4 minute read
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
LONG BEACH PRIDE
SETTING A NEW STANDARD
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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.”
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
IGGY AZALEA
LONG BEACH PRIDE’S “FANCY”HEADLINER
What made you decide to pursue a career in entertainment?
It was never a conscious choice. I’ve always been drawn to entertaining people and artistry of all kinds — since I was very little! I viewed it simply as doing what brought me happiness . . . somehow it turned into a pretty great career.
For those who may not know, how would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe the music I make as rap!
Tell us about your favorite performance in your career.
I genuinely don’t have a favorite. I just want to not fall over on stage! As long as that doesn’t happen it was a great show!
What has been your greatest musical achievement?
Probably being nominated at the Grammys or having a No. 1 song.
What are you looking forward to most at your Long Beach Pride appearance?
I’m looking forward to Long Beach Pride a lot because it’s very close to where I live and it’s one of those rare occasions, I can bring my friends along to watch the show. I rarely get to do that and I’m excited to not just do the concert but enjoy pride with friends.
Can you give us a sneak peek (what to expect) for your performance at Long Beach Pride?
Probably some amazing wigs and even better dancers on stage with me. The girls in my show really kill it!
Why are your LGBTQ fans important to you?
The LGBTQ community has always supported me, defended me and even at times educated me. Not just in my career, but as a person and I’m extremely grateful for that. I owe the community a lot and I’m genuinely honored every time I’m invited to be a part of Pride.
