As the wildfires rage, a left-wing magazine is hailing Kristin Crowley, Los Angeles’s first LGBTQ+ fire chief, as proof that “lesbians get it done,” sparking backlash over priorities during the city’s historic disaster.
As the Palisades fire engulfs Los Angeles’ wealthy Pacific Coast neighborhoods, reducing more than 1,000 homes to rubble, the left-leaning PRIDE magazine’s celebratory portrayal of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has ignited outrage.
Amid Palisades fire, Los Angeles' first LGBTQ+ fire chief is proving lesbians get it done
— PRIDE.COM (@pride_site) January 8, 2025
Firefighters are currently trying to stop the Pacific Palisades area fire, led by lesbian Fire Chief Kristen Crowley. https://t.co/np0hxwHmi1
The article, published Wednesday, lauds Crowley’s historic role as the city’s first openly LGBTQ+ fire chief, declaring her leadership an example of how “lesbians get it done.”
The piece highlights stereotypes about lesbians being prepared for emergencies, citing Crowley’s extensive experience in the fire department.
The article ties Crowley’s personal identity to her professional success, saying:
The stereotype of lesbians always being prepared for an emergency — everyone knows a queer woman who doesn’t leave the house without a Leatherman multitool and carabiners — holds true for Los Angeles’ first openly LGBTQ+ Fire Chief Kristin Crowley who is overseeing the firefighters trying to stop the Palisades fire.
It goes on to emphasize her decades-long career, culminating in her 2022 appointment.
However, critics argue that such praise during a catastrophic firestorm is poorly timed and prioritizes identity politics over pressing issues, with some accusing the publication of politicizing the disaster to push a diversity narrative.
The magazine has also been called out for overshadowing operational concerns. Reports of dry fire hydrants and resource shortages in affected areas have only fueled skepticism about whether the city’s leadership is effectively addressing the crisis.
The LA Fire Department's strategic plan made "DEI" and a "progressive work environment" two of their top three priorities—regarding them as more important than "technological innovations" and "disaster recovery capabilities," which it ranked last. pic.twitter.com/6b6SdPUePC
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) January 9, 2025
“Clearly this wild fire is homophobic,” quipped Virginia Republican Nick Freitas.
Clearly this wild fire is homophobic. pic.twitter.com/Ag6jCjRC3q
— Nick Freitas (@NickJFreitas) January 9, 2025
“This cannot be real. Is it???” asked author Juanita Broaddrick.
This👇🏻👇🏻 cannot be real. Is it??? pic.twitter.com/mzRT4OgKth
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) January 9, 2025
“Nah, this can’t be real. It just can’t be,” wrote popular blogger “Bonchie.”
Nah, this can't be real. It just can't be. pic.twitter.com/cszFLojWcQ
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) January 9, 2025
“You can’t make this up,” wrote conservative influencer Rogan O’Handley.
LA’s fire hydrants don’t have running water
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) January 9, 2025
There aren’t enough firemen b/c Dems fired 100+ for not taking the Covid vax
1,000+ homes burned
Entire neighborhoods wiped out
LA Media: “LGBT Fire Chief is proving lesbians get it done”
You can’t make this up https://t.co/9IOn7FXrQ8 pic.twitter.com/Rs0sp2VWb6
On Wednesday, Actor James Woods mocked Crowley’s bio on the Los Angeles Fire Department website, which highlights her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, suggesting that firefighting priorities have been sidelined in favor of social messaging.
“Refilling the water reservoirs would have been a welcome priority, too, but I guess she had too much on her plate promoting diversity,” he wrote.
Priorities stated in her bio below.
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 8, 2025
Refilling the water reservoirs would have been a welcome priority, too, but I guess she had too much on her plate promoting diversity. pic.twitter.com/7GXgBR3RO2
The matter comes as the left’s identity-centered narratives increasingly spark debates over priorities and effectiveness in times of crisis.
Joshua Klein is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at