Gay Choirs, Trans Cafes And Social Justice Art: What LA Spent Money On While Cutting Its Fire Budget
SUMMARY
Los Angeles faces criticism after cutting the Los Angeles Fire Department's (LAFD) budget by $17.6 million for fiscal year 2024–2025, despite ongoing wildfires causing widespread destruction. Mayor Karen Bass defended the cuts, claiming they wouldn't have impacted the wildfire response, citing tough budgetary times. At the same time, significant funds were allocated to progressive initiatives, including $100,000 for a "Midnight Stroll Transgender Cafe" to support unsheltered transgender individuals in Hollywood, $100,000 for the NAACP Awards, and $14,010 for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. The budget also included $170,000 for "Social Justice Art-Worker Investments" and $13,000 for LGBTQ heritage programs. Critics argued that prioritizing such initiatives over firefighting resources was irresponsible. The LAFD, led by the city's first LGBTQ and woman fire chief, Kristin F. Crowley, also faced backlash for focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives amid the crisis.
