2024 Pride Month Honorees
Join me in recognizing the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of our outstanding LGBTQ+ community leaders in Senate District 33. By recognizing their leadership in nonprofits, art, advocacy, and beyond, we not only celebrate their achievements but also promote a more supportive and inclusive community for everyone. Let’s come together to learn about their work and express our gratitude for their continuous efforts, not just during Pride Month, but every day.
Sayon Syprasoeuth
Sayon, an artist and the first in his family of Cambodian refugees to earn an MFA from Claremont Graduate University, is a dedicated community leader. He actively engages in advocacy and collaborates with city and community leaders. As a key organizer of Long Beach Sankranta 2023-24, Sayon plays a significant role in supporting the community. He serves as a Commissioner on the Multicultural Advisory Committee for LB City Prosecutor Doug Haubert and is on the Board of Directors for the Arts Council for Long Beach. Additionally, he is the Program Director for the United Cambodian Community in Long Beach.
Latino Equality Alliance
The Latino Equality Alliance (LEA) was founded in January 2009 in response to Proposition 8, which revoked marriage rights for same-sex couples. Recognizing the need to support LGBTQ+ rights within the Latine/x community, activists formed an alliance that became LEA. Its founding mission was to promote liberty, justice, and equality for the Latine/x LGBTQ+ community. Today, LEA focuses on building power and promoting systemic changes for healthy environments for LGBTQ+ youth and families through education, actions, coalition building, and leadership development. LEA operates Mi Centro in Boyle Heights and Mi SELA in Bell.
Diego Sepulveda
With over ten years of experience in the nonprofit, political, and philanthropic sectors, Diego is passionate about advancing social justice, equity, impact, and LGBTQ+ justice. He serves on the boards of the Foundation for Los Angeles Community Colleges and The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, and he formerly served as a Commissioner for the cities of Huntington Park and South Gate. He holds an MBA specializing in Enterprise Management and Social Impact from American Jewish University in Bel Air and a Bachelor's degree from UCLA.
Adijared Huerta Flores
Adijared is a proud first-generation Chicana student graduating from Bell High School who will be attending the University of Pennsylvania this fall. She is proud of her East LA and Cudahy roots and is interested in Political Science, Public Health, and Environmental Studies. Her hobbies include volunteering, reading, and playing golf. She received the LGBTQ+ Youth Scholarship from the Latino Equality Alliance, participated in the Visionary Youth Leaders Program in Cudahy, and founded her high school's intersectional feminist club. She is passionate about advocating for social justice and equality.
Congratulations to our Pride Month honorees! Thank you for your leadership & service!