Celebrate LGBTQ Pride with an interactive screening of The Wizard of Oz, a fundraiser for the LGBTQ Center Long Beach.
After 15 months of no place but home, it’s time to “come out, come out, wherever you are and meet the young lady, who fell from a star.” To celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride month where typically people come together, the LGBTQ Center Long Beach will hold an interactive screening of The Wizard of Oz on Saturday, June 26 at Harvey Milk Promenade Park in downtown Long Beach. The audience will be encouraged to sing aloud to the film and use the free props like a fairy wand or flying monkey to interact with the film.
“The Wizard of Oz is one of the best examples of a chosen family in film history,” said Carlos Torres, executive director of the LGBTQ Center Long Beach. A chosen family consists of people found to fulfill the roles of support, teaching, comfort and kinship. “After 15 grueling months apart, The Center wants to bring the community together singing and interacting in a celebration of pride and identity whether you are LGBTQ or an ally.”
The Center suggests that guests pack a picnic and blankets, pillows or low chairs that have a seat that rests on the ground with a low back for viewing comfort. Tall chairs are not allowed. A small tarp underneath your blanket is recommended. Restrooms are available on site. City Place – Lot C garage is adjacent to the park with entrances on 3rd and 4th Streets and offers two hours free parking. Harvey Milk Promenade Park is at 185 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Restaurants near the park such as Michael’s Downtown and Beachwood BBQ and Brewing offer handy to-go menus for film-goers.
COVID-19 restrictions are scheduled to be lifted in mid-June; however, the event will follow all health regulations recommended by the city of Long Beach.
Throughout the pandemic, many of The Center’s fundraisers were cancelled or diminished. Although this event is free to the public, a QR code will allow guests to make a donation to The Center, which is highly encouraged.
A limited number of tickets are available. To make reservations visit http://bit.ly/LGBTQCenterLBWizardofOz.
