Incidents of harassment targeting the Mi SELA Center, an LGBT youth facility in Bell, California, have prompted a police investigation. Reports indicate that bags containing dog waste have been repeatedly thrown at the center’s window canopy, leading staff to conclude the actions are not accidental but rather a targeted act of hate.
In March 2023, Yaya Velasquez-Lopez, a staff member at Mi SELA, first noticed the bags that she initially mistook for leaves. Upon closer inspection and discussions with colleagues, it became evident that these bags were left intentionally. “We started to say, oh, this is something targeted,” Velasquez-Lopez stated, reflecting on the frequency of these incidents over recent weeks.
The Bell Police Department has acknowledged the issue and is currently investigating, although they have declined to provide further comment due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry. The staff at Mi SELA filed a police report following a series of similar findings that have raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the center’s young patrons.
Community Response and Support
Mi SELA, which serves as a vital resource for LGBT youth in Southeast Los Angeles, is operated by the Latino Equality Alliance. The center recently celebrated its two-year anniversary, coinciding with a broader climate of hostility against the LGBTQ+ community. Velasquez-Lopez linked the uptick in harassment to recent political actions, such as the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding for LGBTQ+ health research and restrict access to gender-affirming care.
“The zeitgeist right now is just very much anti-queer, anti-Trans, anti-anything that’s LGBT,” Velasquez-Lopez remarked. Despite these challenges, she emphasized the center’s commitment to its mission. “This is exactly why we are out here doing the work,” she added.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Adolfo Varas, Executive Director of the Bell Chamber of Commerce, expressed his outrage at the incidents, labeling them as “an unequivocal manifestation of hate.” He commended Mi SELA for being a crucial lifeline for many young individuals navigating their identities.
Local officials have also voiced their support. Janice Hahn, the Los Angeles County Supervisor for the 4th District, described the acts as “gross and cowardly.” In a statement, she noted that the actions of the perpetrator reflect poorly on them, not on the community. Hahn’s office has pledged a $2,500 grant to assist Mi SELA in upgrading its security measures, addressing concerns that current surveillance has not been effective in capturing the offenders.
Continuing the Mission
Despite facing such challenges, Mi SELA remains committed to providing a safe environment for its community. Velasquez-Lopez noted that attendance at the center has not diminished, highlighting the resilience of the youth who rely on its services. Events continue as planned, demonstrating a collective spirit among the patrons and staff.
As the investigation unfolds, the Mi SELA Center stands as a testament to the strength and determination of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity. The center’s mission to support and empower youth remains unwavering, underscored by the solidarity shown by local businesses and officials alike.
In a world where such acts of hate persist, organizations like Mi SELA play a crucial role in fostering acceptance and understanding, serving as vital resources in regions often lacking in LGBTQ+ support.