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Your big gay traffic jam guide for Pride and #ResistMarch

You can’t miss this

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This map is the official route map as approved by The City of Hollywood, The City of Los Angeles and Hollywood. Click on the map to learn more.

Most people are predicting a record turn out for LA Pride this year as Christopher Street West forgoes the traditional celebratory parade in favor of #ResistMarch.  While it’s almost certain to be one for the record books, how to navigate your way both to the march and through the traffic might be a good thing to plan in advance.  Sunday is, of course, the big day of concern.

The events will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 through Sunday, June 11, 2017 and there are dozens and dozens of high turn out extravaganzas planned.  West Hollywood is especially robust with offering, celebrating the LGBTQ community throughout June with dozens of events.  Learn more about One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival here.

Major events on Friday

DYKE MARCH: The weekend will kick at Sal Guarriello Veterans’ Memorial (8447 Santa Monica Boulevard) with Friday’s annual Dyke March. Claudette Sexy DJ starts to spin at 6 PM followed by a rally at  7 PM.  The Dyke March will hit the streets 8 PM and wind its way down Santa Monica Boulevard to San Vicente Boulevard and back.

TRANS PARTY: The 7th Annual Trans Party will kick off at 6 PM, featuring music and DJ performances by DJ EZ, Shea Diamon, Laura & Nikki Lunden, and many others.  Special awards will be given to Justing Tranter, Alexander Grey, Alex Schmider and maria Roman.   Free admission at San Vincente and Melrose.

SOBER PARTY: The sobriety community can enjoy the annual #SIZZLE event, a sober area (substance free) at CSW’s LA Pride Festival from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the Festival grounds at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. For more information, please visit www.lapride.org.

Major events on Saturday

AIDS/LIFECYCLE ARRIVAL: On Saturday, June 10, 2017, an estimated 2,500 AIDS/LifeCycle riders will pedal through the City of West Hollywood to celebrate the completion of a 545-mile journey from SF to LA to raise funds for HIV/AIDS. Eastbound Santa Monica Boulevard will be reduced to a single lane of traffic from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. between Doheny Drive and Ogden Drive as the cyclists make their way to the finish line and closing ceremony at Fairfax High School. Community members are encouraged to cheer on the cyclists as they stream through West Hollywood. For more information, please visit www.aidslifecycle.org.

PRIDE FESTIVAL:  On Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. and on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., CSW’s LA Pride Festival will take place at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. There will be music and entertainment on three stages. Advance tickets are $25. For tickets and more information, please visit www.lapride.org.

Main event Sunday

#RESISTMARCH:  On Sunday, June 11, 2017, the #ResistMarch will take the place of the annual LA Pride Parade. The #ResistMarch will gather on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 8 a.m. at Hollywood and Highland. The march will proceed to the City of West Hollywood at Santa Monica Boulevard and Almont Drive. As a reminder, no alcohol, backpacks, or weapons will be allowed; only clear plastic bags will be permitted. For more information, please visitwww.resistmarch.org.

Here’s what you need to know about getting around.

Street Closures

The following facilities and street closures will take place within the City of West Hollywood in the days surrounding Pride celebrations:

  • San Vicente Boulevard will be closed between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 7 p.m. onThursday, June 8, 2017 through 10 a.m. on Monday, June 12, 2017.
  • West Hollywood Park will be closed from 6 a.m. onMonday, June 5, 2017 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017;
  • West Hollywood Library will be closed from 7 p.m. onThursday, June 8, 2017 to 11 a.m. on Monday, June 12, 2017; and
  • West Hollywood Pool will be closed from Monday, June 5, 2017 through Sunday, June 18, 2017 and will re-open on Monday, June 19, 2017.

The following the #ResistMarch street closures will take place within the City of West Hollywood on Sunday, June 11, 2017:

WeHo (entire weekend unless specified)

  • Santa Monica Boulevard, and all streets one block north and one block south, from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard will be closed from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
  • Santa Monica Boulevard from La Cienega Boulevard to Genesse Avenue will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and
  • Fairfax Avenue, from Sunset Boulevard to Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hollywood (Sunday only)

  • Hollywood Boulevard, between Highland and La Brea Avenues

The following streets are anticipated to close starting at 9 a.m. until the end of the march, but may close earlier if necessary to support the safety of the marchers:

  • La Brea Avenue, between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards
  • Sunset Boulevard, between La Brea and Fairfax Avenues
  • Fairfax Avenue, between Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard
  • Santa Monica Boulevard, between Fairfax Avenue and the City of West Hollywood

Other associated closures:

  • Sunset Boulevard, between Highland and La Brea Avenues
  • Westbound Franklin Avenue, between Highland and La Brea Avenues
  • Impacts to Highland Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, east of Highland Avenue

WeHo Parking Rules

The City of West Hollywood has announced it will suspend enforcement of permit parking for Pride weekend from 4 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2017 to 12 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2017. All metered parking will be enforced. In Hollywood, the City of Los Angeles and the City of Beverly Hills, all parking restrictions will be enforced.

WeHo Parking:

If you are WeHo bound, limited public parking may be available on a first come/first served basis at the Pacific Design Center, located at 8687 Melrose Avenue; Kings Road Parking Structure, located at 8383 Santa Monica Boulevard; Hancock Parking Structure, located at 901 Hancock Avenue; and Palm Lot, located at 815 Palm Avenue.

Important for Sunday

Getting to #ResistMarch

METRO RED LINE – Exit Hollywood & Highland station. In case of overcrowding, consider exiting at Hollywood & Vine and walking west a few blocks. CLICK HERE.

LOCAL BUS  – Local MTA buses will be operating right up until the start of the march. For West Hollywood residents we recommend taking the 2 or 302 anywhere along Sunset Blvd to Sunset / Highland. It is a 20 minute journey plus 5 minutes of walking. CLICK HERE for the 2/302 timetable.

LONG RANGE BUS – See below regarding our partnership with Bus.com or CLICK HERE to book.

UBER – Click for app.  Drop off points will be determined by UBER.

TAXI – Click for app or see list below. You will not be able to get closer than two blocks away.

DRIVING – We highly discourage driving but if you must drive, we suggest you allow plenty of time to navigate extensive road closures and to find parking.​​ Please CLICK HERE for the Department of Transports planned road closure map.

Best Parking – A free location based app for identifying public parking lots nearby and their rates.

Parking Panda – This mobile app is called the ‘Uber’ of parking. Find nearby private lots and driveways that are renting spots for that day.

Traffic Alerts – CLICK HERE for handy updates on traffic alerts specific to the Hollywood area.​

Public Transportation to Hollywood and Highland

Everyone participating in #ResistMarch is encouraged to take the bus or subway to Hollywood Boulevard near Highland.  Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) bus lines that connect to the City of West Hollywood. A complete guide to bus lines and service hours can be found at www.metro.net and Metro will post service advisories regarding route changes for Pride weekend at www.metro.net/service/advisories.

WeHo Special Transit to Hollywood and Highland

During Pride weekend, the City of West Hollywood’s free shuttle to Hollywood and Highland, CityLineX, and West Hollywood’s free weekend ride along Santa Monica Boulevard, The PickUp, will get together and become Pride Ride.

You can get to and from Hollywood and Highland using Pride Ride.  The service will operate on Friday, June 9, 2017 from 1 p.m. to 3 a.m. (with service to and from Hollywood and Highland ending at approximately 9 p.m.) and on Saturday, June 10, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. (with service to and from Hollywood and Highland ending at approximately 1 a.m.).

On the day of #ResistMarch, Sunday, June 11, 2017, beginning at 7 a.m., CityLineX vehicles will depart regularly to transport residents to Hollywood and Highland. Following the march, Pride Ride will provide eastbound service. Route details and specifics will be available online prior to the #ResistMarch. For more information, please visit www.wehopickup.com or www.weho.org/cityline.

For additional information, please visit the following websites:

For more information, please contact the City of West Hollywood at (323) 848-6400. For people who are deaf or hearing impaired, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

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AIDS and HIV

40th anniversary AIDS Walk happening this weekend in West Hollywood

AIDS Project Los Angeles Health will gather in West Hollywood Park to kick off 40th anniversary celebration

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35th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles. Grand Park Downtown Los Angeles (Photo Courtesy Brian Lowe)

APLA Health will celebrate its 40th anniversary this Sunday at West Hollywood Park, by kicking off the world’s first and oldest AIDS walk with a special appearance by Salina Estitties, live entertainment, and speeches.

APLA Health, which was formerly known as AIDS Project Los Angeles, serves the underserved LGBTQ+ communities of Los Angeles by providing them with resources. 

“We are steadfast in our efforts to end the HIV epidemic in our lifetime. Through the use of tools like PrEP and PEP, the science of ‘undetectable equals intransmissible,’ and our working to ensure broad access to LGTBQ+ empowering healthcare, we can make a real step forward in the fight to end this disease,” said APLA Health’s chief executive officer, Craig E. Thompson. 

For 40 years, APLA Health has spearheaded programs, facilitated healthcare check-ups and provided other essential services to nearly 20,000 members of the LGBTQ+ community annually in Los Angeles, regardless of their ability to pay. 

APLA Health provides LGBTQ+ primary care, dental care, behavioral healthcare, HIV specialty care, and other support services for housing and nutritional needs.

The AIDS Walk will begin at 10AM and registrations are open for teams and solo walkers. More information can be found on the APLA Health’s website.  

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Arts & Entertainment

LGBTQ+Ñ Literary Festival kicks off this week in Los Angeles

The festival will bring together authors, readers, academics and activists to discuss their experiences and share perspectives about the LGBTQ+ community.

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The first LGBTQ+Ñ Literary Festival in Spanish – the first of its kind – will kick-off six days of panels, short film screenings, book signings, performances and a photo exhibit starting today, at different locations across Los Angeles. 

The LGBTQ+Ñ Literary Festival will bring together Spanish-speaking and Latin American writers who explore and celebrate a variety of themes in their work, including sexual diversity and perspectives on identity. 

“Feminist culture and LGBTQ+ culture have been the movements that have most transformed modern societies in recent decades, and therefore deserve special attention,” said Luisgé Martín, director of Instituto Cervantes of Los Ángeles. “There was no stable forum that brought together creators from across the Spanish-speaking world, which is why we have organized this literary festival. It aims to serve as a framework for reflection and a meeting point for LGBTQ+ writers.” 

The festival will bring together authors, readers, academics and activists, to discuss their experiences and share perspectives about the LGBTQ+ community and its academic intersections. 

The first stop for the literary festival is at the Instituto Cervantes of Los Ángeles, from 7 PM to 9 PM on Tuesday, to screen short films that are part of FanCineQueer. 

The festival will feature authors like Myriam Gurba Serrano, Alejandro Córdova “Taylor”, Felipe J. Garcia, Boris Izaguirre, Nando López, María Mínguez Arias, Felipe Restrepo Pombo, Claudia Salazar Jiménez, Pablo Simonetti, and Gabriela Wiener. 

There will also be a photo exhibit and featured photographers such as Gonza Gallego and Liliana Hueso. 

The festival will take place at multiple venues including the Instituto Cervantes of Los Ángeles, The Student Union at Los Angeles City College and Circus of Books. 

For more information on the event visit the Instagram page for Instituto Cervantes of Los Ángeles. 

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Latino Equality Alliance hosts quinceañera fundraiser

LEA’s mission with this event, is also to bring attention to Proposition 3 – which puts same-sex marriage on the November ballot. 

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The Latino Equality Alliance hosted its annual fundraiser on Saturday at Del Records in Bell Gardens as their quinceañera-themed Purple Lily Awards raises nearly $100,000 to create safe spaces for Latin American LGBTQ+ youth and their families. 

This year, LEA honored co-founder Gutiérrez Arámbula, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 Contestant, Salina Estitties, and the Liberty Hill Foundation. 

“The Latino Equality Alliance’s history and survival underscores the importance of providing critical resources and positive support for LGBTQ+ youth struggling to find a safe space,” said founder and executive director Eddie Martinez. “We are proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Latinx community for 15 years and are excited about the promising future ahead of us.”

LEA’s mission with this event, is also to bring attention to Proposition 3 – which puts same-sex marriage on the November ballot. 

Proposition 3 seeks to reaffirm the right to same-sex marriage. 

This proposition shines light on the California Constitution that still to this day upholds language that does not include gender non-conforming people or queer and trans people in the protections for marriage equality. 

The CA Constitution says ‘only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California,’ which also only upholds protections and recognition for same-race couples, excluding interracial families, as well as LGBTQ+ families. 

That language — while still on the books — is effectively void after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 allowed same-sex marriage to resume in California, and the high court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in a historic 2015 decision. 

Upholding protections for marriage equality is important to LEA because California has the largest LGBTQ+ population in the United States. 

The grassroots organization is celebrating continued growth in their progress toward equality and celebrating the achievements of the Latin American community members that are at the forefront of creating safe spaces in Boyle Heights and beyond. 

LEA was the first community and school LGBTQ youth civic policy advocacy and empowerment program to lower dropout rates, bullying and increase graduation rates.

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GALECA: Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics and Hollywood Creative Alliance unite for 2024 Dorians TV Toast and Astra TV Awards

Event to take place at Avalon Hollywood on Aug. 18

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(Courtesy photo)

(July 30, 2024) — The Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) and GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics announced today that they are joining forces this year to present their respective Dorians TV Toast party and Astra TV Awards ceremony in back-to-back events. The paired celebrations, during which each group will reveal their top choices in television and streaming, will take place on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Avalon Hollywood.

The 2024 Dorian Awards TV Toast, an intimate champagne-and-appetizers gathering of GALECA nominees and members, will start at 3 p.m., leading into HCA’s larger 2024 TV Astras ceremony at 6 p.m. Helping cap the Astras gala, the organizations will present their new, jointly sponsored Mosaic Award to a TV or streaming series “that captures the power of diversity, equity and inclusion in a polished, entertaining and seamless way,” both on and behind the camera.

GALECA and HCA’s collaboration, likely the first of its kind, marks a show of solidarity for professional entertainment journalists, and journalism itself, at a time when AI, industry strikes, layoffs, media outlet closures, decreasing pay and more threaten the field’s existence.

“In such difficult and divisive times, Hollywood Creative Alliance will continue to lift up those underrepresented in the media,” said Scott Menzel, CEO of HCA. “Our GALECA partnership is one way HCA can stand by that commitment and make an impact.”

“GALECA is grateful for the opportunity to work with the HCA,” added GALECA Executive Director John Griffiths. “Our groups are on the same page — and now, red carpet — when it comes to pressing for a media world where all walks of life have a strong voice. I think we’re all excited to figure out more ways our groups can champion each other’s missions.”

HCA plans to present additional special honors of its own at the Astra TV Awards, which will be broadcast live from the Avalon Hollywood and streamed globally on YouTube and KNEKT.tv.

Outside of special non-transactional, board-chosen accolades such as the Mosaic Award, the nominees and winners of HCA’s Astra Awards and GALECA’s Dorian Awards are all decided in democratic fashion by the groups’ respective memberships.

About GALECA

GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics and its Dorian Awards honor the best in film, television and, under its theater wing, Broadway and Off-Broadway. More than 500 members strong, GALECA reminds society that the world values the informed Q+ eye on everything entertainment. A nonprofit organization, GALECA also advocates for better pay, access and respect for entertainment journalists, especially the underrepresented. Follow us @DorianAwards on social media, and find more information at GALECA.org.

About the Hollywood Creative Alliance

The Hollywood Creative Alliance, commonly called HCA, is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization. Its diverse and inclusive membership includes critics, entertainment journalists, content creators, industry insiders, and creatives with a shared passion for celebrating excellence in entertainment. The HCA’s vision and mission is to amplify diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and culture in film and television. HCA believes in creating a culture where representation is a critical component of the evolution of the entertainment industry. For more information please visit TheAstras.com.

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Arts & Entertainment

LGBTQ representation shines at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Annual event promotes inclusiveness.

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(Photo courtesy of San Diego Comic-Con 2024)

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 once again became a mecca for gender-bending cosplay, with attendees cross-dressing as characters like Spider-Man, Beetlejuice, Elphaba from “Wicked,” Pennywise, and Peter Pan.

Gay attendee Rick Rhoades was thrilled with the detailed costumes.

“I loved seeing all the LGBTQ characters — it was such a pleasant surprise to see the Ambiguously Gay Duo from ‘Saturday Night Live!'” he said.

“So many people dressed up, it’s just as amazing as the show itself!” Rhoades added.

Cosplayer Casey Hayden told the Los Angeles Blade, “I love being able to express myself freely. Regardless of your pronouns, being able to get out of your comfort zone and dress as your favorite superheroes is so interesting and powerful.”

Stephanie Tillotson, a clinical therapist for children and an LGBTQ ally, appreciates how Comic-Con promotes inclusiveness.

“This is a safe and positive event for our LGBTQ community, where they can cosplay as their gender of choice and be treated with respect,” she said.

Tillotson participates in Dungeons & Dragons activities throughout the 4-day event.

“D&D is a wonderful role-playing game where attendees can become a character and be whatever gender they want,” she explained.

The 10th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show kicked off Comic-Con with a standing-room-only crowd. Broadway star Michael James Scott, who co-hosted, performed Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

“What an absolute dream to be part of an event that celebrates who you are,” Scott said. “To be invited back by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein and to do it with my husband is a true dream come true!”

Prism Comics, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ-friendly comic books and professionals, had a lively presence on the convention floor and participated in several queer panels.

The organization celebrated the 10th anniversary of its “Still Transgender, Still Here: Trans and Nonbinary Comics Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” panel. Tara Madison Avery moderated, joined by panelists Tilly Bridges, Alex Combs, Liam Coballes, Nicole Maines, Sonya Saturday, and Gaia WXYZ.

Prism also participated in a Queer Horror panel, moderated by screenwriter Michael Varrati. The discussion explored the LGBTQ community’s relationship with the horror genre and whether a distinct queer horror genre exists.

“Thanks to this amazing lineup for a truly insightful discussion,” Varrati tweeted. “Horror IS Queer! #sdcc”

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WeHo is co-sponsoring 1st ever Inglewood Pride Festival, June 22

The pride event, co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood, will offer live entertainment, DJ sets, and free food

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Graphic: Creative House Gallery/WeHo Times

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The City of West Hollywood is co-sponsoring the first annual Inglewood Pride Festival in the City of Inglewood on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Events are set to take place at the Creative House Gallery at 122 N Market Street and outdoors in the Historic Market Street Shopping District.

The pride event, co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood, will offer live entertainment, DJ sets, and free food. An RSVP was required and has already sold out.

Inglewood Pride Festival 2024 will be an indoor/outdoor event with plenty of options to captivate and educate the community. Booths will provide resources to the LGBTQ+ community, and there will be a wide range of sponsor vendors. The festival offers free food, free entry, and a family-friendly environment.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health will also be on hand to provide mpox vaccinations and offer information and resources on various health concerns, including COVID-19 vaccines.

The event schedule is as follows:

GALLERY SECTION
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Guest Red Carpet Photos
$50 Grocery Gift for Best Dressed

CABANA SECTION
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
DJ TLA Storm
70s, 80s, 90s R&B/Soul/Deep

GALLERY
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
County of Los Angeles Presentation (Cholesterol)
Roberto Luno, Emergency Preparedness; Public Health Nurse, Einique Forris, Health Educator

CABANA
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Di P-Nasty
Hip-Hop/R&B/Latin; Dance Contest

CABANA
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Artist Performances

To learn more about this event, visit:
Inglewood Pride Festival

The Creative House Non-Profit:

The Creative House Gallery is a non-profit art gallery with a goal of helping the community transition, survive, develop, and thrive through art access and art education.

The Creative House Gallery is committed to enhancing the quality of life through artistic programming that serves all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and economic statuses, with an emphasis on marginalized, underserved, and underrepresented persons.

The Market Street Shopping District:

Since Inglewood’s founding in 1908, Market Street has served as the central shopping district. When automobiles came to Market Street in the 1920s, sidewalks were installed to serve pedestrians. In 1927, the chain store S.H. Kress was built at 233 S. Market Street with a signature architectural style. J.C. Penney moved to 139 S. Market Street in 1940.

The late 1960s brought city and county facilities just south of Market Street. During the 1990s, a rehabilitation of Market Street brought street trees and new tenants. Today’s Market Street district has art galleries, bookstores, the Inglewood Senior Center, and the light rail Florence Boulevard station.

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist. Murillo began his professional writing career as the author of “Love Ya, Mean It,” an irreverent and sometimes controversial West Hollywood lifestyle column for FAB! newspaper. His work has appea

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

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Trans Pride LA celebrating 25 Years with series of events

Trans Pride LA celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, making it one of the oldest, dedicated celebrations of Trans Pride in the country

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Trans Pride Los Angeles/WeHo Times

By Mike Pingel | LOS ANGELES – Trans Pride LA celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, making it one of the oldest, dedicated celebrations of Transgender Pride in the country, lifting trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folks! Spotlighting the Trans*Lounge program as well as other services provided at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, this all-ages, free event expects 1,400+ attendees over two days.

Friday evening, June 14, will kick off with a vibrant TPLA Welcome Mixer, followed by a line dancing lesson by Stud Country instructors Kira and Abigail, and a viewing of the new gallery exhibition “Ides of Gender” by artist Zach Oren.

Saturday, June 15, the Trans Pride Festival will once again take over The Village and McCadden Pl. with interactive workshops, 40+ market vendors and resource partners, six different food vendors, a portrait studio by photographer Devyn Galindo, and a Trans Pride Talent Showcase featuring the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Fei Hernandez, Amilia, Bailey Moses, and more.

This event is entirely free on both days, June 14 · 6 pm – June 15 · 6 pm PT. All events will take place at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza and Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood. Admission is completely FREE all weekend. To grab your tickets and see the up-to-date schedule, visit: lalgbtcenter.org/tpla202.

Here is the two-day schedule of events:

Friday, June 14th:

6:00 PM – 8:15 PM – TPLA Welcome Mixer Join us in the Village Courtyard at 1125 North McCadden for a welcome cocktail mixer unveiling this year’s Trans Pride exhibit titled “Ides of Gender” by artist Zach Oren. Non-alcoholic beverage options are available.

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM – Queer Country Line Dancing Performance & Lesson by Stud Country instructors Stud Country’s instructors, Kira Kull & Abi Hamilton, will provide a performance that will make you say “yeehaw.” It will be followed by a queer country line dancing lesson open to all.

8:15 PM – 10:00 PM – Cocktail Mixer & Gallery Viewing Continue exploring Trans Pride’s Gallery Exhibit “Ides of Gender,” grab a bite or simply grab a drink while catching up with (new) friends.

Saturday, June 15th:

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Trans Pride Festival We are shutting the street down and spreading Trans Joy everywhere! This event includes a Children & Families Activity Area, Live Performances & Entertainment, Educational Workshops, Market Vendors & Resource Fair, Free Food Vendors, and a Trans Pride Talent Showcase! ASL Interpreters will be available throughout the festival stages & workshops.

Trans Pride Los Angeles is hosted by the Trans* Lounge program, the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s groundbreaking education & empowerment program dedicated to serving Los Angeles’ trans and gender expansive community. ASL and bilingual (Spanish/English) interpretation will be available both days.

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Mike Pingel

Mike Pingel has written six books, Channel Surfing: Charlie’s Angels & Angelic Heaven: A Fan’s Guide to Charlie’s Angels, Channel Surfing: Wonder Woman, The Brady Bunch: Super Groovy after all these years; Works of Pingel and most recently, Betty White: Rules the World. Pingel owns and runs CharliesAngels.com website and was Farrah Fawcett personal assistant. He also works as an actor and as a freelance publicist. His official website is www.mikepingel.com

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

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Ricky Martin makes Pride debut at LA Pride in the Park

Martin entertained the crowd with live vocals and hip movements, and he serenaded his hardcore fans with several Spanish songs

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Ricky Martin performs at LA Pride in the Park – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES

By Paulo Murillo | LOS ANGELES – LA Pride kicked off a weekend-long celebration of Pride Month this past Saturday with Ricky Martin shaking his “bom bom” to a sea of fans at Los Angeles State Historic Park.

The event also featured performances by JoJo Siwa, RaiNao, Tokischa, MUNA, and cast members of HBO’s “We’re Here,” including Sasha Velour, Latrice Royale, Jaida Essence Hall, and Priyanka.

The LA Pride in the Park music festival, produced by Christopher Street West (CSW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1970, spanned over 20 acres and featured a variety of activities, exhibitor booths, vendors, games, and food and drink options.

Ricky Martin performs at LA Pride in the Park – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES
Ricky Martin performs at LA Pride in the Park – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES
Ricky Martin performs at LA Pride in the Park – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES

Martin entertained the crowd with live vocals and hip movements, and he serenaded his hardcore fans with several Spanish songs, reminding those in attendance that his music career extends beyond “Livin’ La Vida Loca” in the U.S. to other Spanish-speaking countries.

According to reports, this year’s performance marks Martin’s first headlining appearance at any Pride event since he publicly came out as gay via his website in 2010. This year also marks him as the first openly gay Latin artist to perform center stage at LA Pride.

Ricky Martin performs at LA Pride in the Park – Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES

Martin had a lot to prove with his LA Pride gig, following in the high-heeled footsteps of LGBTQ+ diva giants Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey, who graced the LA Pride stage in the past two years.

This year’s theme, “Power in Pride,” celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s ability to live authentically through strength and resilience.

Ricky Martin performs at LA Pride in the Park – Photo by Paulo Murillo for WEHO TIMES

“His participation in LA Pride in the Park goes beyond mere entertainment. It symbolizes a powerful affirmation of queer Latin identity and a celebration of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community,” said Gerald Garth, president of the Christopher Street West board, in a statement.

@wehotimes @Ricky Martin gave it his all as the headliner of this year’s @LA Pride music festival. Here he gyrates all over the place for Living La Vida Loca. #wehotimes #wehonews #lapride #pride #pridemonth #gaypride #lgbtpride #rickymartin #ricky ♬ original sound – WEHO TIMES

The event also included a “sober space” featuring games and activities, an Erotic City area with displays and appearances catering to the kink community, a sports section, and plenty of giveaways.

The LA Pride celebrations continued on Sunday with the LA Pride Parade through the streets of Hollywood, followed by a daylong street fair.

To learn more about LA Pride, visit: https://lapride.org/

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist. Murillo began his professional writing career as the author of “Love Ya, Mean It,” an irreverent and sometimes controversial West Hollywood lifestyle column for FAB! newspaper. His work has appea

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

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54th Annual LA PRIDE Parade Today! STEP OFF at 11AM

The LA Pride Parade and Block Party will take over the streets of Hollywood Sunday, continuing a two-day celebration of Pride Month

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LA Pride/Los Angeles Blade graphic

LOS ANGELES – (KABC) – HAPPENING TODAY! Come out to the 54th annual @lapride Parade in Hollywood! The parade’s grand marshals are “Star Trek” legend George Takei, LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley and legendary wrestler Cassandro El Exótico. 🏳️‍🌈Can’t make it? Watch it here at 11am: https://t.co/IlpUMCBBHj — ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) June 9, 2024

JUNE 9, 2024: STEP OFF at 11AM

The best Parade viewing spots are along the middle of Hollywood Blvd, or on Highland, opposite the ABC7 broadcast area. Step-off is at 11AM sharp, so get there early to get a good spot.

If you can’t be with there in person, be sure to watch the parade live on ABC7, LA Pride’s Official Television & Streaming Partner.

PARADE BLOCK PARTY

June 9, 2024
ADJACENT TO PARADE ROUTE HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD

We’re keeping the celebration going on Sunday by throwing the ultimate free Block Party adjacent to the Parade, open from mid-day and going into the evening. With a performance stage, large vendor village, food & bevs, pop-up bars, and more, it’s the place to be to after the Parade. Last year, 35,000 people enjoyed this free Parade “after-party,” don’t miss it!

The Block Party vendor booth application deadline has now passed. Stay tuned to learn more about the cool things we have in store!

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Events

PHOTOS: Tens of Thousands gather for WeHo Pride Parade

This past Sunday, June 2, 2024, tens of thousands of people gathered on Santa Monica Boulevard, in the heart of West Hollywood, for the march

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WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Paulo Murillo


By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – This past Sunday, June 2, 2024, tens of thousands of people gathered on Santa Monica Boulevard, in the heart of West Hollywood, for the much-anticipated 3rd annual WeHo Pride Parade. The sky was overcast for most of the parade route, which was scheduled to step off at 12:30 p.m., and seemed to start on time (with wide empty gaps in between).

WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Paulo Murillo
WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Paulo Murillo

The WeHo Pride Parade began at N. Crescent Heights Boulevard at Santa Monica Boulevard, and traveled westbound along Santa Monica Boulevard into the heart of City’s Rainbow District to N. Robertson Boulevard.

The event promised to bring music, dancing, colorful floats, festive marching contingents, and a creative flair to the city’s historic Route 66, and the city did not disappoint. From lesbians riding motorcycles, to leather clad daddys, to drag queens in stunning, elaborate costumes to LGBTQ+ people adorning themselves with the colors of the rainbow, to everyday allies proudly waving flags, the day was filled with lots to see from the gated sidelines.

WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Mike Pingle
WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Mike Pingle

The parade was also filled with celebrities. This year’s Lifetime Ally Icon for WeHo Pride Parade 2024, Cindy Lauper wished everyone a happy pride while wearing a shimmering silver disco ball-inspired headpiece.

WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Mike Pingle
WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Mike Pingle

Photos below by Paulo Murillo (click to enlarge).

Nonbinary singer Kehlani turned her appearance at the parade into a pro-Palestine demonstration. They rode on the back of a convertible decked Palestinian flags while protesters marched with them.

Other celebrity sightings on the parade route and by the sidelines include Lizzo, Garcelle Beauvais, Sutton Stracke, Lance Bass, and more.

WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Mike Pingle
WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Mike Pingle
WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Paulo Murllo

New owner of the The Abbey WeHo and The Chapel at The Abbey rode on the Abbey float that was filled with gyrating go-go dancers.

WeHo Pride Parade 2024 – Photo by Paulo Murillo

The owners of Beaches WeHo rode on a float promoting their up-and-coming Beaches Tropicana with Lance Bass front and center.

There was a long list of organizations, businesses, programs, and politicians doing their part to support this year’s WeHo Pride Parade and to take part in LGBTQ+ representation, inclusion and progress.

For nearly four decades, the City of West Hollywood has been home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the nation. Hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ people and allies from around the world traditionally make West Hollywood their regular destination during Pride season.

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Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist. Murillo began his professional writing career as the author of “Love Ya, Mean It,” an irreverent and sometimes controversial West Hollywood lifestyle column for FAB! newspaper. His work has appea

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The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

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