The Los Angeles LGBT Center is set to host the second annual Golden Hour: A Queer AANHPI Night Market on Saturday, May 17, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, located at 1125 N. McCadden Place in Hollywood. The event, presented by Gilead Sciences and organized in partnership with Mayumi Market, celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by spotlighting queer AANHPI artists, performers, and local businesses.
This year’s Golden Hour will honor Lara Raj, a trailblazing member of the global girl group KATSEYE and a rising queer icon. Raj, who is of Indian descent and hails from New York City, has garnered international attention for her bold artistry and unapologetic authenticity. As a member of KATSEYE, Raj is part of a diverse group of young women from various cultural backgrounds, including Daniela (Cuban/Venezuelan-American), Manon (Ghanaian-Italian), Megan (Chinese-American), Sophia (Filipino), and Yoonchae (Korean). The group has been recognized by VEVO DSCVR and TIDAL as artists to watch in 2025.
In a statement, Raj expressed her gratitude for the recognition: “I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the Los Angeles LGBT Center. As a queer South Asian-American artist, being part of Golden Hour feels like a vibrant celebration of who we are: bold, brilliant, unapologetically cool, and beautifully multifaceted. This night isn’t just about being seen—it’s about joy, pride, and fully claiming our space. I’m incredibly proud to stand in the light with a community that continues to shine, even when the world tries to dim us. Brown girls to the front, forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Golden Hour transforms The Village at Ed Gould Plaza into a vibrant, open-air night market curated by and for queer AANHPI communities. Attendees can expect a variety of activities and attractions, including:
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Queer AANHPI Food and Retail Vendors: A diverse array of food stalls and retail booths showcasing AANHPI-owned businesses and artisans.
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Traditional Tea Ceremony and Tasting Experience: An immersive cultural experience offering traditional tea ceremonies and tastings.
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Karaoke Lounge and Mahjong Tutorials: Interactive spaces for karaoke enthusiasts and those interested in learning the game of mahjong.
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Nostalgic Glamour-Style Photo Booth: A themed photo booth for capturing memories in a vintage glamour setting.
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Live Performances: Additional performances and entertainment will be announced in the coming weeks.
The event is open to all ages, and admission is free with RSVP. The first 100 guests to check in will receive a complimentary food voucher. To RSVP and for more information, visit lalgbtcenter.org/GoldenHour.
Golden Hour is made possible by the generous support of Gilead Sciences, Casamigos (the Official Tequila), and Supporting Sponsor P/S. For press credentials, please contact [email protected].
The Los Angeles LGBT Center continues to be a leading force in advocating for and celebrating the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community. Through events like Golden Hour, the Center fosters a sense of belonging and pride among queer AANHPI individuals and allies alike.
For more information about the Los Angeles LGBT Center and its programs, visit lalgbtcenter.org.
Event Details:
What: Golden Hour: A Queer AANHPI Night Market
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Admission: Free with RSVP; first 100 guests receive a complimentary food voucher
RSVP: lalgbtcenter.org/GoldenHour
