Thousands flocked to West Hollywood this weekend to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots at the annual LA Pride Festival and Parade. The festival kicked off on Friday, June 7th with a performance by Paula Abdul. Every year the celebration takes over WeHo’s iconic corner on Santa Monica Boulevard and Robertson Boulevard and transforms into one of the biggest LGBTQ+ pride parties in the world. With world renowned bars like The Abbey, Hamburger Mary’s, Rage, and Micky’s WeHo, LA Pride is a party that is fully charged, no matter where you turn.
This year, LA Pride featured stand out performances by Meghan Trainor, Years & Years, Ashanti, The Veronicas, Todrick Hall, and Greyson Chance. RuPaul’s Drag Race queens Naomi Smalls, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, and Shangela also turned it out for the crowd on the main stage.
LA Pride is also known for drawing in LGBTQ+ and ally celebrities who make contributions to the festival not only with their presence, but through their financial support. Sundays at LA Pride are also always a highlight as the parade makes its way down Santa Monica. This year’s festival and parade featured Ex-Beverly Hills Housewife Lisa Vanderpump, Laverne Cox, Cheyenne Jackson, Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, Laganja Estranja, Amara La Negra, and more!
This year, thousands visited Los Angeles to also welcome riders in the AIDS/LifeCycle Bicycle Ride that spanned 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Collectively, riders raised over $16 million in 2019, breaking the record for the most funds raised for AIDS/HIV resources since the ride’s inception. For ALC riders and supporters, LA Pride became the final destination after a long week’s journey.
Pride season is also the perfect time for individuals who want to express themselves through fashion, art, and experimentation. From colorful glitter and jockstraps to mermaid tails and butterfly wings, LA Pride visitors came to slay in their Pride wear.
Check out some photos from the 2019 LA Pride Festival and Parade.
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