Pride Month is here, and there are so many ways to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. If you are not a member of the community, but are wondering how you can show your support, we’ve got you covered. One of my favorite ways to support LGBTQ+ is by shopping at queer-owned businesses, but support can be as simple as attending a Pride parade as an ally.
Visit the Made with Pride Marketplace
On every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June, Santa Monica Place will showcase more than 20 LGBTQIA+ business owners, highlighting their stories, unique products and services. On June 2, a ribbon-cutting ceremony launched the Made with PRIDE Marketplace. The Made with PRIDE Market place is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is a great way to support small businesses and support the community beyond Pride Month.
Attend Youth Pride Prom
Looking for something fun and exciting for your tween or teen to celebrate pride? On June 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Los Angeles LGBTQ Center is throwing a throwback ‘70s-themed prom night. The event is free with RSVP. The prom will include dinner, dancing, a photo booth, prizes and more. This is a could be a fun event for your child to make new friends while celebrating Pride.
Rainbow Family Storytime
On June 6, the Santa Monica Library is hosting Rainbow Family Storytime. Visit the main library to celebrate Pride with a storytime for kids ages 3 and up. This is an all-inclusive storytime for LGBTQIA+ and ally families.
Pride at the Park
Because Pride is all month long, there is an activity to do every weekend. This year, L.A. County Parks is hosting its first Pride Month celebration across all its departments. Through the month of June, 56 parks are partnering with LBGTQ+ based organizations to celebrate inclusivity in a park and recreational setting. Each park will host different activities ranging from picnics, concerts and sports to dancing.
Drag Queen Storytime
The best part of Pride being in June is celebrating in the Southern California sun (as soon as these June Gloom skies clear!). What better way to celebrate than Drag Queen Storytime at SaMO Beach House? Drag Queen Storytime is on June 16 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. SaMo Pride at the Beach House is also having a Sunset Swim on June 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Attend a Pride Parade
It can be overwhelming when deciding which Pride parade may be appropriate to attend with the whole family. Luckily, a majority of the parades are geared for all ages, so the entire family can celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. On June 3, starting at 12 p.m. is Weho Pride, which is full of free events and activities for the whole family. LA Pride’s 53rd Annual Pride Parade takes place June 11 at 11 a.m. Both parades are free and open to the public.
Disney Pride in Concert
In celebration of Pride, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will reimagine the Disney songs that we all know and love. Disney Pride in Concert is a two-time event taking place on June 24 and 25 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles. Guests are welcome to attend in Disney gear and costumes. The event will consist of 200 singers, a 25-piece orchestra and stunning visual projections.
Celebrate Pride with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is celebrating Pride all month long. The Academy Museum is hosting free, drop-in tours led by drag queens. These tours will celebrate pride and explore the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to the tours, the museum will host Drag 101 workshops for teens with Queen Pickle.
Celebrate with Music
Looking for somewhere to go dancing while celebrating Pride? Every Saturday, you can celebrate with DJ OHLA from 1 pm. to 3 p.m. 8000 Sunset Strip welcomes the community to a free live musical performance where DJ OHLA will play upbeat, fun music to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Make sure to check out the rainbow staircases and wrapped elevators — a perfect photo op.
Pride in Pasadena
Pasadena is celebrating Pride all month long by promoting its beloved queer-owned businesses. Indulge in the diverse culinary lineup that Pasadena offers. Check out LGBT-owned businesses such as Union, U Street Pizza, Yuca’s Pasadena and Fat Boys Food Truck. After grabbing a bite to eat, go for a haunting adventure at the LGBTQ-owned Bunker Experience escape room.
