A series of disturbing acts targeting the Mi SELA Center, an LGBT youth support organization in Bell, California, has prompted an investigation by the local police. The incidents, which involved bags of dog feces being left on the center’s property, have raised concerns about harassment and intolerance within the community.
In March 2023, Yaya Velasquez-Lopez, a staff member at the Mi SELA Center, first noticed what appeared to be bags of dog waste beneath the center’s awning. Initially, she and her colleagues dismissed the bags as the result of someone being negligent. However, as the occurrences continued and escalated, the team recognized the troubling pattern and filed a police report. The Bell Police Department confirmed that they are currently investigating the matter but did not provide additional comments due to the ongoing inquiry.
Javier Garay, another staff member, noted a particularly alarming moment when a bag was found wedged between the letters of the center’s marquee. This discovery led staff to believe that the incidents were not merely accidents but rather targeted acts of hate against the center and its mission. Velasquez-Lopez remarked, “Just a big heap of ’em, and that’s kind of when we started to say, oh, this is something targeted.”
The Mi SELA Center, which is operated by the Latino Equality Alliance, serves as a vital resource for LGBT youth in Southeast Los Angeles. The center recently celebrated its second anniversary, a milestone overshadowed by the recent harassment incidents. Velasquez-Lopez expressed concern that these attacks coincide with broader social issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly under the policies of the previous Trump administration, which included cuts to funding for LGBTQ+ research and restrictions on access to gender-affirming care.
As Velasquez-Lopez noted, “The zeitgeist right now is just very much like, anti-queer, anti-Trans, anti-anything that’s LGBT. But at the same time, this is exactly why we are out here doing the work.” She emphasized that the lack of resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in Southeast Los Angeles makes the work of the Mi SELA Center even more crucial.
The recent attacks are not isolated incidents. Other organizations, such as Somos Familia Valle, have also experienced similar forms of harassment during times of heightened political tension. Kevin Al Perez, president of Somos Familia Valle, reported a surge in spam attacks and harassment that coincided with the 2022 presidential election.
Despite these challenges, the Mi SELA Center remains committed to its mission. Community support has been evident, with local organizations expressing solidarity. The Bell Chamber of Commerce issued a statement on social media condemning the harassment. Executive Director Adolfo Varas called the actions “an unequivocal manifestation of hate,” highlighting the center’s importance as a “vital lifeline” for young people navigating their identities.
In response to the harassment, Janice Hahn, L.A. County Supervisor for the 4th District, condemned the acts as “gross and cowardly.” She assured the community that support for Mi SELA is strong and unwavering, stating, “This is gross and cowardly. I hope that the people who depend on Mi SELA know how much they are loved and supported in this community.”
To bolster security measures at the center, Hahn’s office announced a $2,500 grant aimed at upgrading surveillance systems. This financial support addresses concerns that the perpetrators have evaded existing cameras, allowing them to carry out these acts without detection.
Velasquez-Lopez expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “It’s an unfortunate kind of event that’s been happening. But I feel like the result of it being all of our community coming together has really been heartwarming for me.” The Mi SELA Center continues to operate as a safe space for LGBT youth, remaining determined to provide essential resources and support despite the challenges they face.
