L.A. Pride - Four Decades Of Power, Passion and Purpose

Inspiration can be found anywhere, but the motivation to make things happen must come from within. That's how Christopher Street West has become the influential entity it is today. From the days when Reverend Troy Perry would stand up to Edward M. Davis, the chief of police of Los Angeles, and argue the validity of gay rights while requesting a permit to hold the first Pride parade in history...to today's climate of change, LGBT progress is a current whose momentum can never again be restrained.

It wasn't just a vengeance riot that began at the Stonewall Inn in 1969. LGBT society was given a taste of hope. And instead of inciting violence throughout the rest of the country, as our fearful opponents forecasted, a brave few took it upon themselves to honor the defiant spirit of the incident by naming their organization after New York's Christopher Street. Since 1970, Pride has appealed to the better parts of ourselves and derived positivity from a troubled past-inspiring more and more people every year. This year, an estimated 500,000 people are expected to attend-including one internationally known icon on ice who goes by the name Johnny Weir. Serving as the parade's Grand Marshal on Sunday, June 12, Johnny brings his bold style and persevering attitude to rouse the masses with surprising humility. "I never think of myself as an activist in any capacity," admitted Weir, "but I am glad that people can find strength and inspiration in my triumphs and defeats."

Although it is an honor to receive this empowering figure, the seat of Community Grand Marshal will poignantly be vacant-a vivid reminder that while Don't Ask Don't Tell has been repealed on paper, the much-delayed implementation process of it means that LGBT service members are not yet safe. The Community Grand Marshal vehicle will still participate, but act as a traditional "riderless horse."

2011 LA PRIDE HONOREES

The Morris Kight Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose lifetime of work has left a lasting major imprint on the LGBT community. This year, in honor of the uplifting laughs and valiant voice, the recipient is Margaret Cho.

The Person of the Year is that individual who is continually involved in an important undertaking that makes a positive statement for the LGBT community as a whole. Proving that he can do much more than poke fun at rich housewives from various counties, Andy Cohen is this year's honoree.

The George Moscone Award recognizes a non-gay individual who furthers human rights and does not shy away from involvement or speaking out on LGBT issues. Dr. Isabel G�mez-Bassols' work in education and with Bienestar are only a few reasons why she is a shoe-in for this year's award.

The Harvey Milk Award recognizes an individual who gives of themselves well beyond the call of duty. This award is dedicated to the memory of San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk. Firm activism and an ideal vision have earned Suzy Jack this honor.

The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes a youth, between the ages of 14-24, who has volunteered his or her time for the betterment of thier peers in the LGBT community. The recipient of this award is one who has been instrumental in making sure that events, activities, and programs for LGBT youth are diverse, creative, artistic, educational, and productive. GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Network serves as a youth leadership organization that empowers youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools.

The Pat Parker Award recognizes an individual or organization that supports the LGBT spirit through the arts. This award is dedicated to the legacy of Pat Parker, a groundbreaking African American lesbian poet and activist. As Project Director for Impact Stories, Glenne McElhinney earned this award by helping to remember, record and re-tell the history of California's LGBT community.

The Berman/Schaffer Award recognizes an individual or organization within the LGBT community that has made a noticeable and positive impression on the community, inspires self-esteem and builds strategic partnerships. Valerie Spencer has worked for this honor with her work as transgender advocate and educator.

The Sheldon Andelson Award recognizes an individual or business that exemplifies non-discriminatory support (financial and otherwise) to the LGBT community. This award is named for Sheldon Andelson, Bank of Los Angeles founder and one of the founders of the Gay and Lesbian Community Service Center. This year the award goes to Eagle L.A. Tori Osborn is a best-selling author and social activist for the past three decades. Osborn has had featured appearances on Good Morning America, CNN's Crossfire as well as op-ed pieces in the Los Angeles Times and New York Times. The Tori Osborn/Dick Michaels Media Award goes to FRONTIERS MAGAZINE .

And finally, The CSW Special Community Award acknowledges outstanding persons, organizations, businesses, etc., that are indentified as deserving of special recognition for exceptional reasons. Sergeant James "Jimmy" Farrell of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is a perfect example of a community leader.

OFFICIAL EVENTS

Purple Party and Dyke March - Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m. A free community celebration in honor of women. Look forward to live entertainment, Dyke March and a smorgasbord of L.A.'s gourmet food trucks.

Pride Parade

Sunday, June 12 at 11 a.m. running west along Santa Monica Blvd. from Crescent Heights Blvd. to Robertson Blvd. in the City of West Hollywood. Over 400,000 participants make it the largest gathering of the LGBT community in Southern California. Another 5 million home viewers can watch through the live broadcast on Cable Channel 10 in West Hollywood or through web streaming at lapride.org/webcast or throughgay.com.

Silent Celebration

As part of the parade on Sunday, there will be a Silent Celebration at noon where, for one full minute, all are invited to quietly honor those who are no longer with us and to celebrate those who are oppressed and unable to participate.

L.A. Pride Festival begins in Friday, June 10. On Saturday, June 11 the festival resumes noon to midnight and Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in West Hollywood Park and on San Vicente Blvd. between Santa Monica Blvd. and Melrose Ave.-lapride.org