long beach pride
by joel martens
Solidarity Through Pride
and Parade took place in June of 1984. Long Beach was known to have a large LGBT population, so the idea was as is the case for most Pride celebrations, to unite the community, foster communication and understanding, as well as creating a sense of solidarity and strength. Over the past several years, Long Beach’s festival and parade has grown to
become the third largest in the nation, attracting over 80,000 participants during the two-day celebration. More than 200 marching groups and floats comprise the parade entries representing various religious, human service, governmental and social organizations. Furthering the concepts of visibility, cooperation, mutual respect and understanding within the LGBT community and Long Beach as a whole. Each year in celebration of diversity and solidarity, members are chosen
Established in 1983, the first Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival,
as representative collaborators and supporters of the community. This year is no exception with the Parade Grand Marshal mantle being awarded to Grammy Award-winning singer, Thelma Houston and Special Recogni- tion Grand Marshal to actor and advocate Wendell James. Known for her Grammy winning hit, “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” Houston is a long time friend to the LGBT community. “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,” said Houston. As a part of their ongoing theme for 2016, Pride Through Solidarity, Long
Beach Pride has taken the initiative to recognize organizations, instead of individuals, who serve the LGBTQ community and bring forth the solidarity that has made us such a strong force. This year’s winners include: The Mor- ris Kight Political Grand Marshal for the Human Rights Campaign, the Marilyn Barlow Community Grand Marshal to The International Impe- rial Court of Long Beach, the winner of the Bob Crow Community Grand Marshal is The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, the Judith Doyle Community Grand Marshal goes to Bienestar Long Beach, the Whitey Littlefield Com- munity Bridge Building Award to Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbi- ans and Gays (PFLAG) and the mayor’s selection for the Dr. Robert Garcia Youth Grand Marshal Award, goes to activist, Ravanna Cantrall. The annual Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, May 22. Start time is at 10:30 a.m., running along scenic Ocean Bou- levard, beginning at Lindero Avenue. In a special tribute to how far we have come as a community, Long Beach Pride is celebrating love for 2016 by hav- ing a Mass Wedding Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. just before the parade begins. But, make sure you obtain your marriage license beforehand! For the “how to” steps, click the wedding ceremony tab at
longbeachpride.org. For general information about the parade, festival and other “official pride events,” call 562.987.9191 or go to
longbeachpride.com.
HOUSTON SHE NEVER LEFT US
THELMA
PRIDE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Saturday, May 21 16 RAGE monthly | MAY 2016 | MAY 2016
MAIN STAGE HOSTED BY DELTA WORK: Headliner— TBA DJ Tish— 2 to 10 p.m. Santos de Los Angeles— 4 to 4:30 p.m. Sexual DeViants—5 to 5:30 p.m. Ido Politi—6 to 6:30 p.m. Kevin Dekimpe— 7 to 7:30 p.m. Wasi—8 to 8:30 p.m.
COUNTRY STAGE DJ Michael Moves—11a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kickers Cloggers—2 to 2:30 p.m. DJ Rosa— 4:30 to 10 p.m.
DANCE STAGE DJS Jack Pharoah Femme A D. Painter VanillaChilla Goodboy Footy MizzJo Dacapo
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