By: Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/10/2024 – Just more than a week ago, West Hollywood opened the door to Pride Month with three days of music and celebration that everyone has come to recognize as WeHo Pride.
This past weekend, Los Angeles at large stormed through that door, bringing Pride Month into full bloom in the Southland with L.A. Pride.
Among those leading that charge was L.A. County Third District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, the youngest-ever Chairperson of the Board, its first millennial, and currently the only renter to serve on the all-women Board.
Before being elected to the Board, Horvath was a City Councilmember and the longest consecutively serving Mayor for the City of West Hollywood. She has seen her share of Pride celebrations and spoke about the importance of June’s month-long focus on the LGBTQ+ community. “Pride Month reminds us that, while we have made much progress, there is even more work to do to lift up our LGBTQ+ community, especially our TGI family who are under attack nationwide and face threats of violence on a daily basis,” “I am proud to be celebrating all month long with our LA County communities, as well as welcoming our inaugural meeting of the County’s first ever LGBTQ+ Commission, which will inform our policy decisions and promote greater visibility and inclusion.” Horvath said.
“LA supports Pride because L.A. supports the LGBTQIA+ community,” Mayor Bass said during the parade.
A trio of high-profile grand marshals graced the Pride Parade. Actor and gay activist George Takei of “Star Trek” fame, was the parade’s Icon Grand Marshal.
“As someone who has witnessed the struggles and triumphs of our community over the years, I am filled with gratitude for the progress we have made and inspired to continue the fight for full acceptance and equality for all,” Takei said through his publicist.
American-born Mexican professional wrestler – who performs under the name Cassandro, El Exótico – was the parade’s Legacy Grand Marshal, and L.A. Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley was Community Grand Marshal. According to parade organizers, Crowley is the first woman and first openly gay person ever to hold LAFD’s highest position.
Hollywood Boulevard, which was the parade route’s primary avenue, was an ocean of rainbow colors as the crowd that turned out the 54th annual event was bedecked in multicolored outfits, carrying flags and signs to celebrate. And turn out they did … in droves!
The crowd, estimated in numbers to be as many as 150,000 people, were treated to a record 165 entries as they celebrated weekend’s theme “Power in Pride,” which organizers said recognizes the achievements and representation gained by the LGBTQ+ community.
The day’s activities continued post-parade with a Block Party that rocked the house! The Pride Parade and Block Party was produced under a partnership forged between nonprofits Christopher Street West, producer of the events, and The Hollywood Partnership, which manages the public realm within the Hollywood Entertainment District.
LGBTQ-friendly vendors included groups like Bienestar, the Stonewall Democratic Club and others providing community resources during the Block Party, which saw record attendance as well.
