LGBTQ art sculpture (N.1)

A North Redondo resident of eight years argued broadly inclusive art ends up representing no one and countered concerns about children, saying LGBTQ topics are about love, not sex.

South Bay LGBTQ Center board member urging support, citing the Artesia corridor's history as the center's original location and home to LGBTQ gathering spaces like the Artesia Bar for over 50 years.

A 23-year Redondo resident and transgender young adult said the lack of visible LGBTQ history here was isolating and urged the council to show LGBTQ people they are loved and included.

A Torrance resident whose father is moving to Redondo spoke in support, calling the city's inclusivity the gold standard for the South Bay.

A reverend of an inclusive congregation spoke in favor of an LGBTQ-specific sculpture and the community's contributions.

A West Basin water board vice president speaking as a resident, he described growing up in the closet locally and said the Artesia corridor was a safe haven; urged keeping the piece LGBTQ-themed.

A 20-year North Redondo resident and mother of two strongly opposed the LGBTQ-themed art, saying it excludes rather than includes and suggesting beach-lifestyle art instead.

A 35-year North Redondo resident urged the council to decide rather than delay, citing resident opposition, noise complaints tied to the former bar, and safety concerns on the corridor.

A former ten-year public art commissioner argued most past art projects never required public polls and that representing any community group is inclusive, not exclusive.

Speaking as a Cultural Arts Commissioner, she explained the commission's subcommittee process since 2022 and urged the council not to walk back the sculpture the commission recommended.

A District Three resident recalled the community outnumbering Westboro Baptist Church protesters a decade ago and urged the council to affirm that Redondo is a place where everyone belongs.

Said hostile online responses to her supportive comment disheartened her, praised the council's courage, and criticized Councilmember Obagi's social media post as misleading.

A lifelong Redondo family member suggested a rainbow dolphin or wave design and voiced full support for the Artesia art project.

A North Redondo parent raising two children said she wants them raised where LGBTQ people are loved and accepted, and urged the council to be bold.

Returned to suggest a more universal theme would have broader appeal than honoring a single interest group.

Counted 37 supporting eComments versus 15 opposed and praised the 1980s history of the LGBTQ center on Artesia as part of Redondo's history.

A scientist and Trevor Project volunteer cited data showing inclusion reduces LGBTQ youth self-harm rates and urged quick approval.

Argued artwork supporting marginalized communities excludes no one, and echoed Councilmember Kaluderovic's call for intentional, purposeful recognition of several communities.

A District 4 constituent who works at Venice Family Clinic said coworkers and LGBTQ youth clients served nearby would welcome the visibility.

A North Redondo mother of two called the project a false narrative and sexualization of children near a library, asking why the money wasn't used for a 250th-anniversary art piece instead.

A District Five parent of a trans youth said the oppositional comments he heard were exactly why the installation is needed, to show the city's support for these kids.