Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) has selected Kathy Griffin, comedian and civil rights advocate, as the 50th Assembly District’s 2019 “Woman of the Year.” Griffin will receive the award during a formal ceremony on the Assembly Floor on March 4, 2019 where she, along with other women from across California, will be recognized by their state senators and assemblymembers for their accomplishments and contributions to the State.
“Throughout her career, Kathy Griffin has used her voice and her comedic talent to speak on behalf of those who might not be able to stand up for themselves,” said Assemblymember Bloom.
The Woman of the Year event was founded in 1987 by Assemblymember Bev Hansen (R) and Assemblymember Sally Turner (D) in response to the California Legislature’s lack of events for the month of March, Women’s History Month. The now-annual event, sponsored by the Women’s Caucus, allows each state senator and assemblymember to invite one woman from their district to the Capitol to be honored for their accomplishments.
Griffin, a two-time Emmy and Grammy award-winning actor-comedian, writer, and producer has been an outspoken advocate for the underrepresented and a fierce ally of the LGBTQ community. She has helped raise more than $5 million for HIV/AIDS services and LGBTQ causes and has performed for active military servicemen and women serving in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Uzbekistan. Ms. Griffin is a fervent champion for First Amendment rights and a host of causes for which she has dedicated considerable energy and time.
Griffin’s passionate advocacy for women, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and other disenfranchised groups have earned her several awards and honors which include: The Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality, GLAAD's Vanguard award, Equality California’s Equality Award, Trevor Project’s The Trevor Life Award, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's Leadership in Entertainment honor, the City of West Hollywood’s Rainbow Key Lifetime Achievement Award, the Harvard College Distinguished Service Partner Award, Veterans Tickets Foundation Distinguished Donor Award, the Lambda Legal Liberty Award, a two-time Ladies’ Home Journal “Funny Ladies We Love” Award, and a Gracie Award for Outstanding Female Lead.
“Kathy Griffin is a study in grit and persistence punctuated by laughter. Pushing beyond threats to her career and personal safety, she has refused to back down from defending her values, preferring to share her experiences with her audiences and fans, always with a razor sharp wit,” said Bloom.
Richard Bloom Chair’s the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Resources and Transportation and represents California’s 50th Assembly District, which comprises the communities of Agoura Hills, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Topanga, West Hollywood, and West Los Angeles.
Submitted by Andrew Aldama, Legislative Assistant
