Los Angeles Blade: Major victory for LGBTQ funding in LA

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) celebrated the release of nearly $20 million in HIV prevention investments, previously frozen by the Trump Administration, while also celebrating the anniversary of the Stonewall protests that took place 56 years ago on that date.  

Rep. Friedman (CA-30) was joined by APLA Health CEO Craig Thompson and LA LGBT Chief Strategy Officer, Terra Russell-Slavin—two of the previously impacted organizations—at the APLA Health Michael Gottlieb Center in West Hollywood.

The previously frozen grants total $19,788,675 in federal investment for the period of June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. This amount in funds also has an increase in the 2025 to 2026 cycle of over $300,000 from the 2024 award. 

One month ago, Friedman led 23 members of Congress to urge the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to release the funds, as South L.A. clinics began to stop services. 

“South L.A. and communities across California are already feeling the devastating impacts of these withheld HIV prevention funds. These cuts aren’t just numbers—they’re shuttered clinics, canceled programs and lives lost,” said Friedman. “The Los Angeles LGBT Center, located in my district, is set to lose millions in funding—forcing them to likely cease services like HIV testing, STD screening, PrEP navigation and community education. We will not stand by while the CDC withholds funding and leaves frontline providers in the dark.”

As a result of the grants being frozen, the county has been forced to terminate contracts with dozens of community health providers, cutting off services for thousands of residents in South L.A. and beyond. The letter sent by Congressional members to the HHS and CDC can be found here.