While history under the palm of capitalism tends to warp authentic narratives into rainbow-stamped marketing agendas, Christy H. Jenkins is here to remind us it was once lived in real time by people who are still very much here and more than happy to correct the record. A living and thriving pioneer with a long memory and a sharper insistence on nuance, Jenkins doesn’t treat Stonewall as some lore of yesteryear but as a lived, complicated moment flush with friends, losses, and stories she believes haven’t always been told as authentically as they could be.

In our interview with Jenkins, she moves with effortless grace between then and now: Stonewall-era New York, the Black Panther and civil rights movements, and today’s conversation on identity and visibility, all while unveiling the through-lines about solidarity and survival. At times blunt, at times reflective, and always unwavering in her perspective, Jenkins makes one thing crystal clear: she isn’t interested in polishing history, but she is damn sure that the living witnesses still get a place in it.

Can you tell us how you came to be at Stonewall that night and what that experience was like for you?

We were at the first night with Rusty Rose, who was a great poet in New York, and she was with me at Stonewall. Yvonne Ritter and Nova were also there. The reason I bring them up is that I actually went to Stonewall because of Yvonne Ritter celebrating her 18th birthday there. I was friends with her, so that’s how I wound up at Stonewall.

There’ve been so many people who have given their version of it, and I like to correct what I know about Stonewall and who I know was actually there. This is not to slight anyone or discredit anyone. It’s just to tell my version of the story that I know to be true.

I don’t know why people have slighted Rusty Rose and me because we were one of the original pioneers there, the very first night. Everybody wants to talk about Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia, and I love them dearly; they are my closest friends, but they always hype them up and forget about the ones who are still living. We’re still living pioneers, and no one wants to talk to us.

I don’t understand that.

Do you feel like your story has been left out of the Stonewall narrative?

Recently, people haven’t wanted to talk to me, so I’m coming out with my story. I’m very happy you have decided to take my story because it is very much needed and should be clarified.

I have to be very honest with you. I have received death threats before if I came forward with the truth about Stonewall, because so many people have twisted it and made a lot of money off it. I never tried to make money off Stonewall. In fact, I stayed away from it because I didn’t want to be associated with it in that way. I tried to live a more low-profile life and didn’t come forward much because of my husband at the time.

What do you believe has been misrepresented about Stonewall?

Stonewall has not become history; it has become a money maker. Whoever can flip a story and make money has done so. I believe they left Rusty Rose and me out purposely because we do know the truth of it. We were there the very first night.

I have things to back up my truth. I have my police record. I’m also known as Chris Thompson, the gay prisoner of Bellevue. That article talks about Marsha, me, and Sylvia. There’s no reason for me to make anything up. Stonewall has become marketing, not history. And those who don’t comply with what people want are not recognized or interviewed.

Can you tell us more about what the first night at Stonewall was like?

I originally went there to meet Marsha and Sylvia because of Yvonne Ritter’s birthday. Most of the trans girls – they didn’t call them trans girls then, that’s a newer term. Back then, you would say drag or just gay.

The experience for me was very shocking. The real reason Stonewall was raided is that they did not have a liquor license and were selling liquor to minors. They were already targeted. Mayor Lindsay wanted to clean up New York at the time. He wanted it to look more “Christian” and remove what they considered undesirable.

And it wasn’t just Stonewall. Many clubs were being raided, even house parties. Stonewall just happened to fight back that night. Only 13 people were arrested the first night. Most were released. I was not released because I had warrants from previous prostitution charges. I was a street kid hustling like Marsha and Sylvia.

My mother did not want me back home either. That was very traumatic. She thought jail would change me into what they called “normal.” But I don’t know what normal means. Normal to me is who I am.

What do you think are the biggest differences between the trans community then and now?

I see some progress, but not much. Now, with the current administration, trans people are being targeted again and labeled in harmful ways. One person does something, and they lump all of us together. That is very unfair.

Even back in 1969, the gay community did not always support trans women. They would say, “We’re not trans, we’re gay.” But I always said, your fight is my fight. If they discriminate against me, they will discriminate against you.

Do you think there is still division within the LGBTQ community?

Yes. I still see it. Even today, some gay people don’t support drag queens or trans people. We are prejudiced toward each other inside our own community. How can we expect others to accept us if we don’t accept each other? You can’t clean somebody else’s house if your own house is not clean. We need to start at home first and come together as a family.

And I think that’s something I learned a long time ago through other movements I was around, including my experience being affiliated with the Black Panther movement and also looking at the Civil Rights movement and figures like Dr. King. Those movements understood something very clearly: you don’t move forward by fragmenting yourselves. You move forward by organizing, by standing together, and by protecting one another as a collective.

When I was around the Black Panther community, it was very much about working together as a family and taking care of each other. That left a real impression on me. It wasn’t about waiting for the system to fix things for you. It was about supporting each other, building strength internally, and showing up as a unified front.

I think the LGBTQ community could learn from that. Because at the end of the day, if we’re divided internally – between gay, trans, drag, Black, white, rich, poor—then we weaken ourselves. But if we come together the way those movements did, we have a much better chance of real progress.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OUTWORDS (@theoutwordsarchive)

What can the LGBTQ community learn from the Black Panther movement or civil rights movement?

I was affiliated with the Black Panthers. I was known as Larry’s girl. They supported each other like a family. They didn’t ask the government for everything. They supported one another, and that is what I think is important to understand. That is what we need.

The Black Panther movement and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. movement are both examples of unity and collective strength. Those movements showed what can happen when people organize, stay connected, and refuse to be divided against themselves.

We have to group together. All of us. Not just gay or straight. If you attack one group, the next group will be attacked. That’s always how it works. Even within the Black community, there are people who don’t want to identify as Black because they feel they won’t prosper, and that shows how deep some of those divisions go. So we have to fix our own house first. If we don’t come together internally, then we weaken ourselves before we even face anything outside.

Why do you think certain populations of people tend to disengage from politics?

Because they have money. When you have money in this country, you are a piece of gold. You don’t have to worry about other people. You can take care of yourself, and you can even leave the country if you want to. So it becomes not their fight.

Money is a big reason this country is the way it is. It creates a kind of insulation where people can shut the world out, and we forget about the people who are actually struggling.

Do you think privilege plays a role in that as well?

Yes. Money and privilege. I know a trans friend who is very wealthy. When the bathroom issue came up, she said, “Oh, honey, I can just pay for my own private bathroom.”

So that’s the mindset. You have to understand the mentality of it. When you have money in this country, it puts you in a completely different position. It’s power. And when you’re in that position, discrimination doesn’t affect you in the same way, because you can buy your way around it.

How did your partner impact your activism?

He admired my Stonewall history and the fact that I was part of that era, but he also wanted a very private life. He didn’t want me to expose anything or put myself back into the spotlight in that way. He feared for my safety, and he truly believed he was protecting me.

But in my gut, I never felt fully comfortable staying silent. My sisters and brothers are suffering, and I suffered myself. I felt a responsibility to speak out and tell my story, even if it created tension between us or went against what he wanted for my life at the time.

What do you want people to take away from your story?

I want interviewers like you to seek out pioneers who are still living. People like Rusty Rose and I are still here, and I think our stories should be included and heard while we’re still able to tell them. I also want to be very clear that this is not about discrediting anyone else or taking anything away from anyone’s history. This is just my truth and what I know from my own experience.

What matters to me is that living pioneers don’t get overlooked while the story is being told. Time moves quickly, and a lot of voices from that era are already gone. That’s why I think it’s important to document those of us who are still here now, while we can still speak for ourselves and share what we lived through. This is not to discredit anyone else. This is just my truth.

Pride Starts Here! The City of West Hollywood will celebrate WeHo Pride Weekend on Friday, June 5, 2026; Saturday, June 6, 2026; and Sunday, June 7, 2026 with a packed schedule of events and festivities in and around West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard, and Santa Monica Boulevard.

Initial street closures will begin taking effect on Thursday, June 4. Starting on Friday, June 5 at 12 p.m., Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed in both directions from N. Doheny Drive to N. La Cienega Boulevard (through Monday, June 8, at 7 a.m.).

For all the latest #WeHoPride information, visit www.wehopride.com and follow @wehopride on Instagram, Facebook,and TikTok.

·       Free! WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD will take place on Friday, June 5 beginningat 6 p.m. at West Hollywood Park. Advance free-with-RSVP registration for WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD. This event is currently at capacity.

·       Free! WeHo Pride Street Fair, Women’s Freedom Festival, and live performances on the Rainbow and Celebration Stages on Santa Monica Boulevard will begin on Saturday, June 6 at 12 p.m. with theannual Dyke March beginning at 6 p.m. directly following the conclusion of the Women’s Freedom Festival at the Celebration Stage. The Street Fair will feature vendors, booths, and community organizations located along Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Robertson and La Cienega Boulevards. The Women’s Freedom Festival will take place at the Celebration Stage at La Peer Drive featuring emerging LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and non-binary musicians, comedians, poets, and activists. The WeHo Pride Street Fair will continue Sunday, June 7. For additional details and information, please visit www.wehopride.com.

·       OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride, the flagship music festival and concert experience of WeHo Pride Weekend, produced by JJLA, will take place on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 featuring a star-studded, high-energy line-up.

·       Summertramp will burn brightly from the sunny shores of OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride all weekend long with hot-and-heavy headliners along with DJ sets, and dancing. Full artist lineup, event, and ticket information is available at www.outloudmusicfestival.com/weho.

·       Free! Thousands of people will gather in West Hollywood for the annual WeHo Pride Parade on Sunday, June 7. The Parade will kick-off at 12 p.m. from N. Crescent Heights Boulevard, making its way west along Santa Monica Boulevard to N. San Vicente Boulevard in the City’s Rainbow District. The WeHo Pride Parade is an imaginative and colorful tradition that embraces LGBTQ+ representation, inclusion, and progress. Full of music, dancing, festive floats, vibrant marching contingents, and creative flair, the WeHo Pride Parade celebrates LGBTQ+ people and contributions to community and culture. KTLA 5 is the official broadcast partner of the WeHo Pride Parade. Stream on KTLA+, KTLA’s mobile app, or KTLA.com.

·       New this year! Camp OUT! A Sober Pride Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot adjacent to the West Hollywood Recovery Center Log Cabin, located at 617 N. Robertson Boulevard. Camp OUT!  is a drug- and alcohol-free event open to all, where guests will enjoy an energetic afternoon of camp-inspired activities and community celebration immediately following the WeHo Pride Parade.

For more than 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. Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has become one of the most influential cities in the nation for its outspoken advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues. No other city of its size has had a greater impact on the national public policy discourse on fairness and inclusiveness for LGBTQ+ people.

Home to the Rainbow District along Santa Monica Boulevard, which features a concentration of historic LGBTQ clubs, restaurants, and retail shops, the City of West Hollywood consistently tops lists of “most LGBTQ friendly cities” in the nation. More than 40 percent of residents in West Hollywood identify as LGBTQ+ and four of the five members of the West Hollywood City Council are openly gay. The City has advocated for four decades for measures that support LGBTQ+ individuals and the City is in the vanguard of efforts to gain and protect equality for all people on a state, national, and international level. #WeHoPride @WeHoCity

For more information about WeHo Pride Weekend, please contact the City of West Hollywood’s Event Services Division at [email protected]. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

For up-to-date news and events, follow the City of West Hollywood @wehocity on social media, sign up for news updates at www.weho.org/email, read news and feature articles at www.hellowweho.com, and visit the City’s calendar of meetings and events at www.weho.org/calendar.

As we reported earlier this week, there was a lot of backlash to the announcement that Kathy Hilton was to serve as this year’s Weho Pride’s Grand Marshal. While Hilton has been a supporter of LGBTQ causes, her MAGA support and use of the f-word was called into question.

Yesterday, the City of West Hollywood issued a joint statement with Hilton and Weho Pride announcing, “After thoughtful discussions, the City of West Hollywood, the WeHo Pride production team, and Kathy Hilton have determined that the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade will not designate a Grand Marshal Icon honoree.”

No Grand Marshal this year? With the overwhelming number of activists and queer celebrities in the local community, surely there could have been another choice?

Hilton’s response in the statement reads, “I am honored to have been considered for this recognition and appreciative of the support I have received from members of the community throughout the years,” Hilton said. “My reason for wanting to be involved in this year’s WeHo Pride weekend was simple: to celebrate, support, and share in the joy of a community that means a great deal to so many people.”

She went on to clarify her support of the LGBTQ community, “I respect the thoughtful conversations that have taken place and remain deeply committed to supporting LGBTQ+ causes and visibility, including through my participation in GLAAD initiatives and events, and longstanding support of organizations such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation since its inception, Dr. Mathilde Krim, God’s Love We Deliver, and Project Angel Food. My support for the community and WeHo Pride is unwavering. This monumentally important event has always had a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish the experience I had acting as Grand Marshal of the LA Pride parade with my daughter in 2005. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to make it happen, and I wish the community nothing but love, joy, and a fantastic WeHo Pride weekend.”

The backlash to Hilton’s presence as Grand Marshal escalated this week as Indigenous Pride LA took to Instagram and announced that they were canceling their presence at this weekend’s Pride Parade, stating, “Many within our Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ circles feel this year’s Grand Marshal choice does not align with the values, lived experiences, and spirit of Pride we seek to uplift.”

Podcaster Tyler Oakley posted on X to his 4.2 million followers, “great choice for trailblazer icons! i’m curious why kathy hilton was chosen considering the last i heard about her she was attending trump’s parties & calling a dj ‘faggot'”

The Blade was on the scene last night at Beaches Tropicana in West Hollywood for this year’s Pride kickoff. The event was packed and full of good energy, undaunted by the Hilton debacle.

The City of West Hollywood thanked the community for its “thoughtful dialogue.” The City went on to state, “The City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride Parade organizers thank Kathy Hilton for her grace and her continued support of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride has always been strongest when it genuinely reflects the community. WeHo Pride is strengthened by open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to inclusion.”

The Blade will be on the scene at this year’s Pride Parade along with the LA LGBTQ Commission and Lindsey Horvath’s office. See you there!

Pride is here, and we’re only 6 months into 2026. Yet for many LGBTQIA people, it’s felt like a decade. Homophobia on the rise, an active political mission by this administration to defund queer organizations, and we are getting close to the brick-throwing spirit that inspired pride in the first place. So the choice to name someone who’s partied at Mar-a-Lago as Grand Marshal of Weho Pride is a strange choice. 

“The City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride producer JJLA announce that legendary television personality and philanthropist Kathy Hilton has been selected as the WeHo Pride Parade Grand Marshal Icon for her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, allyship in the entertainment industry, and unwavering support across pop culture,” says the City’s announcement. It goes on to say, “Hilton will also be celebrated as one of the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade Icons.” 

Hilton joins honorees, the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, and the NFL’s first male cheerleaders, Napoleon Jinnies and Quinton Peron.  It’s worth noting that Hilton was also Grand Marshal with her daughter, Paris Hilton, at the 2005 Pride Parade. But then again, Kelly and Sharon Osbourne also had that honor in 2010. 

It’s not unheard of for women with big gay followings to be grand marshals. Elizabeth Montgomery, Carol Channing, Jennifer Tilly, and Kathy Griffin have all had that honor. But as queer visibility is needed now more than ever, was this a smart choice? 

Is Mama Hilton MAGA?

Ironically, the choice to award Hilton this title invokes all the drama and hearsay of her show. It’s a bit strange that since Lisa Vanderpump decided to open her restaurant in boy’s town, you can’t escape the Bravo of it all. 

Part of the controversy involves accusations by two of her castmates. It has been widely circulated that in 2022, Hilton skipped filming a finale party for Real Housewives to attend  Donald Trump’s Super Bowl party at Mar-a-Lago. This caused her castmate Lisa Rinna to post to her Instagram stories. 

There’s also the lingering accusation from another past OutLoud performer, Erika Jayne, who accused Hilton of using the f-slur about a DJ. Bravo launched an investigation and could neither confirm nor deny Jayne’s claims. Hilton has also formally endorsed Spencer Pratt for LA Mayor. 

It is important to note that Hilton does partner with LGBTQ organizations and charities. She hosted a party at her estate to commemorate GLAAD receiving the Governors Award by the TV Academy and hosted the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles toy drive at The Abbey. So is this just a case of a socialite attending the wrong party, or has West Hollywood selected to honor someone a little to the right of center? 

It doesn’t help that the Saturday headliner, The Pussycat Dolls, are also in the same MAGA-ish grey area. Nicole Scherzinger, amidst her career-defining run of Sunset Blvd on Broadway, faced some blowback when she commented, “Where do I get that hat?” on a photo of Russell Brand wearing a red “Make Jesus First Again” hat… on Election Day. She did make a statement that the comment was not aligned with her politics or how she voted, but there was some goodwill lost. 

The Real House Prides of Los Angeles 

Meanwhile, LA Pride, yes, there are two prides, has elected Emmy-winner Jeff Hiller as their Celebrity Grand Marshal. They also named Mia Yamaoto as Community Grand Marshal and posthumously named Shirley Raines as Icon Grand Marshal. 

Like dueling housewives, Christopher Street West, the non-profit that facilitates Pride, famously separated from the City of West Hollywood in 2020 on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Pride. It offered to hold a parade in conjunction with Black Lives Matter, then later deferred to BLM to lead it. That has become the LA Pride Parade, which will be held on Sunday, June 14th. 

Meanwhile, the City of West Hollywood has expanded its Pride programming to include its OutLoud Music Festival, which is clearly going for a mini-Coachella vibe. This shift in values and politics cannot be ignored. Also, since its inception, the new LA Pride has consistently named Grand Marshals who are LGBTQIA, including Leslie Jordan, Niecy Nash, and Hacks star Mark Indelicato.

Comments on social media have come out on both sides, with obvious fans of Hilton happy she’ll be in attendance, while the official account of @theaidsmemorial commented, “Melania Trump not available?” 

It does beg the question, why are Bravolebrities constantly booked for Pride? While Hilton’s position is honorary and unpaid, Erika Jayne, Meredith Marks, and Countess Lu-Ann have all appeared on Bravo and are being paid to perform at the musical festival.

While there are many LGBTQIA fans of Bravo, Pride has always been political. It was a literal response to the Stonewall Riots and commemorates the day queer people stood up for their rights. Similarly, West Hollywood incorporated as a response to police brutality. While our community does value inclusivity and hopefully Hilton’s role does bring some much-needed visibility and goodwill to the LGBTQIA community, it does bring up an important question.

Given our current political climate, was there a more qualified candidate? While back in the day, having celebrities with gay fanbases lending their visibility to Pride was a boon. But with the state of LGBTQIA politics, can we afford to have anyone with even potential MAGA ties taking LGBTQIA money, prominence, and political goodwill?

As LA faces an election that could change the tone of the City, it’s strange to see that both our Prides are feeling like they have drawn stark political lines in the sand. Time will tell as Pride begins in West Hollywood this weekend. 

Regarding Hilton’s presence as Grand Marshal, the City of West Hollywood told the Blade:

“The City of West Hollywood recognizes that the selection of Kathy Hilton as Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade has generated a range of opinions and emotions within our community. We understand that Pride is deeply personal and meaningful, and we respect the diverse perspectives that have been expressed.

WeHo Pride Parade Icons are selected in recognition of their visibility, allyship, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Kathy Hilton has publicly supported LGBTQ+ causes and visibility, including through her participation in GLAAD events and initiatives. At the same time, we acknowledge that concerns raised by West Hollywood residents, stakeholders, and LGBTQ+ community members are important and deserve to be heard.

We are listening. We believe that WeHo Pride is strengthened by open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to equality and inclusion.

The City of West Hollywood remains committed to ensuring that WeHo Pride is a celebration rooted in visibility, inclusion, and respect, and we welcome respectful conversations that help WeHo Pride and our community continue to grow and evolve.”

Click here for more information about Weho Pride.

As we begin Pride month, I have a range of emotions. At the front of my mind is that I’m exhausted (and I say this with some humor). As policy and community advocates can relate, it’s felt like a nonstop barrage of actions in both response to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies, but also, we’ve led and supported proactive action to ensure we’re protecting our community.

The second feeling is pride; I’m really proud of myself and my community. I know it sounds quite corny or at least obvious that one would feel pride during this month, but it doesn’t always come so easily. And I don’t think that, as advocates, we always have the time to reflect unless we’re scheduling it into our packed calendars. It is also my birthday month, and in recent years, I’ve come to realize how special (and maybe even chaotic) it might be to have AANHPI Heritage Month in May and then have Pride Month follow. It’s awesome, I get the permission to celebrate both major parts of my identity for eight weeks straight, but it also comes with a lot of work since I work at an AAPI civil rights organization. To be honest, it feels quite serendipitous to be in this position.

At my organization, I’m overseeing our first-ever official LGBTQ+ portfolio, and I am truly grateful to be able to be part of a long history of queer and trans resistance and community work, all while growing and learning more about my queer identity and how it can blend so beautifully with my Filipino heritage.

Our LGBTQ+ portfolio at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) was established officially in 2024, but the organization has been a strong ally for the LGBTQ+ community since its founding in 1983, including longtime support for same sex marriage. The portfolio started in 2024 after seeing a gap in representation of the queer, trans Asian Pacific Islander (QTAPI) community in statewide advocacy. My team knew there were numerous QTAPI organizations in California, many of which do local advocacy, and others that were historically involved in federal advocacy. We knew that the exclusion of QTAPI experiences had to change, and we started with our AAPI Queer Joy coalition.

Our AAPI Queer Joy coalition is AJSOCAL’s initiative to become more inclusive by recognizing the intersectionality of being both AAPI and LGBTQ+. It’s a partnership with QTAPI-serving organizations across the state. Together, we identify and highlight the specific needs of the QTAPI community; we advocate for inclusive policies that empower the QTAPI community and allow all in the larger LGBTQ community to thrive. My current partners in the coalition are Hmong Innovating Politics, Lavender Phoenix, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, and Viet Rainbow of Orange County. 

I feel so honored to do this work on behalf of my QTAPI and larger LGBTQ+ community. When I joined the policy team in 2023, I had no idea I’d be leading our LGBTQ+ portfolio shortly after joining. It feels like the timing was just right to have been between teams and have this opportunity. This opportunity to learn so much about my community, myself, and our long fight for equity and eventual liberation has truly changed my life.

One major highlight this year was our AAPI Queer Joy Coalition’s presence in Sacramento for Equality California (EQCA)’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day. To represent the QTAPI community as a group of 14 at the largest LGBTQ+ Advocacy Day in California felt incredible. EQCA’s lobby day is notable because of the leadership role their organization takes in co-sponsoring bills, working with the LGBTQ caucus members, and keeping all the LGBTQ+ and allied organizations up to date with all the bills and actions. I knew that by bringing a larger group of the AAPI community members to this day of action and communicating with their staff about my plans (and the staff happily accommodating and supporting us), they would continue to understand why it’s important to continue to be intentional about reaching out to different communities within the larger LGBTQ+ community and building power and relationships with them (and us). 

These advocacy days, community events, rallies, and townhalls remind me how important visibility and participation are, especially as QTAPI community members. We have experiences that bond us with the larger LGBTQ+ community, but also have our own unique set of challenges as AAPIs, many of us are children of immigrants, which means there may be language barriers, especially for certain LGBTQ+ terminology.

If we don’t show up and share those stories with other advocates and also members of the legislature, then they can’t work with us to make our lives better. It’s a reminder that all our stories are different and though we might share a common thread, it’s a moment to learn how our differences allow us to expand what the LGBTQ+ experience.

As I’ve worked with LGBTQ+ partners in Los Angeles and Orange County, I’ve learned so much, and I’ve been able to share a lot of data and stories with our partners who might not have experience with our QTAPI community. I’ve learned so much about our QTAPI community and the type of courageous history we have here in Southern California that spans back decades. I’ve met elders who were community organizers during the AIDS epidemic who worked together with Black and Latine communities to ensure that AIDS advocacy and education were inclusive.

I’ve heard stories of the queer and trans Vietnamese community leaders in Orange County claiming their rightful stake to march in their city’s and community’s annual Tet Festival in the 2010’s. And the list goes on. AAPIs have long been part of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and equity, and oftentimes, our work and community are invisible. I’m hopeful that in my role, I can help to uplift this history and these brave community leaders and trailblazers. That I can foster even stronger cross-community solidarity. And that I can encourage the younger QTAPI generation to engage in these times to continue and lead the fight for progress. 

The work we do has truly felt nonstop; it has asked so many of us advocates to dig deep and lock in. Life has required a lot of balancing, asking ourselves, “how much more can I really give?” and I know for many of us the answer is usually, “I can give a little bit more, I need to push a little more.” In my own practice of balance and centering myself after I feel anger, disappointment, sadness, exhaustion, or some combination of all four, I remind myself that rest and joy are essential. It’s a response. It’s an act of resistance. Rest allows us to reflect, breathe, and slow down so we can come back to our coalitions and partners with new ideas, knowing that someone can fill in for you when you need to take a step back.

Joy is an act of resistance. It is what I have reminded myself of since the first Trump presidency. That the goal of the opposition is for us to feel bogged down, to give up, to not feel like life is worth living, but that’s the reason we fight and resist. We fight because we know the type of life we deserve; we know that we deserve to celebrate our survival, existence, and especially our futures. We celebrate our resilience, our ingenuity, our community care, and our commitment to change. 

In the spirit of this, and uplifting my QTAPI identity, community, and my AAPI Queer Joy coalition partners. I want to formally invite you (yes, you, the reader) to our coalition’s 3^rd Jade Jubilee, a celebration of our state’s beautifully diverse QTAPI community. My partners are fierce, creative, loud, and brave, and we’re here with our 2026 bill priorities, fighting for our LGBTQ+ community’s future. Our Jade Jubilee will be hosted on June 10, at Cafeteria 15L in Sacramento at 5:30 PM. It’s a FREE event, and there will be free food and non-alcoholic beverages. We’ll be honoring Assemblymember Chris Ward, the Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus, and Shai Chang, co-founder of Queer Hmong Intersectional Pride in Fresno, and there will be performances from two QTAPI and some of Sacramento’s best drag queens, PrincessB and LOTUS. 

At the beginning of this article, I mentioned that I was feeling exhausted. But I’m also excited and looking forward to so many things while leading this LGBTQ+ portfolio. I feel honored to do this work, to work with my community partners, and see them and connect with them in person and at their events. In so many ways, it can feel lonely, especially as I do this work with only one other openly queer person on my team. With my community partners, I feel seen, understood, comforted, and strong. I feel blessed to be able to learn from them. As small as our community may be in relation to the state’s population, it doesn’t mean we have to do it alone, either as AAPI or LGBTQ+.

This pride season, I remind the community to engage even with how scary and daunting it feels, to remember that pride is for everyone and that inclusivity is a choice, and we should always ensure that we are listening to everyone in our beautifully diverse LGBTQ+ community – and not just during the month, but throughout the year as we build our movements.

By Jeffrey Deguia, LA Regional Policy Advocate at Asian Americans Advancing Justice SoCal

“What should I wear to Pride?” As June approaches, this question is filling search engines, Reddit forums, gay blogs, and TikTok reels. Gay clothes have become such an integral part of Pride Month, so much so that the annual blast of rainbow logos and “Love is Love” campaigns is hard to miss. 

This year, LA Pride is anticipating over 100,000 attendees, and 5,000 of those participating are estimated to be marchers. From vendors to celebrities to allies, walking down Hollywood Boulevard means being seen by thousands of bystanders, making it all the more exciting but also stressful. This brings us back to square one: what pride outfits will you be wearing this year? 

Gay fashion is a diverse representation of the LGBTQIA+ community itself, complex and intensely personal. Finding pieces that speak the same language requires looking beyond the mainstream, which is why we turned to Differio, a trendy online destination known for challenging the typical, one-size-fits-all menswear mold. From gay clothes to rave outfits to gala statements, the brand offers event-driven men’s clothing styles perfect for year-round parties, dinners, concerts, holidays, and beyond. 

Scroll on to discover Differio’s style guide on how to take your pride parade outfits from standard to standout. 

Parade Outfit Basics: What to Know Before You March 

Any experienced parade-goer will tell you there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the march. Personal style is important, but never at the expense of comfort. Before you start building your look, keep these tips in mind to make sure your pride outfit works as hard as you do on parade day. 

Safety First: Check the parade’s official website for its list of prohibited items, so you know what you can and can’t bring. 

Prep Your Feet: The LA Pride march is roughly 1.5 miles, so comfortable shoes are a must. If you’re ordering new shoes, give yourself enough time to buy them in advance so you know they fit properly for parade day. 

Weatherproof Your Fit: Choose gay apparel with June’s forecast in mind. Keep yourself cool with summer-friendly items, like hats, bandanas, headbands, sweatbands, sunglasses, and hand fans. 

Stay Hands-Free: Bring a small bag to keep essentials on you, like your ID and phone. You can also look for gay clothes with functional details, like cargo pockets and keyrings.

Dress Light: Don’t let heavy items slow you down. Consider lightweight, walking-friendly styles like micro shorts, cotton tops, and activewear leggings. 

Top Pride Outfit Ideas for Mainstage Marchers 

Marching in the parade? Your outfit might be begging for something more exciting than your average graphic tee. Check out these pride outfit ideas to help you style a look that’s more expressive and elevated this year. 

The Unexpected Pride Outfit: Reimagining the Rainbow 

Pride outfits might feel incomplete without a rainbow, but don’t feel boxed in by rigid stripes either. You can still rep the iconic pride flag colors with unexpected treatments. 

As an alternative to the traditional rainbow, try gay clothes in iridescent or holographic tones for futuristic, multicolored shine. For something softer, look for an ombré rainbow that’ll lend more of a gradient, high-fashion effect. Tie-dye gay clothing is also a great way to play around with rainbow shades while paying tribute to Pride’s beginnings in the late 60s. 

The Squad Pride Outfit: Coordinate for Impact 

Celebrating with your friends? They say there’s power in numbers, and this definitely applies to gay clothes. 

Make the most of your group’s size by dressing as your favorite queer pop culture icons, like The Golden Girls or The Village People. You can rep the pride flag by having each person wear a different color or play off of each person’s unique identity. Don’t forget, you can always enhance the look with face paint, body glitter, and other makeup items for added impact. 

The Kinetic Pride Outfit: Find Movement 

Ever find yourself drawn to all the streamers and flags at the parade? We’re wired to prioritize moving shapes over static objects (like the way inflatable tube men catch our attention). The same kinetic concept can work with gay outfits. 

Simply look for any garment or fabric that naturally sways with the wind or movement. Try gay clothes in airy, loose styles, like fringe pants, tassel earrings, pride capes, or rainbow kilts. You’ll also want to avoid skintight clothing if you want to maximize this motion effect. 

The Altitude Pride Outfit: Create Height 

Height is something you might not think about, but it’s a great way for your gay clothes to be seen from all angles, even spectators beyond the barricades. Plus, it’s right in line with LA Pride’s theme this year: Rise with Pride!

Start from the ground up with platform shoes, such as platform boots or chunky sneakers, to add a few inches to your height. You can layer more height with towering headpieces, such as flower crowns, spiked hats, feather headdresses, and similar items. 

The Hybrid Pride Outfit: Wear It on Repeat 

On a budget? Don’t limit yourself to wearing your gay clothes only once a year. When you dress with intention, pride outfits can be recycled for post-parade events, such as after parties, concerts, raves, pool parties, and much more. 

As long as you find pieces that can be worn for more than one occasion, you’re on the right track. For example, harnesses are a win-win because they can be styled as lingerie staples, nightlife tops, or even fashion-forward accessories. You can also look for garments labeled as “2-in-1” or “hybrid” for more styling options.

WeHo Pride is now fully underway with an arts festival happening now, leading up to a weekend-long worth of events celebrating the kick-off of Pride season. 

On Friday, May 31, the Women’s Freedom Festival will take over the Celebration Stage, celebrating women’s rights — and wrongs. The event is co-sponsored and produced by the L-Project, featuring emerging and local artists from the LGBTQ and QTBIPOC identities, including activists, musicians, poets and comedians. 

The exciting lineup of events features an arts festival that is currently hitting the streets of West Hollywood, the historic Dyke March featuring Dykes on Bikes and Pride Riders L.A. — an organization for queer and lesbian women motorcycle riders — and much, much more. 

Katrina Vinson is the founder of Pride Riders L.A., working hard over the last few years to bring much-needed visibility to dykes, women who love women and nonbinary people who identify as sapphics. 

Her application to start the first Dykes on Bikes Los Angeles chapter is about more than branding. It’s about connection to a legacy of activism — dating back to the group’s 1976 founding in San Francisco, when leather-clad lesbians led the Pride parade in defiance of the police force and society’s patriarchal norms.

“It’s not just about riding,” Vinson says. “It’s about showing up for each other and reminding the world that we’re still here, still loud, still proud — and still riding.”

Pride Riders LA will feature an all-women and nonbinary people lineup of motorcycle bike riders, revving their engines all up and down West Hollywood. Pride Riders LA will roll in following the Women’s Freedom Festival, creating a transition from stage to street. The call for riders is already underway—with an emphasis on inclusivity and outreach to younger riders, trans and nonbinary folks, and LGBTQ+ bikers of color.

Jackie Steele is a multi-faceted community organizer and longtime activist who has built a reputation in queer and sapphic spaces. She is the Los Angeles District Attorney LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Chair, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Member, and was previously the Public Safety Commissioner for the City of West Hollywood, Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board of the City of West Hollywood and a self-proclaimed militant queer.

“Chris Baldwin runs the L-project and what they’ve put together is a concert and an event that is a true celebration of intersectional queer identities,” said Jackie Steele. “We worked really hard to work with the city to create a space that was accessible for everybody, where folks can just come out, enjoy the street fair and enjoy themselves.” 

This year, they are expecting around 50 bikes to roll through for the Dyke March, so if you’ve never been, this will be a moment to remember, some might even call it a canon event. 

“If you’ve never been, Dyke March is a celebration of dykes and what lesbians have done in the community — which is often under-celebrated,” said Steele. “There’s going to be bikes everywhere, engines roaring, a live program on stage and we will be fists in the air, standing together.” 

WeHo Pride will take over Santa Monica Blvd., over the weekend. Check the West Hollywood Pride events page to keep up with street closures, parking information and full lineup of performers and events.

By John Erickson, City of West Hollywood

Every June, rainbow flags rise above Santa Monica Boulevard and all across West Hollywood.  Music pulses from our parks and the city becomes a beacon for millions who come to celebrate LGBTQ Pride. But for those of us who live here, serve here and fight here, Pride is never just a party. It’s a political act — and an act of protest that reminds us how far we’ve come and that we must not stop fighting for the future we deserve.

West Hollywood wasn’t built on complacency. It was built with the mission of serving a greater purpose by activists, trailblazers, and everyday people who refused to be silent. In West Hollywood, we fought for safe housing for people with HIV and AIDS in the 80s and 90s — a fight we continue to this day. We marched in the streets for marriage equality and trans rights long before the national conversation caught up with us. We organized, advocated, and showed up — even when it was dangerous.

That’s what Pride means here and in 2025, as we confront the legacy of a second Trump administration and brace for what may come next, our fight is far from over.

We Must Protect What We’ve Won and Push Harder Than Ever

Let’s be clear: the Trump administration is leaving deep scars on our community. Every day, I hear from residents fearful of so many things, from rolling back healthcare protections for trans people and the proposed ban on transgender troops; to “religious freedom” laws that allow discrimination under the guise of faith — moves that are direct attacks on our rights, our dignity and our lives.

We cannot afford to be passive; we must not look away.  The rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country — from drag bans to book bans — is a coordinated backlash against our visibility and progress. And while Los Angeles County may feel like a haven, we must have a responsibility to lead by example. Pride in West Hollywood isn’t just about celebration — it’s about organizing. It’s about raising our voices in solidarity with our siblings in states like Florida, Texas and Tennessee who are facing existential threats.  Just a few weeks ago, I was out in the community enjoying a wonderful evening and met a person from Florida.  We began speaking and they said that they extended their stay for an extra evening because they didn’t want to go back to hiding their true identity in the state they were from.  

The Fight for Trans Rights Is the Fight for Our Future

This leads us to one of the most urgent fronts in this fight: protecting our trans community. Statistics show trans women of color continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination. Black and Latinx trans people experience higher rates of homelessness, unemployment and police harassment. If we’re serious about equality, we must center trans lives in our activism and policymaking.  Across L.A. County, we must demand that every city follow suit.

HIV/AIDS: The Fight Is Not Over

While medical advances like HIV prevention medication (PrEP) and undetectable equals un-transmittable (U=U), have changed the landscape of HIV prevention, the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. This is especially true for communities of color and LGBTQ youth. Nationally, Black gay and bisexual men account for nearly one in four new HIV diagnoses and young people between the ages of 13 and 24 account for over 20% of new infections. These drastic cuts in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment funding at both the federal, state, and county levels are disastrous for our communities.  

In West Hollywood, we have never wavered in our commitment to ending the epidemic and we won’t stop now. From free testing to access to treatment, we must continue to invest in the tools and care our community needs.

LGBTQ Youth Deserve More Than Survival

LGBTQ youth today are growing up in a nation that sends them mixed signals: celebration during Pride month, but censorship in their classrooms, validation on TikTok, but violence in their neighborhoods. We cannot let them down.

According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 41% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. Among transgender and nonbinary youth, that number climbs even higher. These numbers aren’t just statistics — they’re a call to action, and in West Hollywood, we answered that call.

This coming budget season, we’re investing in mental health resources, funding youth-led organizations, and creating safe, affirming spaces in our city, and we’re pushing for more across LA County. Because every queer kid deserves a future — not just to survive, but to thrive.

Pride Is a Promise

Pride is not a luxury. It’s not a brand. It’s a promise: to protect each other, to show up for the most vulnerable among us, and to never forget those who came before us. Together, we must fight for the existence, dignity, and respect of our entire community — for the queer kids back in Ripon, Wisconsin, where I come from and for the friends and family that we all know across the country.  

In West Hollywood, we honor that promise every day, not just in June. We’re proud to stand on the frontlines of justice, love, and liberation. And we invite every Angeleno to stand with us.

Because Pride didn’t start as a parade — it started as a riot and we’re not done fighting.

Happy Pride Month, all. Let’s celebrate now, more than ever. 

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Council President Pro Tem Marqueece Harris Dawson, Councilmember Heather Hutt, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Lindsey Horvath, South LA Pride Board Chair Jasmyne Cannick, and hundreds of people came out to celebrate the intersectionality in the LGBTQ+ community at South LA Pride Sat. Jul 15 at the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex. 

This year’s South LA Pride theme – #WeOutside – embodied the celebration of being outside and visible while standing proudly together in South Los Angeles.

Presented by South Los Angeles Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Heather Hutt, and Curren Price, the epic free one-day festival centered on the talents of artists who are queer Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in South Los Angeles.

The 2023 South LA Pride Festival was sponsored in part by Community Coalition, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, the LGBT Center, Gilead, Los Angeles Chargers, and KPFK 90.7FM.

Additional details about South LA Pride are on social media. Follow the hashtag #SouthLAPride on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram, or visit southlapride.com for the latest updates.

Photo Gallery:

LOS ANGELES –South LA Pride announced today that following his sold-out tour and viral NPR Tiny Desk Concert, Durand Bernarr will headline the 5th annual event on JULY 15 at the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex (formerly Rancho Cienega Park) in Baldwin Hills. 

The epic FREE one-day festival lineup for South LA Pride will once again center the talents of artists who are queer Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and/or are from South Los Angeles including drag performances by Amber Crane, Sole Valentino, and Porshaa Lejayy.  Additional performances include Ginger Roots, Devan M, the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Lost Angeles, Yalla the Melodica, disco queen Kiki Kyte, rappers Freaky Boiz, and more. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the stage and dance floors open at noon. A full lineup can be found here.

In addition to the main stage, other activations include a ballroom voguing competition with Season 1 winner of HBO MAX’s “Legendary” Torie Amour Bodega, a softball game hosted by the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association, yoga with WalkGoodLA at 11 a.m., a meet and greet with the LA Legends Women’s Tackle Football team, and an outdoor dance floor with various DJs mixing throughout the day.

This year’s emcees include journalist Shar Jossell and content creator and comedian Jade Fox.

Presented by South Los Angeles Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Heather Hutt, and Curren Price, South LA Pride is a family-friendly event that is free and open to all to attend. There will be food trucks, a vendor village marketplace, live DJs, games, and more.  Attendees are welcome to bring their food and drinks or can opt to purchase food and drinks from the onsite food vendors.

“I am honored to support the LGBTQIA+ community at the 5th Annual South LA Pride Celebration,” remarked Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. “While love knows no boundaries, it is crucial to confront the harsh reality of unjust laws that infringe upon human rights. I stand united with my colleagues and our city in our dedication to champion freedom for everyone.”

This year’s honorees include:

• Garth Gerald, Executive Director of the AMAAD Institute
• Liliana Perez, Cultural Affairs Director for the Los Angeles Chargers; and 
• Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

“South LA Pride is a powerful experience that amplifies the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in South L.A., while also celebrating its diversity, resilience, and strength,” said Councilmember Heather Hutt. “It’s important that LGBTQ+ individuals in our community feel a sense of belonging and love from their constituents and their City, and this gathering is a testament to that commitment. Join us as we create a safe space where everyone can proudly express their authentic selves, and together, we’ll ignite change, foster peace, and promote acceptance of all!” 

South LA Pride Chair and Director Jasmyne Cannick added, “South LA Pride is a celebration that recognizes and embraces the intersectional identities that exist within our communities. The queer community is not a monolith and we don’t all live in West Hollywood. Celebrating pride means celebrating all of who we are, where we are.  We don’t have to–and we won’t–leave our community to celebrate pride.”

The 2023 South LA Pride Festival is sponsored in part by Community Coalition, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, the LGBT Center, Gilead, Los Angeles Chargers and KPFK 90.7FM.

Additional details about South LA Pride will be made available on social media. Follow the hashtag #SouthLAPride on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram, or visit southlapride.com for the latest updates.

WHAT:

5th Annual South LA Pride

A free, family-friendly LGBTQ+ pride festival in South Los Angeles hosted by Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Heather Hutt, and Curren Price.

WHEN:

Saturday, July 15, 2023

12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE:

Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex

5001 Obama Blvd.

Los Angeles 90016

COST:

Free 

Attendees are encouraged to pack their picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs.

MORE INFORMATION:

Southlapride.com

Hashtag to follow #SouthLAPride

Related: