Recently, it was brought to our attention that transphobic rhetoric was posted in 2 separate opinion pieces, written by Kim Kieler, a well-known person in the Palm Springs community as the owner of Lesbians of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley Outings and Events - a newsletter that is sent out periodically for LGTBQ+ persons within Coachella Valley. These transphobic articles are both disheartening and disappointing and quite frankly, scary; especially in the current climate for our trans family.

While we support our fellow lesbian and queer community ventures, businesses, owners, and non-profits, we cannot, will not, and refuse to allow this type of anti-trans speak within our own community. We can't just ignore it. We won't just let it blow over. We must completely refute it. Kim Kieler must be taken accountable for her actions.

The articles posted opinions that claim trans people pretend to be trans to expose themselves to folks in public places, moreover, a 2nd piece was posted, adding fuel to the fire, that talked about puberty blockers in children which was spoken in a fashion that was ignorant and dangerous.

It's this same rhetoric that has led to the "gay defense" which has KILLED folx within our community and has led to additional violence on our trans family. Lastly, it's leading to actual legislation that's putting our trans family in harm's way.

We absolutely cannot have this within our community. We ask that Kim Kieler speak up, take accountability, and The L-Fund revoke her Visionary award she received last year. We believe that true visionaries should be looking to the future, not looking behind. Please sign this petition and ask with us if The L-Fund will please hold her accountable is revoke her award and Kim to speak up and make it right.