DTLA Proud is a non-profit organization that strengthens and empowers the local LGBTQ+ & ally community in Downtown Los Angeles through visibility, volunteerism, partnerships and events. After being open for nine months, we wanted to share this new queer era in DTLA and formed what is now DTLA Proud. It truly felt like a new gayborhood was starting. And what was great was that we were not alone, two other queer bars opened up around the same time. It was a long and rough road to open a gay bar in DTLA but I did it and when we opened, it was magical. That is what sparked the idea of opening a Gay Bar in DTLA because I wanted a queer safe space that you can go to and meet other queer people in the neighborhood. People actually say hi to you, they remember your name, Neighbors ask you how your day is and invite you for dinner… A true sense of community…. It is the only city that reminded me of the neighborhood feel we had as kids. This prompted me to move DTLA 12 years ago and I fell in love. I remember my mom bringing me to DTLA as a kid and being fascinated by all the beautiful buildings. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, Highland Park to be exact. Hi Oliver, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Oliver Alpuche.
