Celebrate the rich spectrum of human experience with LGBT History Month! We honor the courageous individuals, pivotal events, and vibrant cultures that have shaped the journey towards equality and understanding for queer communities. From trailblazing activists who stood up against adversity to groundbreaking moments that propelled societal change, this month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance and the power of love in all its forms. Join us in recognizing the past, celebrating the present, and paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future.
Happy LGBT History Month!
Dennis Peron (he/him). Dennis Peron is seen as the leader responsible for medical cannabis legislation passing in California. As an AIDS activist, Dennis understood the importance of gaining awareness and public knowledge and partnered with several others to gain signatures and change the stigma around medical marijuana. Throughout his life, Dennis believed that medical marijuana had a real place in the lives of those affected by various conditions and that it could truly help them. Near the end of this life, Peron opposed California Propositions 19 and 64 in 2010, which would have legalized recreational cannabis, because he did not believe that recreational use exists, as all people who use marijuana are using it medicinally.
Wendy Chapkis (she/they). Dr. Wendy Chapkis is an author and Professor of Sociology and Women & Gender Studies at the University of Southern Maine. Her book Dying to Get High: Marijuana as Medicine dives into qualifying conditions such as AIDS and cancer and how they were utilized to bring about the medical use of marijuana in the United States.
Richard Eastman (he/him). Richard Eastman has been dedicated to advocating for medical cannabis and changing the stigma around it for over 25 years. In 1999, he was the only AIDS patient invited to California Attorney General Lockyear’s task force meetings to advocate for medical marijuana and has helped organize various efforts to protect its use.
Paul Scott (he/him). Paul Scott is the Founder and Director of the Los Angeles Black LGBTQ Pride Movement. His empathy, activism, and determination led him to create the first medical cannabis facility in Inglewood, CA, where patients could find a safe space and have legal access to medical marijuana.
Isamarie Pérez (she/her). Isamarie (Isa) Perez works in the tech space as a cannabis advocate and has worked with over 200 companies to start careers and streamline business processes in the industry. Isa advocates for the abundant potential people of color and those in the LGBTQ+ Community have in the medical cannabis industry and encourages everyone to learn more about what it has to offer.
