The start of Women’s History Month stirred many emotions among West Hollywood residents who attended the city’s annual banner unveiling Monday night to honor instrumental women in society.

Connie Norman, a transgender activist, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, were chosen by the board to be honored with banners that will be displayed along Santa Monica Boulevard.
(photo by Patricia Sanchez)

During Monday’s city council meeting, members of West Hollywood’s Women’s Advisory Board spoke about Connie Norman, a transgender activist, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Norman and Ginsburg were chosen by the board to be honored with banners that will be displayed along Santa Monica Boulevard.

West Hollywood will display the banners throughout March and coordinate events to honor women leaders.

Noemi Torres, vice chair for the Women’s Advisory Board said the board honors a diverse group of women each year.

“Our honorees have all contributed to society and have helped support gender equality,” Torres said. “To some, the honorees represent women involved in current affairs, for others the honorees have personal connections.”

Nadia Sutton, a Women’s Advisory Board member, said Norman, her friend and colleague, was a big influence in her life.

“I was right there beside Connie as she fought for the rights of transgender women,” Sutton said. “She was passionate and fierce. I am honored to have called her a friend. She did a lot of things for transgender rights, but it was who Connie was that made her amazing.”

West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath said this year is the most expansive Women’s History Month celebration to date. It is the first time the city is collaborating with Women Manifest, an initiative started by individuals in the community to empower women.

“March is nationally recognized as Women’s History month, a time to commemorate and reflect upon the many accomplishments of women and their continual struggle for equal rights,” Horvath said. “National Women’s History Month provides an excellent venue to recognize and celebrate women’s historic achievements as well as an opportunity to honor women in our families and communities … Not only are we celebrating women who have made history this month, but women who are making history.”

West Hollywood and Women Manifest will provide residents with a month of free events.

Tina Banchero, Women Manifest core team member, said partnering with the city is an amazing opportunity for the organization.

“We were a group of concerned citizens that felt like L.A. really needs feminism and to acknowledge and celebrate women,” Banchero said. “We approached the city with some art events that focused on women artists, choreographers, dancers and filmmakers. Mayor Horvath was instrumental in bringing everything together, and it grew to include other organizations as well.”

Banchero explained after Women Manifest organized its own events, people from the community came together to help as well.

“We have gyms that are offering free classes and other events. The calendar this month is packed,” Banchero said. “Almost every day in the month of March there’s a free event celebrating women. We encourage men to come too.”

Events for the month include the “Out and About” art exhibition, the “Women Manifest Wellness” event, the Women in Leadership Awards and several film screenings.

“Through these events we also feature women who have been through some struggles in their life but have now empowered themselves to break free of that,” said Brooke Mason, Women Manifest member. “We want people to get out and celebrate what women in L.A. are doing.”

On Friday, March 11, West Hollywood will host the Women’s Leadership Conference and Network Mini-Film Festival. Friday’s events are held in collaboration with the Human Rights Speakers Series and will highlight the film “Wilhelmina’s War.”

Mari Riddle, a resident who has supported West Hollywood’s Women’s History Month campaign over the past decade, said she looks forward to the events each year.

“I don’t think we recognize enough the important contributions made by women,” Riddle said. “It’s important to bring men and women together to provide communication and honor the history of women throughout the world.”

Riddle said bringing the community together promotes positive change and inspires future generations.

“Young girls get to see women who have succeeded and it let’s them know there have been others before them who have paved the way,” Riddle said. “It’s critical to reflect on that and keep expanding.”

Visit womenmanifest.org or weho.org for information about upcoming events.