyone, for an amazing grand opening weekend of our Anita May Rosenstein Campus!”
“The message this sends here today, whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, whether you’re housed, or un-housed, whether you’re young or not as young, no matter what color you appear, and no matter what religion you practice, in Los Angeles and in this world, you belong,” Mayor Garcetti said on stage. “Los Angeles is a city of belonging, and you own this.”
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There were several performances during the ribbon-cutting party as well. VINCINT and Betty Who took to the stage with acoustic renditions of some of their most popular songs alongside the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and Transparent star Alexandra Billings.