Hollywood Town Shells out Universal Basic Income — but You Have to Say You're LGBTQIA

“Universal Basic Income” has gotten quite the prominent press over the past few years. Yet, full communism eludes us.

Still, some are giving it a shot:

According to The Sun, just over 20 American cities are dabbling in the idea, and West Hollywood now joins them.

As reported by WeHo.com, the town is launching a guaranteed income pilot program:

The city will give $1,000 each month from April 2022 through September 2023 — a total of $17,000 over 17 months — to 25 randomly selected residents who sign up for the program. …

Mayor Lauren Meister and former mayor/current Councilmember Lindsey Horvath have been involved with the Mayors for Guaranteed Income coalition, a network of mayors around the country running guaranteed income test pilots.

Upon entering the maverick mayoral group last year, then-Mayor Lindsey enthused over equity:

We are thrilled to join Mayors for a Guaranteed Income to creatively and compassionately address the significant challenges of economic inequity and instability. Taking care of our most vulnerable has always been a priority for the City of West Hollywood, and during this time of heightened health economic impacts, we want to ensure we identify and access every resource possible to support our community members. We look forward to further delving into this important work with MGI and its expert partners and thought leaders.

As for the ins and outs of funding, WeHo’s partnering with the nonprofit National Council of Jewish Women/LA.

It’s an amazing opportunity, but if you’re just now chomping at the bit, here’s a tough pill to swallow: The application period closed March 6th.

Even so, provided everything goes well, surely we’ll see a second round.

‘Til then, get your qualifications in order. There are only four requirements to score your monthly nut.

Recipients must:

• Reside in West Hollywood
• Be at least 50 years old
• Have an annual income of no more than $41,000
• Identify as LGBTQIA

So if you’re straight, you’re on the wrong side of the rainbow for that portly pot of gold. But if you’re craving free cash, are old, broke, live in WeHo and are gay…you’re straight.

Much has been made of social encouragement to join the inclusive alphabet. Might such a chance for unearned funds contribute? “No” doesn’t seem the obvious answer.

But faking it doesn’t have to be hard. After all, the letters stand for the following:

• L = Lesbian
• G = Gay
• B = Bisexual
• T = Transgender
• Q = Queer
• A = Asexual

If I properly understand, no one can say what a “woman” or “man” necessarily is. Therefore, without altering anything, a cisgender citizen can easily transform into “trans.” As for “asexual,” one may simply claim nothing turns them on. The “I” regards a birth anomaly, but I can’t imagine the city asking applicants for proof.

If the identity hurdle is so low as it appears, placing it is an interesting move. But what’s more interesting: getting $1,000 free every four weeks.

For now and in the future, good luck to all you West Hollywood RedState readers.

Hollywood Town Shells out Universal Basic Income — but You Have to Say You're LGBTQIA – RedState