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In 1983, a gay man was shot and killed outside a gay bar in
Highland Park. Realtor Gus DiClairo, owner of Uptown Properties,
was a friend of the slain man and called his friends together
for a meeting to protest the relative inaction of the Los Angeles
Police Department in the case. From that meeting, Uptown Gay
and Lesbian Alliance was born.
UGLA is a California non-profit corporation and is listed as
a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization with the Internal Revenue
Service. From its inception, UGLA has maintained adherence to
its mission statement: "The Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance
is a charitable and educational non-profit service organization.
Primary goals are to provide a support system for lesbians and
gay men and education for individuals and the community-at-large
on the true nature of homosexuality."
UGLA encompasses the communities of Cypress Park, Eagle Rock,
Glassell Park, Highland Park, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills,
and Mt. Washington. However, members also reside in Atwater
Village, Echo Park, Elysian Heights, Glendale, Lincoln Heights,
Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, Silverlake, South Pasadena, and
other neighboring communities. UGLA builds community and establishes
a support network for gay men and lesbians living in the northeast
area of Los Angeles in the following ways:
Monthly Mixers
Generally, on the 2nd Sunday afternoon of each month (from 2-5pm),
UGLA holds a Mixer. This is a potluck event usually held in
an UGLA member's private home. At these events, those in attendance
socialize, catch-up on the latest neighborhood and personal
news, and listen to a community or special interest speaker.
UGLA supplies all beverages and door prizes.
The Mixers are free to members and a donation of $5.00 is requested
of guests. Everyone is requested to bring a potluck dish to
feed at least 6 people. Mixer attire is casual. You may call
UGLA at (323) 258-8842 for Mixer information.
Monthly Newsletter
UGLA's monthly newsletter is a worthy organization effort and
is sent to all members at the first of the month. UGLA members
write, edit, format, and mail it. The newsletter has information
on UGLA's activities and contains advertisements.
Interaction with other groups in the area
The northeast area of Los Angeles has many active neighborhood
groups and UGLA supports many of these groups by taking a membership,
attending functions, and participating in their events. Some
of the groups in which UGLA is a member are:
- Arroyo Arts Collective
- BLEND
- The Eagle Rock Association
- Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce
- Eagle Rock Elementary PTA
- Friends of the Arroyo Seco Library
- Glassell Park Improvement Association
- Highland Park Chamber of Commerce
- Highland Park Heritage Trust
- Los Angeles Police Historical Society
- Mt. Washington Association
- Mt. Washington Homeowner's Alliance
Adopt-a-Highway
For 12 years UGLA participated in the CALTRANS Adopt-a-Highway
program by adopting a two mile stretch of northbound Interstate
5, from the Fletcher Drive on-ramp to the top of the Los Feliz
off-ramp.
Special Events
During the year, UGLA sponsors special events. These range from
our Holiday Party in December to our fund raisers and special
social events.
We have an annual picnic, an annual installation, swim parties,
and UGLA Nights (or Days) Out. The "Night Out" could
be a trip to the Hollywood Bowl, the Getty Museum, a Harbor
Cruise, a summer dance, a play, or a concert.
Fund Raising
UGLA is self-supporting through its own efforts and the generosity
of its members. For over 15 years, we have held an annual Cabaret
to raise funds. This talent revue is held in October of each
year and is one of UGLA's most successful efforts at raising
money.
Charitable Programs
UGLA's charitable giving is done through Community Grants and
Matching Funds Program.
Matching Funds
One of the most important community outreaches is UGLA's Matching
Funds Program. Members are encouraged to make a donation to
their favorite charity through UGLA. The member sends the donation
to UGLA and, upon a vote of the Board, UGLA matches the amount
of the member's donation and sends a check for double the member's
donation to the charitable organization.
Community Grants
UGLA also gives Community Grants directly to deserving 501(c)(3)
organizations by a vote of the Board.
Planned Giving
UGLA has financial advisors, lawyers, and professional accountants
available to assist anyone who wishes to include UGLA in their
will.
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