The Pride L.A. asks Long Beach Pride guests why the event is important to them.
By Jorge Paniagua
Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride, which took place last week, is an event meant to uphold LGBTQ+ pride while providing a welcoming place for all community members. This year, the Pride L.A. asked Long Beach Pride guests what the event means to them. Check it out:
Carlos Samaniego,Director of Mariachi Arcoiris
Carlos Samaniego, Director of Mariachi Arcoiris
“Pride, in general, regardless of the city, for me it means that there’s a need for a movement. The movement has been in existence for the last few decades and we need to continue doing it because we still don’t have equal rights for our people. So, that’s the whole point of pride — it’s not just because we want to throw a big party. There’s a social and political meaning behind it. I get so upset when straight say, “Oh, why isn’t there a straight pride?” It’s like, well, your rights are not being infringed, ours are.”
Nathaniel Murray, Audio Engineer/Singer
“I believe any Pride [event] is important because it creates a safe place. A lot of people, who I’ve met during this Pride, it’s their first Pride. They finally were brave enough to come. It’s a necessary space for people to come and feel safe, feel welcomed and feel that they can finally express themselves.”
Cariel Young,Stay-at-home fiancé
“I think that Pride is so important because it gives us an entire day to showcase different families, different people, everyone and why it’s so important to continue fighting for, not only the rights that we’re barely hanging onto, but the ones that we have yet to get.”
George Jimenez,Sales Manager
“I love being here only because it’s very welcoming. So, it’s a good feeling to have everybody — it doesn’t matter if your straight, gay, whatever sexual orientation. This is more of an invitation to be a part of a group that accepts everybody.”
Asha Densmore,Full-time student
“For me, it just means that I’m able to walk around and be myself and be who I am — no one’s judging.”
