Yolanda Whittington, LCSW

Yolanda Whittington, LCSW is a trailblazing advocate, mental health leader, and social justice activist who has dedicated her career to advancing equity and empowerment for Black LGBTQ+ communities. Originally from New York City and now a proud Angeleno, she has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy since the mid-1980s, when the AIDS epidemic devastated communities of color.

Her activism began with the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, where she worked tirelessly to combat homophobia within the Black community—particularly within faith-based institutions—and to cultivate safe spaces for Black queer individuals to develop advocacy skills. During the height of the AIDS crisis, Yolanda served on the board of the AIDS Prevention Team, now the Black AIDS Institute, under the leadership of nationally renowned activist Phil Wilson. She also dedicated her time as a volunteer with Unity Fellowship Church, the first openly Black queer church, founded by the late Bishop Carl Bean. Additionally, she provided compassionate end-of-life support through the Minority AIDS Project, ensuring dignity and care for those living with and dying from AIDS.

Committed to fostering community and cultural pride, Yolanda co-founded United Lesbians of African Heritage (ULOAH) and Black Lesbians United (BLU), organizations dedicated to creating affirming spaces where Black lesbians can embrace their identity, heal from communal trauma, and celebrate their artistic and spiritual legacies. BLU remains the largest Black lesbian community organization in California, a testament to her enduring impact. Today, in her role with BLU, Yolanda is spearheading aging initiatives designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by older LGBTQ+ adults in marginalized communities. 

During her tenure as a Mental Health Clinical District Chief with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), Yolanda was a driving force behind integrating LGBTQ+ culturally affirming care into public mental health services. She championed funding initiatives for LGBTQ+ service providers, influenced the development of inclusive policies, and served as a subject matter expert on numerous County task forces and committees. Her advocacy extended beyond service provision—she was a staunch proponent of recruiting and promoting LGBTQ+ professionals within DMH and its contracted provider network. After a distinguished career in public service, she retired from the County in 2017.

Currently, Yolanda Whittington serves as the Chief Executive Officer of SISTAHFRIENDS, a trusted women’s counseling and eldercare agency in South Los Angeles. Under her leadership, the organization facilitates the psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of women and girls, empowering them with the tools to navigate the unique challenges of being BIPOC in America.

With a lifelong commitment to justice, advocacy, and community-building, Yolanda Whittington continues to uplift and inspire through her unwavering dedication to Black LGBTQ+ empowerment and mental health equity.

Yolanda is an at-large commissioner, recommended by the LGBTQ+ Commission and appointed by the Board of Supervisors in March, 2025.