Sunitha Menon made history this year as the first executive director of the Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission, selected by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. In this role, she works with a team of 15 commissioners to address gaps in policies and services affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
One of her proudest achievements so far in her new role was supporting queer kids facing bigotry from their school boards and extremist groups like the Proud Boys. “Being with those students, helping create a space for them to stand in their power, own their voices, and stand up for themselves and the LGBTQ+ youth in their community was inspiring in a way I won’t ever forget,” Menon says.
Menon previously worked at Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, and at RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. As a queer woman of color, her dedication to advocating for marginalized communities is personal and powerful.
“We all deserve to live fully equal lives, and until we do, I’ll be in the fight alongside our incredible and powerful community,” Menon says. @sunitha.menon1
