“Don’t Leave Me This Way” began its life on Thelma Houston’s third
album Any Way You Like It back in 1976, hitting both the Billboard and Club Play Singles charts in 1977 and winning her the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammys that same year. A former Long Beach resident, having grown up there with her three sisters, Houston has an affinity for the area and is thrilled to be chosen as Grand Marshal for the weekend’s festivities. “I am thrilled to return to Long Beach and to be a part of one of the world’s largest gay parades,” said Thelma Houston. “We have been supporting each other for so long that I consider the LGBT community my family and I love that fact that I can continue to give back.” We’re thrilled to have her back as well and doubly so, because she’s taken a minute out of her busy schedule to chat with The Rage Monthly.
What have your LGBT fans meant to you over the years? My LGBT fans have been the most loyal to me and I feel after the ‘70s,‘80s into the ‘90s, 2000s and today, the LGBT community has kept me working nonstop, regardless of me having a hit record or not. My popularity with them was never based on hit records. Why do you think there is such a special connection? I support them because they support me! I believe in all the issues and strongly support LGBT rights such as marriage, anti-bullying, adoption, Stonewall and fighting the AIDS epidemic. Please tell me about how “Don’t Leave Me This Way” came to you and why you think it became such an anthem to the LGBT com- munity? Well the song came to me by way of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes,
who originally recorded it. Also Suzanne daPasse at my label Motown Records who thought the song would make a great one for me, because it was designed to be a disco hit. Motown asked me to add my energy and vocal to it and thankfully, people felt the emotion of the song when I sang it. It really came along at a time when the DJs played songs that were very popular in movies and “Don’t Leave Me This Way” was highly featured in the huge hit, Looking for Mr. Goodbar. What propelled you to become involved in the HIV/AIDS fight? It was because, back in the day when AIDS did not even have a name
and my friends were dying, I started going to so many funerals. A lot of us banded together to help our sick friends with the basic necessities, just to keep them going. We just did what needed to be done to help out our friends and this was way before any AIDS organizations were around. What’s your favorite part about performing at an LGBT event? Because everybody knows the lyrics to my songs and I know they
are gonna dance! Also, the energy is always amazing and I always love performing “Don’t Leave Me This Way.”
Thelma has decided that the timing was right to launch her brand new show called: Thelma Houston: Motown, Memories & Me! The show features non-stop classic Motown songs we all know and love, along with tributes to her gospel roots and the legendary Jimmy Webb, who wrote and produced Thelma’s debut album Sunshower.
For more information on the show, on the legendary Thelma Houston who is celebrating 47 years in music, as well as her many other concert performances, visit her facebook page or go to
thelmahouston.com.
FIESTA CALIENTE STAGE Headliner Elvis Crespo — 8:30 to 9:15 p.m. DJs: Lady Phizz, DJ Eksel, DJ Rubin Danza Azteca Grupo Cuahtle— 1 to 1:30 p.m. Barby Comedia—2 to 2:30 Paquita— 3:15 to 3:30 p.m. Amy Y Su Sonora— 4:15 to 5 p.m. Ana Carla Sinclair—5:45 to 6:15 p.m. Show Celia Cruz—7:30 to 7: 45 p.m.
URBAN SOUL STAGE DJs: DeeJay Spinn, Ronnie D Ron, Lady Cultura, DeeJay Key Key, Kalypxo & Hym, Dee Jay Boom, Micah Tron and Dee Jay Ghen.
MAIN STAGE SUNDAY HOST EMCEE: ADAM BARTA Headliner: Tyler Glenn and Neon Trees—9 to 9:45 p.m. DJ Mike Bryant— 12 to 4:30 p.m. Cheer L.A.—3 to 3:30 p.m. Trans Chorus L.A. — 4 to 4:30p.m. New Season— 5 to 5:30 p.m. Ricky Rebel—6 to 6:30 p.m. Alexx Mack—7 to 7:30 p.m. Corday—8 to 8:30 p.m.
OTHER LONG BEACH PRIDE FUN & FESTIVITIES:
MR, MISS & MS LONG PRIDE GAY PRIDE INDUCTION Find out which contestants take the crowns at the Long Beach Imperial Court’s annual Long Beach Pride kickoff celebration and fundraiser held on Saturday, May 14 at Hamburger Mary’s. Festivities start at 4 p.m. and also include special guest entertainment and raffles.
longbeachimperialcourt.org
THE PINK PARTY* On Friday, May 20 the Pink Party will take over WE Labs at the Packard for an indoor/outdoor event experience featuring live music from Jesse Montana, James Kennedy, LaLa, Faith (all from Vanderpump Rules), Marie Parie, DJ Les Ortiz and more. The event will also feature themed food truck offerings, an eyelash extension station, body painting, pink cotton candy, pink cake pops and more. Pink Party ticket holders will receive free admission to Hamburger Mary’s where the party will continue until close. Pink Party is an annual celebration and fundraiser for The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, supporting its various community programs.
centerlb.org/pinkparty
PLAY AT MAYA Make a splash during Long Beach Pride at LGB2Net- work’s Play@ Maya.6 Pride Weekend Pool Party on Saturday, May 21. Soak up some sun and enjoy one of Long Beach’s best views from the beautiful waterfront pool at Hotel Maya. Featured entertainment by superstar DJs, Ryan Kenney, George Figares and Tony Mazza as well as a performance by house music diva Pepper MaShay.
facebook.com/lgb2network
MENALIVE PRESENTS: WE ARE FAMILY Enjoy a command performance of the Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus inspirational spring concert, We Are Family, at this special Long Beach Pride event being pre- sented by First Congregational Church of Long Beach on Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. First Congregational, located at 241 Cedar Avenue, is an Open and Affirming Church, welcoming into its membership, employment and leadership, persons of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender orientation.
firstchurchlb.org
OVERBOARD All aboard the majestic Queen Mary on Saturday, May 21 for one of Long Beach Pride weekend’s hottest dance parties. Featuring Andrew Christian models, favorite groove-producer DJ Drew G, Househead DJ Shane Stiel, and Las Vegas based DJ
Pornstar...This is one party that’s definitely going to be on the radar. Midnight fashion show and giveaways by Andrew Christian underwear.
overboardlbc.com
PRIDE RUN The annual Pre-Pride Parade run hosted by the
Shoreline Frontrunners of Long Beach returns Sunday, May 22. The 5K run/walk and 10K run kicks off a full day of Pride fun and festivities at 8 a.m. at Junipero and Ocean Boulevards. Pre-race Registration ends May 20 at midnight.
shorelinefrontrunners.org
(*Rage Monthly sponsored event)
MAY 2016
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