From Protest to Pride: Has LGBTQ Politics Gone Soft?

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Join us for a provocative, timely conversation at the Left Coast Forum exploring the evolving landscape of LGBTQ politics. This breakout session assembles a powerhouse panel of voices to reflect on the movement’s shifting priorities, strategies, and public image—from street protests and radical demands to mainstream acceptance and "rainbow capitalism." Featuring Vincent Jones (Tides Advocacy CEO), Shar Jossell (President, National Association of Black Journalists – Los Angeles), Jasmyne Cannick (Activist & Gen X Journalist), and Erika D. Smith (Bloomberg Opinion Journalist), this session will interrogate whether the fight for LGBTQ rights has lost its edge or simply evolved.

Co-moderated by KBLA Talk 1580 hosts Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey and Dominique DiPrima, the discussion will dig into questions like:

• Has mainstream visibility softened the urgency of LGBTQ activism?
• How do issues of race, class, and intersectionality shape today’s queer politics?
• What is gained—and what’s at risk—when protest gives way to pride?

Bring your questions and perspectives for an engaging, multi-generational dialogue about the future of LGBTQ advocacy. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or a curious ally, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey is a political journalist, Pepperdine University professor, and prominent convener in the fields of dialogue and social change. He serves as Host & White House Correspondent for "A More Perfect Union" afternoon drive-time radio talk show and podcast, produced by KBLA Talk 1580. For almost two decades, Dr. Quartey developed expertise in national affairs through active engagement in policy advocacy efforts on issues ranging from civil and human rights to childhood obesity to senior issues. These experiences have been foundational to Dr. Quartey's distinctive approach to this work — always aspiring to humanize leaders, listen for teachable moments and cautionary tales, and challenge underlying assumptions.

 Dominique DiPrima is currently the host and producer of First Things First with Dominique DiPrima on KBLA Talk 1580 where she is making radio history as the first African American woman to host a commercial drive-time talk radio show in Los Angeles. Prior to helping to launch Tavis Smiley’s talk radio startup, Dominique was host and producer of the early morning talk show The Front Page with Dominique DiPrima on Stevie Wonder’s Los Angeles radio station KJLH 102.3-FM for 17 years. In addition, Ms. DiPrima acted as Co-Host and Senior Producer for the syndicated Michael Baisden Show and Co-host and News Director for The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Ms. DiPrima was born in New York City but raised in California. Her mother is Beat poet/feminist Diane DiPrima, her dad, writer Amiri Baraka, is considered the father of the Black Arts Movement. The daughter of two activists and of two coasts, of an African American father and an Italian American mother, she has a unique perspective. 

Jasmyne Cannick is an LACDP Delegate, strategist, award-winning Gen X journalist and on-air contributor known for her incisive commentary on politics, race, and contemporary social issues. Her unique perspective, grounded in both journalistic integrity and cultural sensitivity, has earned her accolades and respect across diverse audiences. Through Jasmyne’s compelling storytelling and unwavering commitment to telling like it is, she continues to shape the national conversation, challenging norms and inspiring critical dialogue on the pressing issues of our era.

Erika D. Smith is a politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. She is a former Los Angeles Times columnist and Sacramento Bee editorial board member.

Shar Jossell is an award-winning journalist, media personality, and writer. She focuses on arts/entertainment reporting and writes in the intersections of gender, politics, race, and pop culture. Shar has been featured on Buzzfeed, HuffPost, GLAAD, TMZ, Into, FOX Soul, That Grape Juice, and The Wrap--just to name a few. Her bylines include ESSENCE, Variety, them., ZORA, and Bold Culture, and she penned the March 2021 International Women's Day cover story for Cultured Magazine. Shar has also served as a chairperson on the board of directors for the National Association of Black Journalists of Los Angeles (NABJLA) from 2020-2022, and she was notably named to Obvious Magazine's inaugural Visionaries: People To Watch list in 2020. 

Vincent Jones, Tides Advocacy’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors Chairperson, is an innovative connector with a passion for building dynamic communities around common purpose and finding creative solutions to advance progressive change. Currently he is Founding CEO of The Citizen Jones Companies which includes Citizen Jones Travel, Citizen Jones Consulting (formerly Reinvent Communications), Proud Photobooth, and Ctzn Jns. His career spans the worlds of philanthropy, non-profits, politics, government, communications, and travel. Vincent served as Deputy Director of Campaigns and Senior Program Officer at the Liberty Hill Foundation, was executive director of the Center for Health Justice, led a youth civic engagement project for California Common Cause, and was Associate Director of the National Teen Leadership Program. He also was the LA County Field Representative for Sen. Barbara Boxer and worked in senior positions on her 2004 and 2010 campaigns as well as those of other statewide, federal, and local campaigns. Vincent believes strongly in serving on nonprofit boards and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Political Education (SCOPE) and Freedom for All Americans.