Although NYC’s Stonewall Inn still stands as a hub for the LGBT community, the place where the LGBT liberation movement and Pride Month were sparked, LGBT Pride Month has become a celebration that reaches all parts of the U.S. and beyond.
The Los Angeles Pride Parade kicked off Sunday in West Hollywood with thousands marching in the streets in support of the LGBT community. There were approximately 400,000 spectators and marchers who participated in the annual event. The marching started at 11am at Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Boulevard. The march continued along Santa Monica to Robertson Boulevard and ended around 2pm with traffic opening shortly thereafter.
Mayor Eric Garcetti, LA Police Department Chief Charlie Beck, LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Rep. Ted Lieu and Magic Mike stars Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer and Adam Rodriguez were among the participants in the parade. At noon the parade held its traditional moment of silence to “remember those who are no longer with us, or cannot be here today, to celebrate those who fought for pride and the freedoms we now enjoy and to think of those who cannot celebrate pride and remain oppressed,” according to the organizers.
Several performers were also on hand to celebrate, including Maceo Paisley, Sean Van Der Wilt, Luciana, Dina Nina Martinez, Becky G, Peter Paige, Ty Herndon, Eden XO, Fifth Harmony and Who is Fancy. One of the parade’s grand marshals, Zooey Luna, a 13-year-old transgender girl from Downey, said that meeting Channing Tatum of “Magic Mike” was a highlight of her day. “He told me I was beautiful just the way I am, and everyone cheered me on. I am very happy to be representing the future of Pride,” she said.
The parade has been held every year since 1970 except in 1973 when infighting over crude displays the previous two years left organizers in disarray. The parade also was held in Hollywood until 1979 when it moved to West Hollywood.
Featured Image: paniko.cl via Flickr CC.