Largest Pride celebration in the nation is two months away
By Susan Payne
West Hollywood, home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the nation, is presenting its inaugural WeHo Pride, kicking off Pride month festivities across the nation.
From May 22 to June 30, the WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival (formerly known as the One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival) runs at various locations throughout West Hollywood starting on Harvey Milk Day for 40 days, according to The Los Angeles Blade.
In and around West Hollywood is WeHo Pride weekend from June 3 to June 5 including WeHo Pride Street Fair. Upholding visibility, expression and celebration, Pride weekend represents a diverse array of LGBTQ+ community groups.
That same weekend, OUTLOUD Raising Voices Music Festival will profile and celebrate Queer artistry, and the WeHo Pride Parade will kick off at noon on June 5 down Santa Monica Boulevard from Crescent Heights Boulevard into the heart of the Rainbow District, the Blade reported.
Coming quickly are application deadlines for community groups to participate in WeHo Pride. The following are the list of opportunities for participation:
- At the footprint of the WeHo Pride Street Fair, held in the vicinity of West Hollywood Park and N. San Vicente Boulevard, community organization and groups can apply to designate a space from June 3-5 by March 31 at 5 p.m. Alternatively, groups may request city funding for a separate event, produced entirely by the group, The Blade reported. For more information visit w.eho.city/applywehoproide.
- WeHo Pride Parade welcomes nonprofit organizations, local businesses, college and universities, community partners and national brand allies to join the celebration with floats, bands, drill and dance teams, advocacy group march contingents and other creative entries. Only 100 entries will be accepted no later than April 29 at 5 p.m. Learn more here: form.jotform.com/220595937379169
Since 1984, the City of West Hollywood has become one of the most influential cities in the national for its outspoken advocacy on LGBTQ issues. No other city of its size has had a greater impact on the national public policy discourse on fairness and inclusiveness for LGBTQ. Three of the five members of the West Hollywood City Council are openly gay.
West Hollywood is home to the Rainbow District along Santa Monica Boulevard, featuring a concentration of historic LGBTQ clubs, restaurants and retail shops. The city tops lists of “most LGBTQ friendly cities” in the nation.
For advocacy and support of the transgender community, the City has a Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board and a Transgender Advisory Board.
For more information about WeHo Pride, please contact the City of West Hollywood Events Department at eventsinfo@weho.org.
