Grab your flags, because Pride month has begun, and the LGBTQ+ community is getting busy.
In Los Angeles County, every weekend is packed with events, marches and festivals where you can dance the night away and hang out with your friends. This month isn’t just about partying, though. It’s a time for celebration and learning.
This is your guide to getting the most out of Pride and community events for each weekend.
First, let’s be realistic.
If you go to Pride — such as a music festival, resource fair or march — it’s safe to say you’re going to be outside for a majority of the day. That means it’s a good idea to:
But of course, this is Pride we’re talking about. So if dressing comfortably means mesh see-through shirts or high heels, then you do you. Remember that the “Pride aesthetic” is what you make it — you don’t have to step out of your comfort zone with outfits unless you want to.
Everyone is welcome at community Pride events, including families and kids, but be sure to do your research. Pride is a time to learn about and uplift different groups within LGBTQ+ communities. Kink and sexual expressions do play a role in the personal experiences of some LGBTQ+ people, so don’t be surprised if you see that on display in a march. Figure out what you’re comfortable with and take time to understand why some risque groups, such as the leather community, are foundational in the movement.
If you aren’t part of the LGBTQ+ community, that’s perfectly fine! Many people come who want to show support for someone they love — just make sure to show respect in the space and ensure this isn’t your only moment supporting the community.
Take the time to learn about the significance of Pride and its impact on LGBTQ+ rights. The struggles faced by the community back then are still being experienced by parts of the community today. With the growing drag bans and restrictions on transgender healthcare across the U.S., now is a good time to educate yourself.
Lastly, Pride can keep you busy. Make sure to rest and check on your social battery. While there is a lot that goes on, it’s OK if you can’t make it to everything. Use it as a time to enjoy yourself, make friends and be in community.
If you’re LGBTQ+ and live in Greater L.A., you’ve probably heard a lot about L.A. Pride and WeHo Pride Weekend. These are separate events. WeHo Pride Weekend is put on by the city of West Hollywood. L.A. Pride is put on by the Christopher Street West Association, which has run the event since the first L.A. Pride in 1970, and its parade takes place in Hollywood.
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The two events get a bulk of the attention, but that also means they get the big crowds. Pride doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all shindig. There are plenty of smaller, regional Pride events that may be more in your neck of the woods. These will usually have a mix of live music, resource fairs and marches.
(Did we miss your neighborhood’s Pride event? Let us know in the box below! We’ll update this guide as more Pride events get announced.)
Venice Pride Block Party
WeHo Pride Weekend
San Gabriel Valley Pride Parade & Festival
SaMo Pride (Santa Monica Pride)
L.A. Pride
Trans Pride L.A.
Cypress Pride Picnic
Glendale Pride in the Park
Orgullo Pride Fest
San Pedro Pride
Compton Pride Festival
Eastside Pride
San Fernando Valley Pride
Orange County Pride’s “Brilliant Resilience”
Los Angeles Black Pride
While June is Pride month, there is still plenty to look forward to after. Here are three gatherings that take place in later months.
South L.A. Pride
Long Beach Pride
Trans Pride Long Beach
