#JUSTUNITE & COME TOGETHER
~ by joel martens ~
There’s a lot of talk about the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots this year, what a unifying moment it was when queer people fought back, and what it means to the LGBTQ community. New York is often made the epicenter of the gay rights movement and for certain, it can lay claim to one of the LGBTQ community’s most important watershed moments.
The truth, however, is there are many others that predate Stonewall. California is the locale for many of the earliest stands against harassment, attacks and home to the attenuating activism that followed. In 1955, The Daughters of Bilitis was founded in San Francisco by activist couple Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon and pickets were organized in front of that same city’s Grace Cathedral in support of a gay clergyman in 1965. The ‘66 Compton Café demonstrations and subsequent violent riots against police harassment, was fought by hustlers and transgender women who shattered the cafeteria’s windows, burned a newsstand and destroyed a patrol car. Tower Records was picketed for several weeks in ’69 by the Committee for Homosexual Freedom, after the firing of an employee for being gay, all of which pre-date Stonewall.
Los Angeles was also a hotbed for LGBTQ activism as early as 1951, when the first national gay rights organization, the Mattachine Society, was formed by Harry Hay and others. In 1959 transgender women (again leading the pack), drag queens, lesbians, and gay men clashed with police at Cooper Do-nuts, pelting them with doughnuts and coffee cups. In ’67, the now famous (and reopened) Black Cat Tavern was raided on New Year’s Eve along with another bar, New Faces resulting in violent protests. Weeks later a demonstration was organized, again in front of the Black Cat, by the owner of L.A.’s gay bar Pandora’s Box, done in coordination with hippies and other counterculture groups who had been targeted by police.
A movement is never done in response to one event. Typically, there is a long history of harassment and victimization that finally pushes a group to rise up, unite and fight back. The LGBTQ community is a shining example of people once silenced and relegated to the edges of society, who found our voices and stepped out of the shadows. We’ve not stopped fighting ever since those first stirrings, and today we have a long history of successes to celebrate. L.A. Pride’s theme this year, #JustUnite, is a perfect emblem to gather behind as we move into the month of May, with much to look forward to during the week-long event.
As organizers say, “Pride will always be a personal celebration of free-expression. Nothing will ever change that. However, why not channel all of that individual energy to build up our community even more? Being together, celebrating one another and supporting each other. That’s what Pride is all about. It’s time to set aside our differences and celebrate what truly unites us. It’s time to stop working against each other and, instead, start working with each other to make our community stronger and more resilient than ever before.”
HERE’S A LITTLE OF WHAT THAT UNITY LOOKS LIKE:
L.A. PRIDE FESTIVAL
Saturday and Sunday, June 8 & 9
West Hollywood Park
Main Stage:
Grammy Award-winning global superstar Meghan Trainor and British electronic pop trio Years & Years are set to headline for 2019, along with English singer, songwriter, record producer and Grammy-nominee, MNEK.
Trainor first made history in 2014 with her diamond-certified smash single “All About That Bass.” Through a love letter published in 2018’s Billboard, Trainor said, “To the entire LGBTQ+ community, I love you with all of my heart, I appreciate you endlessly and I support you with all that I have and believe in. I am there for you as you have been for me.”
Once-in-a-generation frontman, Years & Years singer Olly Alexander has emerged as one of the most culturally-important new voices today. His inspiring open-mindedness and brave, unwavering support has helped start important discussions around mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. Years & Years continues to push boundaries by challenging notions of identity and sexuality new to pop music.
Plaza Stage:
Regardless of genre, this year’s performers come together to embrace this year’s theme, #JustUNITE: Look also for Grammy Award-winner Ashanti, plus Amara La Negra, Dej Loaf, Greyson Chance, Pabllo Vittar and Ah-Mer-Ah-Su with more to be announced.
In addition to the on-stage performances across its festival stages, the L.A. Pride Festival will host the Trans Galeria (formerly, Trans Station), Erotic City (Leather/S&M), and Sizzle (alcohol- and substance-free) for 2019. There will also be a variety of local vendors, non-profit organizations, and companies exhibiting.
OTHER OFFICIAL L.A. PRIDE EVENTS:
Opening Ceremony
Friday, June 7
West Hollywood Park
This free evening will feature an official opening ceremony that includes a diverse mix of community, spiritual leaders and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community. There will also be lots of entertainment, including a WeHo Vogue Ball & Drag Show, a night of dancing with music from local DJs and special surprise guests.
EMMY and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Paula Abdul will headline the 2019 L.A. Pride Festival Opening Ceremony with a special outdoor performance. As a trusted ally to the LGBTQ community, the iconic pop star is proud to show her support for her LGBTQ fans with an unforgettable 60-minute performance in West Hollywood Park as part of the free Friday night festivities.
“I am so happy to be a part of this year’s L.A. Pride Festival and to celebrate this year’s theme, #JUSTUNITE,” said Paula Abdul. “Throughout the course of my career, the LGBTQ community has stood behind me, and I’m honored to now have the opportunity to show my support and gratitude by performing at this year’s Opening Ceremony. I’m hoping the night will be a chance for all generations of the community to come together to celebrate one another and the work that has been done.”
Pride on the Boulevard
Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9
West Hollywood Park Santa Monica Boulevard between San Vicente and Robertson Boulevards
lapride.org For the first time, the L.A. Pride Festival will expand with a free block party allowing attendees to gather and watch local performers on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a new Friday night program on June 7, which has been added to the festival. Performers include: Madyx, Chris Jacobx Kaleena Zanders and Lady Londyn
L.A. Pride Parade
Sunday, June 9
lapride.org/event/2019-la-pride-parade
West Hollywood’s Santa Monica Boulevard between Fairfax and Doheny.
Grand Marshals TBA
OTHER L.A. PRIDE WEEKEND FESTIVITIES:
One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival
Wednesday, May 22 through Sunday, June 30
Follow @WeHoArts or go to weho.org/pride
The City of West Hollywood’s LGBTQ Arts Festival celebrating the LGBTQ community through arts themed “Love is Love,” consists of art events and exhibits—mostly free!
7th Annual LGBT Night at the L.A. Dodgers
Friday, May 31
Dodgers Stadium Right Field Plaza Bar
1000 Elysian Park Avenue
lapride.org/event/dodgers-2019
This special event package includes a ticket to the game plus an exclusive rainbow-themed duffle bag.
3rd Annual L.A. Pride Night Universal Studios Hollywood
Saturday, June 1
lapride.org/event/universal-2019
100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City
FEM(ME): The Official L.A. Pride Women’s Party
Sunday, June 2
Palihouse, 8465 Holloway Drive
lapride.org/event/femme-party-2019
Special guests, live performances and DJ’s, a documentary screening, comedy show, and so much more.
