On June 3, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), in partnership with Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, hosted a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Downey, California. This event took place just weeks after the Downey City Council narrowly voted against allowing the display of the Pride Flag on city property.

LACOE is one of eight Los Angeles County facilities in Downey that will fly the Pride Flag for Pride Month, following a policy authored by Hahn and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath passed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors last year to fly the Progress Pride Flag at county facilities every June. The other county facilities in Downey include: Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, the Los Angeles County Probation Department, the LA County Internal Services Department Headquarters, LA County Downey Animal Care Center, Los Padrinos, Los Amigos Golf Course and the Los Angeles County Library Headquarters. 

"The Pride Flag is a powerful symbol of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. It signals to our entire community that we value and celebrate the rich diversity of identities and experiences that make us who we are," said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. "This flag represents our dedication to creating a safe and affirming environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and well-being. By fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, we ensure that our schools are places where all individuals can thrive and be their authentic selves." 

The ceremony included remarks by Supervisor Hahn, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo, Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo, Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, Equality California President Juan Camacho, West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson and Valentina, a drag performer, the Princess of SELA and contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race, with entertainer Jewels serving as Mistress of Ceremonies. Various L.A. County representatives from cities, commissions and committees were also present at the flag raising ceremony showing their solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community of L.A. County.

The day of LGBTQIA+ celebration also included education, as LACOE hosted an educators’ workshop and training session with the organization, Out for Safe Schools. The training reviewed tips and best practices to create more inclusive environments on school campuses across Los Angeles County.

The training session covered local and state student safety and wellbeing updates and provided an overview of future legislation that can impact educators and districts.

About Out for Safe Schools

The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s OUT for Safe Schools® program transforms school campuses into communities of support and safety for LGBTQ+ students. The goal of the program is to provide school districts and educational agencies with the information and materials to create safe spaces on school campuses. The program supports over 5 million students across 38 school districts.

For LGBTQIA+ resources, visit https://www.lacoe.edu/about/newsroom/resource-guide-library/lgbtqia-pride