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HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles LGBTQ Center geared up for it veterans resource fair called "Stand Down" on Saturday in Hollywood. It offers veterans over the age of 50 the opportunity to learn about housing assistance, mental health programs, and medical benefits. Walgreens is also offering vets free flu shots. Yelba Carrillo is the LGBTQ Center's Manager of Social Services. She said the "Stand Down" events held twice a year began with just 20 participants in 2011. This year they are expecting 300 people to take part. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will be among them. Carrillo said learning about military benefits is especially important to LGBTQ veterans because many of them were forced out of service. "When you put the veteran community and the LGBTQ community together you see double the complexities and double the need," she said. "All veterans are welcome," Bill Duckworth, a former Marine and "Stand

A theme of the 49th Anniversary  Gala Vanguard Awards  seemed to be: When the government fails the LGBT community, activists and centers like the Los Angeles LGBT Center will prevail. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos hosted the event at the Beverly Hilton, which included an auction to raise money for the world’s largest LGBT organization. The night honored writer, producer, and director  Greg Berlanti , former professional soccer player  Robbie Rogers , philanthropist Ariadne Getty, and legendary singer and actor  Ricky Martin  for their work supporting LGBT communities. During their joint speech, Berlanti and Rogers, who are married, acknowledged the activism by the center and others that has allowed their personal and professional lives to flourish. Berlanti set a record this year with 14 series on air — including CW hits like “Arrow” and “Supergirl” — while Rogers was the first openly gay athlete to play on a championship team in a major league sport. The two welcomed a s