Wave Staff Report
HOLLYWOOD — A second weekend of Pride activities will be held June 11 and 12 with a daylong concert June 11 at Los Angeles State Historic Park near downtown and a parade in Hollywood June 12.
Christopher Street West, the sponsoring organization, has announced a full talent lineup for LA Pride in the Park.
The complete slate of performers includes Brazilian superstar Anitta, multi-genre singer-songwriter Syd, Grammy-nominated rapper Chika, groundbreaking trans actress and singer Michaela Jaé “MJ” Rodriguez, Rebecca Black, Bob The Drag Queen, Zolita, Alexander Stewart, Edward Frame, Grag Queen, Allison Ponthier and a special four-hour DJ set by A Club Called Rhonda.
“We’re thrilled to have women, the majority of them LGBT artists of color, lead our main stage event to celebrate our return to Pride,” said Gerald Garth, vice president of community programming and initiatives for Christopher Street West. “Los Angeles represents a broad range of cultures, backgrounds and identities. … Bringing influential and diverse artists is a nod to the many different people reflected within our community.”
The LA Pride Parade will take place June 12 in Hollywood, where the first permitted gay parade was held in 1970.
More than 120 parade entries will take part in the parade starting at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Hollywood and Vine. It will proceed west on Hollywood Boulevard to Highland Avenue, south on Highland to Sunset Boulevard and then east on Sunset to Ivar Street.
The parade will be broadcast live by LA Pride’s longtime broadcast partner, ABC7.
All LA Pride events will follow health and safety guidance as outlined by L.A. County health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Hollywood Partnership, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the safety, beautification and economic vitality of the Hollywood Entertainment District, will host a Pride Village, adjacent to the parade route. The free community event will take place on Hollywood Boulevard, between Vine Street and Cahuenga Boulevard.
The all-day street fair will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will welcome patrons to continue their Pride celebrations during and after the iconic parade. The festivities will include two stages for music and performances throughout the day, including various DJs, a performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race All Star winner, Alaska, and more, as well as a Ferris wheel. a pop-up roller skating rink, a beer and bar garden and local vendors.
“The return of the L.A. Pride parade to Hollywood after more than 40 years is a celebration in itself,” said Kathleen Rawson, CEO of the Hollywood Partnership. “This long-beloved event started in Hollywood in 1970 and was the first permitted Gay Pride parade in the world, trailblazing a brighter path for Pride celebrations across the globe.
“We’re pleased to be able to honor this monumental moment with a free community event and are grateful to our sponsors and L.A. Pride for their tremendous support to bring Hollywood Pride Village to life.”
