Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang (above left) has appointed H. Eric Schockman, Ph.D., a prominent LGBTQ+ community leader, educator, and author, to the newly established Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission.
Schockman is a professor of politics and international relations at Woodbury University and a former associate dean and associate adjunct professor at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California. He was the president and founder of the Global Hunger Foundation, which focuses on sustainable development and organic farming projects to alleviate poverty among women in developing countries. Schockman has also led an international anti-hunger organization, directing around $60 million in grants over more than ten years.
Prang expressed confidence in Schockman’s appointment, citing his extensive experience in leadership and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Schockman has been involved in significant legislative achievements, including his role in passing AB 1, the first LGBTQ+ civil rights bill in California. He has authored several books and articles on leadership and politics and has been a frequent panelist on these topics. He holds a Ph.D. in political science and international relations from the University of California.
The commission was initiated by Supervisors Hilda L. Solis and Janice Hahn in June and consists of 15 members. It will advise on policy and budget priorities for the LGBTQ+ community, which faces significant challenges, as highlighted by the LA County Commission on Human Relations’ 2021 Hate Crime Report. This report noted that 89% of hate crimes against gay men and 93% of anti-transgender crimes were violent, marking a high rate of violence against these groups.
The Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Commission is expected to convene for its first meeting soon.
Gosh I miss Jeffrey Prang in West Hollywood city government. His thoroughness with issues and thoughtful appointments were a far cry from the grifters and glad-handers coming out of city hall these days.
The appointment of Eric Shockman, who has a long history of commitment and dedication to the LGBTQ community, is an excellent appointment and should bring balance and perspective to the Board.