Nithya Raman Holds LGBTQ Fundraiser in Silverlake

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman raised funds for her mayoral bid at the historic Black Cat bar on October 8.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in LGBTQ+

Bold vector editorial illustration of a warm, inviting bar interior, reflecting the community atmosphere of a campaign fundraising event. — Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman raised over $20,000 for her mayoral campaign during an LGBTQ fundraiser held at the Black Cat. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman hosted an LGBTQ fundraiser at the Silverlake bar Black Cat on October 8. The event successfully raised over $20,000 for her ongoing mayoral campaign.

Why it matters

The fundraiser was organized to strengthen support among LGBTQ voters ahead of the upcoming mayoral election. Raman, who finished second in the August primary, continues to focus on platform initiatives like establishing an office of tenant protections.

The campaign event gathered over $20,000 in donations from approximately 100 attendees. These funds were collected during a gathering held in the outdoor seating area of the venue.

The players

Nithya Raman

Nithya Raman is a current Los Angeles City Councilmember and a candidate in the city's mayoral election.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster is an actor and comedian who served as a host for the campaign event.

Pickles the Drag Queen

Pickles the Drag Queen is a performer who co-hosted the fundraiser in Silverlake.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Children's Hospital Los Angeles is a medical facility that recently suspended gender-affirming care services for trans youth.

Black Cat

The Black Cat is a bar in Silverlake known for its historical significance regarding LGBTQ civil rights.

The details

Hosts Joel Kim Booster and Pickles the Drag Queen presided over the event at the Black Cat, a location historically notable for a 1967 police raid. The fundraiser highlights the campaign's outreach strategy while the city navigates recent developments such as Children's Hospital Los Angeles suspending gender-affirming care services for trans youth.

January 1, 1967: Undercover police raided the Black Cat bar.
August 2026: Nithya Raman placed second in the mayoral primary.
October 8, 2026: The Coming out for Nithya LGBTQ fundraiser took place.

Culture Shift

The fundraiser at the Black Cat follows a pattern of utilizing historical LGBTQ landmarks as backdrops for modern political organizing. This trend highlights how contemporary campaigns align themselves with the long-term struggle for civil rights in Los Angeles.

Residents may see an increase in campaign visibility across the city as candidates ramp up efforts ahead of the final election. The event also serves as a reminder of the current political dialogue regarding access to gender-affirming care in local medical institutions.

The takeaway

Supporting campaigns through community-based events can directly influence a candidate's ability to prioritize specific constituent needs. Voters are encouraged to stay informed on candidate platforms to understand how upcoming policy proposals may impact their local neighborhoods.