by brad hart
photo courtesy lucas gordon photography
community spotlight
LONG BEACH PRIDE SETTING A NEW STANDARD
First held in 1984, Long Beach Pride attracts more than 75,000 people during the three-day celebration. This year’s festival, parade and festivities will take place from Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10. The weekend will kick off with a free Teen Pride celebration on Friday, July 8. The waterfront festival featuring musical headliners Iggy Azalea, Natalia Jiménez and Paulina Rubio will offer live music, community programming, sponsor activations, and food and drinks from local eateries. The annual parade will take place on Sunday morning. A Circuit Dance pavilion, powered by the renowned music brand Reload, has been added to this year’s event. Scheduled powerhouse entertainers will include DJ Alexander, DJ Alex Acosta, DJ Kidd Madonny, DJ Nina Flowers and Grammy winning producer DJ Tony Moran. ”This year’s Long Beach Pride will be our biggest and will become the gold standard for Pride festivals across the globe,” said Elsa Martinez, president of Long Beach Pride. “In order for us to tell our story in a way that honors the struggle, celebrates the community, and captivates new generations while showcasing our history, we will engage our audience in a variety of ways. In addition to the stages and musical entertainment, we will be creating activations and attractions that will entertain, educate, and inspire our audience.”
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www.rage.lgbt | JULY 2022
In addition to performances by Azalea, Jiménez and Rubio, the festival stages will also feature Sonora Tropicana, Amoro Prohibido Band (a Selena Tribute Band), Gia Banks (of the hit TV show Legendary) and hip-hop singer and actress YoYo. Activations at this year’s event include: Community Walls — Spaces for reflection and interaction, where guests can write inspirational messages. Many Voices, One Spirit. Drag Make-up — Didn’t come in full face? A drag diva glam squad will give you the business. Step up for a sprinkling of glitter and quick lip pop. Or book a sit-down session and emerge completely transformed. Family Fun Zone — Enjoy a family-friendly area to relax and play alongside interactive activations that celebrate diversity and individuality at all ages. Roller Rink — The centerpiece of attractions will be a fun new feature for the whole family. A rainbow-powered roller rink will celebrate our collective joy! Meet at the rink for a session of self-expression, all set to a pulsing soundtrack of iconic dance anthems through the decades. Senior Fun Zone — Enjoy activities including music, karaoke and bingo.
Silent Disco — Dance to your own beat in this disco DJ dome. Strap on your headset and find your freedom with fellow revelers. We’re here, we’re queer, get down with it. S&M Playground — Leather dominates at this adult fun zone. Kink and body confidence are the order of the day, so strap in for a titillating adventure with one of the most vibrant LGBTQ communities. Artist Walls — Don’t miss the artist walls, spaces for reflection and interaction, designed by local community artists who bring the lived experience to Long Beach Pride in bold, inspiring statements of purpose and promise Transcendence Dome — Celebrate the trans community and the trans women of color who pioneered everything Pride is through protest for survival and human rights. The reason that we have a Pride parade today is thanks to those who came before and fought with their lives. This pop-up museum shares the historical context to our growing movement and highlights the work still to be done. Werkshop Ballroom — Meet at the main stage between musical acts and watch the dance competition get lit. Every category will be fierce. Watch the most awarded houses battle it out on center stage or werk it out in the crowd sessions, showcasing your own special style of sashay on the runway. longbeachpride.com
