CONTACT: Ashley Hearon-Smith AshleyHearonSmith@gmail.com 201-245-0744

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY AT THE BLACK CAT

Featuring the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and photo series "Ides of Gender"

Los Angeles, CA -- March 24, 2025 -- The Black Cat and BabyGay will be hosting a celebration to honor the International Trans Day of Visibility. The event will include a welcome reception with photographer Zach Oren of the ongoing photo exhibit "Ides of Gender", followed by a panel discussion moderated by Sydney Rogers, MSW aka Miss Barbie-Q, and a performance by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles.

International Trans Day of Visibility, founded in 2010, aims to celebrate the lives and achievements of transgender and gender-expansive people, and to highlight the ongoing need for equality and justice for the transgender community. Host venue, The Black Cat, is a designated Los Angeles Historical Landmark due to being the first documented LGBTQ+ civil rights demonstration in the nation in 1967, two years before the Stonewall Riots. In honor of its historical roots, the bar has transformed the outside to look exactly as it did back on that historical day in 1967.

The event, beginning at 5:30pm, is a joyous celebration that will include a reception to view the work of Photographer Zach Oren (he/him) who is exhibiting his photo series "Ides of Gender", a photo essay about the Trans community in development since September 2017. The series documents the diversity and expansiveness that is the trans community, celebrating everyone under the trans umbrella, regardless of age, race, ability, education, housing status, or gender divergence. With representation extending across the United States, the full series consists of over 700 portraits, ages ranging between 9 and 88.

On March 31st at 7:30pm there will be a performance by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, America's premiere all trans chorus, embracing all members of the trans, non-binary and intersex communities that share their LGBTQIA+ spirit through awareness and song. Followed by a panel introduced by PJ Brescia (they/them), founder of BabyGay, a nonprofit community celebrating the coming out process through storytelling, advocacy and togetherness. Then a panel discussion moderated by Sydney Rogers, MSW aka Miss Barbie-Q (she/her). The panel consisting of trans and non-binary speakers will include Paolo Batista (he/him), a full-time active duty U.S. Navy Sailor facing possible revocation due to the Trump Administration. Carla Ibarra (she/they), a transgender rights activist, speaker, and public health professional with more than a decade of community-centered work focusing on equity and justice in BIPOC LGBTQIA+ communities in the Philippines and in the United States. And Abdullah Hall (they/them/theirs), the Artistic Director of the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles.

Proceeds from bar sales and 20% of photo sales "Ides of Gender" will be shared with Fundacion Latino Americana de Accion Social, Inc. (FLAS), whose mission is to offer culturally affirming, high-quality, and caring service to promote healthy Latino communities in the Greater Houston Area.

About The Black Cat:

The Black Cat first opened its doors in October of 1966 to cater to a gay clientele at a time when same sex relations were criminalized in California. Just two months later, the venue was targeted in the notorious 1967 New Year"s Eve police raid that exposed brutal violence against patrons and widespread discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. In the wake of these unjust events, hundreds congregated in protest outside the venue, marking The Black Cat as a rallying point for activism. This pivotal establishment, predating Stonewall, remains a symbol of resilience and progress in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, and in 2022, was designated by the state of California as an Historical Landmark.

WEBSITE: https://www.theblackcatla.com

INSTAGRAM: @TheBlackCatLA

About BabyGay:

BabyGay is a 501(c)3 organization that transforms support for the LGBTQ+ community by celebrating and empowering individuals through their coming out journey. Since our groundbreaking launch in 2023 at the LA LGBT Center, we've created a powerful movement combining storytelling, community support, and advocacy. Our signature Welcome-Wagon Box, featuring heartfelt SupportCards handwritten by community members, provides essential resources and connection for those beginning their journey. BabyGay has spearheaded historic initiatives including establishing National Coming Out Day as an official Los Angeles city holiday (October 11th, 2024), and founding the LA Queer Events Coalition. We've expanded our impact through partnerships with LA City Council, The Black Cat, and the AT Center, and participation in Pride festivals across Southern California including LA Pride, SD Pride, and Santa Monica Pride. Our mission is clear: to ensure that coming out, while challenging, becomes a journey of celebration and community.

WEBSITE: https://www.baby.gay

INSTAGRAM: @babygaytv

About Zach Oren:

Zach Oren was born in Eilat, Israel and moved to the US at the age of 10. He is a self-taught photographer, whose love of travel and cultural immersion has led him to photographing the human experience for the past 30 years. Past photo series include "Bob and Bobby", "Cuba" and "Mother"s Day".

WEBSITE: https://www.ZachOren.com

INSTAGRAM: @IdesofGender

About Sydney Rogers, MSW aka Miss Barbie-Q:

A Trailblazing Icon in Drag, Advocacy, and Entertainment Los Angeles, CA " Sydney Rogers, widely known as Miss Barbie-Q, continues to make waves as a multi-talented drag performance artist, speaker, and consultant. With a career spanning over two decades, Sydney has seamlessly blended artistry, activism, and education, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. As a performer, Sydney has graced stages from local drag clubs to internationally renowned cultural institutions such as LACMA, The Broad Museum, and MoMA. Her Hollywood Fringe Festival solo performances, collaborations with Peaches Christ in Drag Becomes Her, and appearances in high-profile music videos have solidified her as a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. Her advocacy work extends into community empowerment and corporate consulting, having trained leading organizations such as Wells Fargo, Deloitte, SoCal Gas, and The Museum of Tolerance on LGBTQ+ inclusion and cultural competency. Sydney"s role as Vice Chair of the Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission and Program Manager at the LA LGBT Center"s Trans Economic Empowerment Project demonstrates her commitment to creating lasting systemic change. Sydney has been a featured speaker at prestigious events, including the James Beard Equity in Hospitality Panel, Simmons University Virtual Commencement, and AIDS Lifecycle Finish Line Festival. Her presence in international film festivals"including London, Toronto, and Stockholm for Leave It On the Floor"further showcases her artistic and cultural influence.

WEBSITE: https://www.missbarbieq.com

INSTAGRAM: @missbarbieqla

About Abdullah (Abby) Hall:

Non-binary Singer, Actor, Producer and Artistic Director of the Tran Chorus of Los Angeles (TCLA) since 2017. A twenty year veteran in Business & Legal Affairs, at Paramount Pictures. Currently they are the CEO of the Hollywood Disruptor, (Teaching the Business of Show to give voice to All) and a Producer with Picture Lock Entertainment. Abby studied voice under Anne Marie Ketchum and trained in acting at the Sanford Meisner Institute (Martin Barter), Howard Fine Acting School (Howard Fine), Lesly Khan, LA Film School (Heidi Helen Davis) and the Groundlings. Abby is so proud to be a part of TCLA changing the Trans-narrative from victim to VICTORIOUS.

INSTAGRAM: @abdullahrasheen

About Carla Ibarra:

Carla Ibarra (she/they) is a transgender rights advocate, speaker, and public servant with over a decade of experience advancing equity and justice for BIPOC LGBTQIA+ communities in both the Philippines and the United States. Currently, Carla serves as the LGBTQIA+ Community Liaison for the LA Civil Rights Department, where she leads initiatives to uplift and support the City"s LGBTQIA+ constituents, organizations, and stakeholders. As the Staff Lead for the City's Transgender Advisory Council (TAC), she spearheads community development programs and other engagement efforts that center the needs and voices of trans and gender-expansive Angelenos. Before stepping into her role at the Department, Carla worked as a Health Program Analyst for the LA County Department of Public Health"s HIV and STD Programs, championing public health equity and expanding access to life-saving resources. She also previously served as a Commissioner on the City"s Transgender Advisory Council. She was featured in "The Power of Kindness," a special documentary with Lady Gaga, in honor of World Kindness Day. In May 2022, she participated in the first-ever MTV Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House, where she and fellow young leaders met with former U.S. President Joe Biden, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and mental health advocate Selena Gomez to strategize ways to transform mental health awareness into real, tangible action. This advocacy contributed to the launch of the National 988 Mental Health Crisis Line, which now includes a dedicated support line for LGBTQ+ youth of color. She was recently recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Scholar by USC"s LGBTQ Lambda Alumni Association for her advocacy and work in centering the needs and well-being of LGBTQIA+ communities in public health.

INSTAGRAM: @miss.carlaibarra

About Paulo Batista:

Paulo Batista is a loud and proud queer transgender man and full-time active duty U.S. Navy Sailor. A competitive bodybuilder and power-lifter from Central Florida, he found a supportive and accepting leather community after moving to San Diego in 2013. Paulo made history as the first transgender Mr. San Diego Eagle (2014) and Mr. SoCal Drummer (2015). Currently stationed in San Diego, he continues to mentor and inspire others through his profound leadership and dedication by helping others within the community to pursue their dreams with heart and courage.

INSTAGRAM: @Ftmmuscle

About Trans Chorus of Los Angeles:

Since 2015, the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles-TCLA has made an impact in the choral world by using our unique voices to be visible, bold and proud. TCLA is the premiere all Trans-identified chorus in America, composed of trans-gender, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals. In 2017, under the new leadership of Artistic Director, Abdullah "Abby" Hall and Executive Director, Dr. Kathryn Davis, TCLA has proudly represented the TGI community, performing for the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. TCLA was the first group of trans-identified singers to perform our nation"s National Anthem at the 2020 Democratic debates hosted and aired on CNN. TCLA has recorded and sung with artists Wrable, MUNA, Phoenix Claea Rousiamanis, Jennifer Leitham, Mila Jam, Angelica Ross, Alex Newell, Maggie Szabo, Andy Grammer, G-Flip, Demi Lavato and Noah Cyrus. Currently TCLA holds a Spring and Winter performance residency at the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center Renberg Theatre. As a Chorus, we celebrate diversity and acceptance in physical appearance and vocal presentation so that others can see and feel the joy we share in being our authentic selves and through our music, changing the trans-narrative from victim to VICTORIOUS.

WEBSITE: https://transchorusla.org/

INSTAGRAM: @transchorusla

About Fundacion Latino Americana de Accion Social, Inc. (FLAS):

FLAS aims to offer culturally affirming, high-quality, and caring service to promote healthy Latino communities in the Greater Houston Area. Since its inception in 1994, FLAS has provided education, HIV/STD"s counseling & testing, treatment referrals for Latinos affected by HIV/AIDS. Elia Chino, Executive Director and founder, desired to help end the devastation brought by HIV and AIDS cases in the Latino Community resulting in the creation of Fundacion Latino Americana Contra el SIDA in 1994. After losing many close friends to AIDS, Ms. Chino decided to take action. Due to the stigma the name was changed to Fundacion Latino Americana de Accion Social in 2013.

WEBSITE: https://flasinc.org

INSTAGRAM: @flasinc