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L. A. pizzeria that hosts monthly 'Trans Pizza Party' burns down in wildfires

Altadena fire pizza of venice trans pizza party
Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images; footage still via instagram @davidaburkart for @pizzaofvenice

(1) A view of burnt down auditorium of the Eliot Arts Magnet academy and supermarkets in Altadena, Los Angeles, California, United States on January 12, 2025. The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles has risen to 24 as firefighting crews battle relentless flames fueled by dry winds and record-high temperatures.

(2) Trans Pizza party at Pizza of Venice.

Pizza of Venice in Altadena announced over the weekend that it was "one of the many homes and businesses that burned" in the L.A. wildfires.

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The local restaurant behind monthly "trans pizza parties"has burned down as multiple wildfires continue to spread in the Los Angeles area.

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Pizza of Venice in Altadena, California announced on Instagram over the weekend that it was "one of the many homes and businesses that burned" in the fires, which have so far claimed 24 lives, burned over 40,000 acres, and forced more than 150,000 people to evacuate, according to the latest updates via The Los Angeles Times.

When the unimaginable strikes

"What seemed unimaginable just a few days ago has now occurred, leaving our community devastated and displaced," owners Sean St. John and Jamie Woolnder wrote. "Walking up to the restaurant last night and seeing what remained left us utterly speechless. The devastation is overwhelming, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster. We are deeply grateful to report that the entire Pizza of Venice team is safe and healthy, but tragically, multiple team members have lost their homes."

Related: Where your donations to L.A. fire victims will do the most good

The restaurant was known among LGBTQ+ people for hosting a Trans Pizza Party each month, during which members of the community could come meet others in an environment free of hate. The organizers of the event announced in October that they would be taking a hiatus from hosting due to life events.

Related: Evacuating from the Los Angeles fires? Here are some resources to help

While Pizza of Venice said that "we don’t yet know what the future holds," they "encourage everyone to focus on supporting the community" and those impacted by the fires.

From humble beginnings

"During our nearly 12 years in Altadena, we’ve been privileged to witness this neighborhood grow and thrive," the owners wrote. "From our beginnings as a farmers market booth to opening a small restaurant with just two tables, to expanding into our current space with beer and wine service, this community has always been the cornerstone of our success. We hope to grow together again in the future, but for now, our primary focus is the health and safety of everyone affected.

"In the meantime, we ask everyone to be kind, patient, and understanding," the continued. "Take care of one another, stay safe, and support those who need it most. Together, we will rise from this tragedy."

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Ryan Adamczeski

Ryan is a reporter at The Advocate, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She first became a published author at the age of 15 with her YA novel "Someone Else's Stars," and is now a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics, and the IRE, the society of Investigative Reporters and Editors. Her first cover story, "Meet the young transgender teens changing America and the world," has been nominated for Outstanding Print Article at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards. In her free time, Ryan likes watching the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild, listening to the Beach Boys, and practicing witchcraft.
Ryan is a reporter at The Advocate, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She first became a published author at the age of 15 with her YA novel "Someone Else's Stars," and is now a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics, and the IRE, the society of Investigative Reporters and Editors. Her first cover story, "Meet the young transgender teens changing America and the world," has been nominated for Outstanding Print Article at the 36th GLAAD Media Awards. In her free time, Ryan likes watching the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild, listening to the Beach Boys, and practicing witchcraft.
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