May 14, 2016
Long Beach Pride
Joel Martens READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Established in 1983, the first Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival and Parade took place in June of 1984. Long Beach was known to have a large LGBT population, so the idea was as is the case for most Pride celebrations, to unite the community, foster communication and understanding, as well as creating a sense of solidarity and strength.
Over the past several years, Long Beach's festival and parade has grown to become the third largest in the nation, attracting over 80,000 participants during the two-day celebration. More than 200 marching groups and floats comprise the parade entries representing various religious, human service, governmental and social organizations. Furthering the concepts of visibility, cooperation, mutual respect and understanding within the LGBT community and Long Beach as a whole.
Each year in celebration of diversity and solidarity, members are chosen as representative collaborators and supporters of the community. This year is no exception with the Parade Grand Marshal mantle being awarded to Grammy Award-winning singer Thelma Houston, and Special Recognition Grand Marshal to actor and advocate Wendell James.
Known for her Grammy winning hit "Don't Leave Me This Way," Houston is a long time friend to the LGBT community. "We have been supporting each other for so long that I consider the LGBT community my family and I love that fact that I can continue to give back," said Houston.
As a part of their ongoing theme for 2016, Pride Through Solidarity, Long Beach Pride has taken the initiative to recognize organizations, instead of individuals, who serve the LGBTQ community and bring forth the solidarity that has made us such a strong force. This year's winners include: The Morris Kight Political Grand Marshal for the Human Rights Campaign, the Marilyn Barlow Community Grand Marshal to The International Imperial Court of Long Beach, the winner of the Bob Crow Community Grand Marshal is The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, the Judith Doyle Community Grand Marshal goes to Bienestar Long Beach, the Whitey Littlefield Community Bridge Building Award to Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and the mayor's selection for the Dr. Robert Garcia Youth Grand Marshal Award, goes to activist, Ravanna Cantrall.
The annual Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, May 22. Start time is at 10:30 a.m., running along scenic Ocean Bou- levard, beginning at Lindero Avenue. In a special tribute to how far we have come as a community, Long Beach Pride is celebrating love for 2016 by having a Mass Wedding Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. just before the parade begins. But, make sure you obtain your marriage license beforehand! For the"how to" steps, click the wedding ceremony tab at longbeachpride.org.
PRIDE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Saturday, May 21
MAIN STAGE
HOSTED BY DELTA WORK
Headliner- TBA
DJ Tish- 2 to 10 p.m.
Santos de Los Angeles - 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Sexual DeViants - 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Ido Politi - 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Kevin Dekimpe - 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Wasi - 8 to 8:30 p.m.
COUNTRY STAGE
DJ Michael Moves - 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Kickers Cloggers -- 2 to 2:30 p.m.
DJ Rosa- 4:30 to 10 p.m.
DANCE STAGE DJs
Jack Pharoah Femme A
D. Painter VanillaChilla Goodboy Footy
MizzJo
Dacapo
FIESTA CALIENTA STAGE
Headliner Elvis Crespo - 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.
DJs: Lady Phizz, DJ Eksel, DJ Rubin
Danza Azteca Grupo Cuahtle - 1 to 1:30 p.m.
Barby Comedia - 2 to 2:30
Paquita - 3:15 to 3:30 p.m.
Amy Y Su Sonora - 4:15 to 5 p.m.
Ana Carla Sinclair - 5:45 to 6:15 p.m.
Show Celia Cruz - 7:30 to 7: 45 p.m.
URBAN SOUL STAGE
DJs: DeeJay Spinn, Ronnie D Ron, Lady Cultura,
DeeJay Key Key, Kalypxo & Hym, Dee Jay Boom,
MAIN STAGE SUNDAY
Sunday, May 22
MAIN STAGE
HOST EMCEE: ADAM BARTA
Headliner: Tyler Glenn
and Neon Trees-9 to 9:45 p.m.
DJ Mike Bryant- 12 to 4:30 p.m.
Cheer L.A.-3 to 3:30 p.m.
Trans Chorus L.A. - 4 to 4:30p.m.
New Season- 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Ricky Rebel-6 to 6:30 p.m.
Alexx Mack-7 to 7:30 p.m.
Corday-8 to 8:30 p.m.
OTHER LONG BEACH PRIDE FUN & FESTIVITIES
MR, MISS & MS LONG PRIDE GAY PRIDE INDUCTION
Find out which contestants take the crowns at the Long Beach Imperial Court's annual Long Beach Pride kickoff celebration and fundraiser held on Saturday, May 14 at Hamburger Mary's. Festivities start at 4 p.m. and also include special guest entertainment and raffles. longbeachimperialcourt.org
THE PINK PARTY
On Friday, May 20 the Pink Party will take over WE Labs at the Packard for an indoor/outdoor event experience featuring live music from Jesse Montana, James Kennedy, LaLa, Faith (all from Vanderpump Rules), Marie Parie, DJ Les Ortiz and more. The event will also feature themed food truck offerings, an eyelash extension station, body painting, pink cotton candy, pink cake pops and more. Pink Party ticket holders will receive free admission to Hamburger Mary's where the party will continue until close. Pink Party is an annual celebration and fundraiser for The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, supporting its various community programs.
PLAY AT MAYA
Make a splash during Long Beach Pride at LGB2Network's Play@ Maya.6 Pride Weekend Pool Party on Saturday, May 21. Soak up some sun and enjoy one of Long Beach's best views from the beautiful waterfront pool at Hotel Maya. Featured entertainment by superstar DJs, Ryan Kenney, George Figares and Tony Mazza as well as a performance by house music diva Pepper MaShay.
MENALIVE PRESENTS: WE ARE FAMILY
Enjoy a command performance of the Orange County Gay Men's Chorus inspirational spring concert, We Are Family, at this special Long Beach Pride event being pre- sented by First Congregational Church of Long Beach on Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. First Congregational, located at 241 Cedar Avenue, is an Open and Affirming Church, welcoming into its membership, employment and leadership, persons of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender orientation.
OVERBOARD
All aboard the majestic Queen Mary on Saturday, May 21 for one of Long Beach Pride weekend's hottest dance parties. Featuring Andrew Christian models, favorite groove-producer DJ Drew G, Househead DJ Shane Stiel, and Las Vegas based DJ Pornstar...This is one party that's
definitely going to be on the radar. Midnight fashion show and giveaways by Andrew Christian underwear.
PRIDE RUN
The annual Pre-Pride Parade run hosted by the Shoreline Frontrunners of Long Beach returns Sunday, May 22. The 5K run/walk and 10K run kicks off a full day of Pride fun and festivities at 8 a.m. at Junipero and Ocean Boulevards. Pre-race Registration ends May 20 at midnight.
For general information about the parade, festival and other "official pride events," call 562.987.9191 or go to longbeachpride.com
