Allyship means different things to different people—and it’s more important than ever. Join us for a conversation about what it means to be an ally today. We’ll talk about how people show up for the LGBTQ+ community, what makes allyship meaningful, and how it can help push movements forward. Our panelists will share their personal stories, challenges, and tips for being a better ally in a time when just being yourself—or supporting others—can feel risky.
Panelists include: Cecilia Cabello, Rex Wilde, and Brendon Ayanbadejo.
Moderator: Abbe Land
Participant Bios:
Cecilia Cabello serves as Chief Strategist for Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. She is a government and electoral campaign veteran who has held senior positions for numerous elected officials, including former Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former Secretary Hillary Clinton, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, and former Mayor Eric Garcetti.
A graduate of Columbia University in New York and a third generation Angeleno, Cecilia lives in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles with her husband and cat and sits on the boards of Equality California and Homeboy Industries.
Rex Wilde (they/them) is a nonbinary LGBTQ+ speaker, educator, and business consultant. Rex has provided training for over 200 companies including Spectrum/Charter, UPS, ADP, and the Getty Center. In 2021, Rex coined the initialism TGX+ (transgender and gender expansive) to advance the conversation of gender diversity and acknowledge the expanse of identities that exist across the spectrums of sex and gender and the shifts that will occur for generations to come. Rex currently sits on the TGX Initiative for the National (NGLCC) and the Los Angeles (LAGLCC) LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce. Learn more at www.rexwilde.com.
Abbe Land brings more than four decades of experience to her firm Abbe Land Consulting, having led some of the region’s most prestigious organizations. With a strong background in government and non-profit management, Abbe has helped grow organizations, provided coaching and mentorship, built dynamic boards, facilitated strategic planning, developed successful fundraising and advocacy strategies, and has been recognized for her leadership, expertise, and passion.
Abbe has led initiatives for Los Angeles County, served as Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project, a nationally recognized nonprofit providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. Was Co-CEO at the Saban Community Clinic, a preeminent community clinic in Los Angeles that provides comprehensive medical care to low-income people. In addition, she has served as an elected Councilmember of the City of West Hollywood from 1986-1997 and again from 2003-2015, including five times as the City’s Mayor.
Abbe has received numerous awards and recognitions for her leadership and active support on issues of women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, affordable housing, reproductive justice, healthcare access and civil liberties.
Abbe currently serves on the Planned Parenthood Los Angeles Board of Directors; the International Women’s Forum-Southern California Board of Directors, the L.A. County Department of Health Services’ Women’s Health Policy Council; Pride House 2028 Advisory Board and Creative Acts Advisory Board.
Brendon Ayanbadejo is a former NFL linebacker and three-time Pro Bowl special teams standout who helped secure Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens. Of Nigerian–Irish heritage, Ayanbadejo has spoken openly about how his family’s background—including the prohibition on interracial marriage before the landmark Loving v. Virginia decision—shaped his commitment to equality.
Since retiring from football in 2012, he has emerged as one of the most visible straight allies in professional sports. He publicly endorsed same-sex marriage beginning in 2009, co-filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Proposition 8 case and frequently uses his platform to advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in sports and society. He also serves as Chair of the Athlete Ally Advisory Board, supporting LGBTQ acceptance both in athletics and beyond.
Brendon holds an Executive MBA from George Washington University (2013) and transitioned into roles in media and fitness entrepreneurship, including serving as a FOX Sports analyst and owning multiple Orangetheory Fitness franchises .
This program is organized by One Institute and is co-presented with the Los Angeles LGBT Center as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2025, presented by One Institute.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a safe and welcoming place where the LGBTQ+ community finds help, hope, and support when it is needed the most.
Founded in 1952, One Institute is the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the country and the proud presenters of Circa: Queer Histories Festival. It's mission is to elevate queer and trans history and embrace emerging stories through collaborative education, arts, and cultural programs.
Each year, One Institute produces one-of-a-kind exhibitions and public programs connecting LGBTQ+ history and contemporary culture to effect social change. Through unique K-12 teacher trainings, lesson plans, and youth mentorship programs, One empowers the next generation of teachers and students bringing queer history into classrooms and communities. As the independent community partner of ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, One Institute helps promote the largest collection of LGBTQ+ materials in the world.