The City of West Hollywood is pleased to co-sponsor Tamale Wars, the 23rd annual free holiday dinner for youth who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk. Tamale Wars is presented by the C.I.T.Y. x1 Youth Group and will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Great Hall/Long Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

Tamale Wars is a longstanding community tradition that provides a welcoming, festive, and supportive holiday celebration for LGBTQ+ youth — particularly those facing homelessness, housing instability, or other challenges. The evening features a free tamale dinner, uplifting entertainment, community resources hosted by local organizations, and an opportunity for youth to be recognized for their resilience and leadership.

The event will also include special appearances by members of the 501st Legion as Star Wars characters; a live Santa Claus visit to greet attendees; and holiday carols performed by the Founders Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles. Advance registration is encouraged for this free event by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-tamale-wars-tickets-1964549096231.  

Community Intervention Through Youth (C.I.T.Y.) x1 Youth Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to hosting free social events for at-risk and homeless LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 14-24. C.I.T.Y. x1 is committed to connecting LGBTQ+ homeless youth to life-changing social services including, GED and job training, transitional housing assistance, medical care and health services, support groups, and food assistance. Since its formation in 2005, C.I.T.Y. x1 has served more than 7,500 youth through its collaborative partnerships with local service providers, nonprofit organizations, and local municipalities such as the City of West Hollywood.

In 2009, the City of West Hollywood began partnering with C.I.T.Y. x1 to provide financial support for its community events and dinners. Over the years, members of the City’s LGBTQ+ Commission have supported and volunteered at these holiday events, which have often consisted of food and meal distribution.

For more than 15 years, C.I.T.Y x1 has remained steadfast in its mission to provide safe spaces where youth can access much-needed services and interact with their community and allies. All C.I.T.Y x1 events are alcohol and tobacco-free and are intended to serve as an alternative to the club scene. The organizers anticipate that several LGBTQ+ youth from West Hollywood will attend and benefit from these events, as they have in previous years. Since 2019, between 300 and 500 meals have been served each year.

For more information about the Tamale Wars 23rd annual free holiday dinner for youth, please contact Jennifer Del Toro, City of West Hollywood Community and Legislative Affairs Supervisor, at jdeltoro@weho.org or at (323) 848-6549. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

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For reporters and members of the media seeking additional information about the City of West Hollywood, please contact the City of West Hollywood’s Public Information Officer, Sheri A. Lunn, at (323) 848-6391 or slunn@weho.org.