Lina LecaroOur 2023 Pride Guide is here, and clearly one Pride celebration isn’t enough for L.A. Though the circumstances that led to LA Pride and WeHo Pride throwing two different events might have started out somewhat contentiously amid the pandemic and BLM protests, things seem to have settled in the best possible way in 2023. Both big banner gatherings enjoyed their own successful celebrations in 2022, and just last weekend, West Hollywood’s event with JJLA and Outloud (featuring musical headliners Grace Jones, Orville Peck and Carly Rae Jepson, plus the Dyke March, Summertramp and more) drew thousands for three days and nights of activism and revelry. Christopher Street West’s LA Pride dominates moving forward and they’ve got some huge happenings going on all month long.
As other parts of the country seek to deny equal rights to the LGBTQ+ community, it’s become apparent that not only is there room for multiple events in this city, we need them more than ever. Celebrations of identity, love and freedom are a public way to combat hate and political discrimination. (Of course, the most important way to do this is voting the bigots out, so do that too). As we have every year pretty much since it began, LA Weekly highlights the events queer Angelenos and their allies do not want to miss.
Check back here all month long for updates and additions.
Wednesday June 7
The Getty’s 2023 Pride Celebration follows its sold out panel discussion featuring Los Angeles-based photographers Rick Castro, Amina Cruz, and Texas Isaiah discussing their work and impact within the queer community and culture at large, moderated by Tony Valenzuela of ONE Archives Foundation. The party –which still has tickets available– features DJ Daisy O’Dell on the courtyard of the Getty and an opportunity to view the fashion forward Tim Walker: Wonderful Things exhibit, plus complimentary bites, and a hosted bar. 1200 Getty Center Dr.; free but advance tickets required. getty.edu/visit/cal/events
Paris Hilton: Live in Concert is a Pride event like no other featuring the reality star, entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ ally live on stage performing music from her pop music repertoire for the first time ever. “Stars are Blind” is of course, on the set list, but surprises and guests are touted as well. Hilton and Bruce Gersh, her partner at 11:11 media, are donating a portion of ticket proceeds to GLAAD for Pride month and Absolut vodka is an exclusive partner so expect the cocktails to flow. Hilton fans gay and straight will be “sliving it up” at this one. Wear glitter. Doors at 9 p.m. 6126 Hollywood Blvd. Tickets at axs.com/events/483130/paris-hilton-tickets
(Courtesy 11:11 Media)
Thursday, June 8
Pride is Universal takes over Universal Studios for its annual gay day gathering this week. With Super Nintendo World offering a new environment to celebrate in, the after-hours theme park experience should be revving and raging. Live DJs, Universal character meet-and-greets, musical guests, drag performers and more are planned. Splurge for a VIP ticket that grants earlier access to the park at 2 p.m., as well as express line access, premium viewing areas at the main stage and hangtime in the LA Pride 2023 VIP Lounge. 100 Universal City Plaza, 9 p.m. -1 a.m. More info at seetickets.us/event/2023-PRIDE-IS-UNIVERSAL-Exclusive-After-Hours-LGBTQ-Party
The Hollywood Museum’s REAL to REEL exhibition celebrates the influence that LBGTQ+ characters and plot lines have had on cinema and every year in June they also honor important gay figures in entertainment. JoJo Siwa, actors Lorna Luft and Kevin Spirtas will be honored this year at the 10th annual “REAL to REEL: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQ+ in Hollywood Awards. Siwa, best known for appearing on two seasons of Dance Moms, will receive the Future of Hollywood Award from presenter Raven-Symoné. Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, will receive the Judy Garland Legacy Award presented by Michael Feinstein. Spirtas, best known for his soap opera work, will receive The Trailblazer Award from presenter Dee Wallace.
(Courtesy Ingenue the Star)
Don’t miss the “Legends of Drag” portion of the exhibit featuring local wigged royalty such as Coco Peru and Ingenue the Star (pictured). The event will also have a red carpet, cocktails, appetizers and appearances by Rufus Wainwright, known for his Garland homage, Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall, and Reverend Steve Pieters, a longtime AIDS survivor portrayed in the 2021 film The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Doors at 6:30 p.m.; presentation at 7:30 p.m. Exhibit will be open to the public through Pride month. 1660 Highland Ave. More info at TheHollywoodMuseum.com.
Friday, June 9
Outfest and AGBO are doing something that wasn’t on our Pride bingo card, until it was: Drag-Bo is the independent studio’s brand new Drag Bingo event with gregarious gaming and live performances, plus sponsored drinks by Gentleman Farmer Wine, Spritz canned cocktails, and Creature Comforts Beer. 1115 San Pedro St., Downtown. 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Tickets at outfest.eventive.org
Andres Rigal and Ollywood’s Evita is basically a pride party every week so you know it’s gonna pretty extra in June. “The pleasure palace” as they like to call it, is the place forLA Pride after-partying (there will be free entry with your Pride ticket til 11 p.m.) RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 winner Willow Pill performs and Kelly Osbourne hosts. Stage shows from L.A.’s most fab drag figures and go-go glamsters grind all night to DJ Mateo Segade. Doors at 10:30 p.m.; $10 at the door. At Nightengale Plaza, 643 N La Cienega Blvd. instagram.com/evitaparty/
Friday, June 9 – Saturday, June 10
LA Pride in the Park expands to a two-day shindig this year at Los Angeles State Historic Park, with a seriously mega-wattage star bill headlined by Megan Thee Stallion on Friday and Mariah Carey on Saturday. Vendors, LGBTQ+ exhibitors, the Erotic City leather environment and a new Trans Galleria featuring art by L.A. trans community creators are just a few of the exciting elements to enjoy. 1245 N. Spring St., Downtown 3 p.m. -11 p.m. on Friday, and 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday. More info at lapride.org
Gay Men’s Chorus- the voice of Pride (Courtesy Fairmont Century Plaza)
Saturday June 10
Century City’s Fairmont Century Plaza offers a two-hour live concert performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, in their main featured June show. Always a joy to see live, the nonprofit organization and musical experience features local LGBTQ+ singers doing iconic songs from the likes of Queen, Motown, pop divas, Broadway shows and more. 2025 Avenue of the Stars, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets at fairmontcenturyplaza.com/june-pride/.
Saturday, June 10- Sunday June 11
Who doesn’t love a hotel pool soiree? Nightbreed has a bevy of bodacious Pride 2023 bashes this weekend and many are poolside. Hotel Indigo’s Heatwaves party (899 Francisco St., Downtown) welcomes The Nightbreed crew, Whitney Mixtr and Mishelle Havnfun Saturday and returns on Sunday for a Hotties Pool Party, while Skybar’s Submerge (8440 Sunset Blvd.) offers a weekend of wildness too. Both promise afternoons of hot looks, cool cocktails, vivacious sounds and refreshing pool dips. 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(Courtesy Nightbreed)
Later on Saturday, Nightbreed joins forces with Incognito for He.She.They. Named after the London queer collective and label, this underground shindig features Felix Da Housecat, Amanda Mussi, David Banjela and LA’s Warp Mode crew. They tout, “no genres (or genders) off limits” at this one, but techno, acid, jungle, electroclash will surely be part of the inclusive beat mix. Location TBA. Info on all parties above at thenightbreed.org/events).
Sunday, June 11
The LA Pride Parade was held in Hollywood in 1970 so Christopher Street West and LA Pride’s return to the boulevard last year was significant. Last year marked the first time in over 40 years that the city’s best known LGBTQ+ procession returned to the Walk of Fame and surrounding streets. This year, the parade will feature a special drag performance presented by ACLU SoCal and staged by former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Morgan McMichaels with music by 14-time Oscar nominee Diane Warren. The parade route begins at Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue heading north, then east onto Hollywood Boulevard and south onto Cahuenga Boulevard, ending at Sunset Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard. Notably, the procession will air live on KABC/ABC7, as well as ABC News Live and Hulu via streaming. Anchors Ellen Leyva and Christiane Cordero co-host the ABC7 broadcast. Marching starts at 11 a.m. More info at lapride.org.
The LA Pride Village expanded on the origins of the march’s legacy with a multitude of events last year, and this year will be no exception. The free, all-day street festival will run between Vine Street and Gower Street, not far from the official LA Pride Parade route in the ‘70s. Things kick off at the Celebration Stage on Gower and Hollywood, hosted by The Hollywood Partnership and LA Pride. Ninety local vendor booths will line the route and two entertainment stages will present scheduled performances including Mariachi Arcoiris, Bob Baker Marionette Theatre, the Gay Freedom Band LA, Secret Circus, Dance Church, and the queer AAPI drag party called Send Noodz. There’ll also be an expanded bar garden, food trucks and much more. Noon – 8 p.m.; free. More info at lapride.org.
While in Hollywood for LA Pride, don’t miss the opportunity to check out the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) LGBTQ+ Cinema Showcase hosted by The Montalbán Theater. Featuring curated programs and shorts by LGBTQ+ filmmakers with a strong representation of BIPOC filmmakers, it’s an opportunity to see three different program blocks (one for all ages and two for adults) exploring the full spectrum of queer identity. Q&A sessions with the filmmakers will bookend the screenings. Suggested donation of $10 each or $25 for all three. 1615 Vine St., Hollywood. newfilmmakersla.com/events/event/lgbtq-cinema-with-the-montalban-2023-la-pride.
LA Pride 2022 in Hollywood (Howard Wise)
Friday, June 16
Though it was the source of controversy after the Dodgers organization uninvited local drag charity group the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to participate due to political pressure, the Dodgers rightfully reinstated the invite and the annual event goes on with its ties to the community intact. LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium is always a crowd pleaser with a vibrant dose of rainbow gear contrasting the traditional Dodger blue everywhere you look. With LA Pride as co-presenter, the Friday game against rivals the San Francisco Giants also includes an exclusive Dodgers LGBTQ+ jersey and a drone show after the game. It all starts at 7 p.m. Tickets at mlb.com/dodgers/tickets/specials/lgbt-night.
Saturday, June 17
Street Food Cinema honors Pride month with a special screening of The Birdcage at The Autry Museum. SFC moves around to various locations including Los Angeles State Historic Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Verdugo Park in Glendale, but the Autry is its most culturally rich, with revolving exhibits exploring the America West. The exhibit showcasing student artwork around the theme “Visions of Solidarity” running through June 30 is particularly timely. Check out the museum before the show. As for 1996’s The Birdcage, it’s a classic we never get sick of with an all-star cast including Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest and Hank Azaria. Food trucks on site for the event include Angelenos Woodfire Pizza, Baby’s Badass Burger, Daddy Ji, Flamin Hot Chicken, Lupita’s Tacos and Nibble Night, and drag recording artist Jackette Knightley and friends will appear at the event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets at streetfoodcinema.com/events/the-birdcage-celebration-of-pride.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Courtesy 20th Century Fox via Cinespia)
Saturday, June 24
Cinespia always delivers when it comes to the perfect film party for Pride. This year they invite us to “do the Time Warp again” as they join forces with Christopher Street West and LA Pride for a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at LA State Historic Park. DJs, photo ops and more round out the festivities. 1245 N. Spring St., Downtown. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; show at 9 p.m. cinespia.org
All Month Long:
Santa Monica Place’s annual pop-up, the Made with PRIDE Marketplace, remains a highlight of SaMo Pride (which kicked off last weekend). The monthlong citywide celebration offers activities for all ages and the Marketplace in particular offers a way to support community creators and score unique gifts, housewares, jewelry, fashion and a lot more. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June more than 20 LGBTQ+ business owners present unique products and services made in LA or Southern California at large. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, at Broadway and Third Street Promenade. More info at santamonicaplace.com/pride.
(Courtesy Made with Pride/SaMo Pride)
The shopping center formerly known as the Hollywood and Highland is in the Pride spirit all month long. Ovation Hollywood’s center courtyard hosts a Loud & Proud Pride Month DJ Series on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in June. The schedule is as follows: Fri., June 9: Veronika from DAGR (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.); Sun., June 11: St Panther + Friends (9 a.m. – 7 p.m.); Fri., June 16: St Panther (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.); Sat., June 17: Ceci from DAGR (2 p.m. – 7 p.m.); Sun., June 18: KIDD (2 p.m. – 7 p.m.); Sat., June 25: TOMI (2 p.m. – 7 p.m.); Fri., June 30: St Panther (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.) Shop – and dance – til you drop; free. ovationhollywood.com/events
It kicked off in May, on Harvey Milk Day, but the WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival continues all month long and it might be the ultimate way to truly immerse yourself in LGBTQ+ stories and expression, with a plethora of exhibits, readings, and events happening in West Hollywood and beyond. Here, we share general info on everything, but look for more detailed coverage on many of these free events in our Arts and Culture sections as the month progresses. More info on everything below at wehopride.com/artsfestival.
(Courtesy Q Con)
WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival Exhibits in June:
Now through June 30
“Angelic Troublemakers” (digital drawings and photographs relating to the theme of LGBTQIA+ Pride) at West Hollywood Library, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd.; “My Own Private Rodeo,” in collaboration with ONE Archives Foundation and HIT presenting new works by Coyote Park posing the question, “What does it mean to exist in a way that our elders weren’t allowed to?” at ONE Gallery, 626 N. Robertson Blvd.; and “Rainbows, Wigs, and Shades,” Dustin Gimbel‘s ceramic totem installation celebrating diversity at Sunset Plaza, 8624 W. Sunset Blvd.
Saturday, June 17
Beautiful Things Craft Market (featuring queer creators and vendors) at Plummer Park Community Center, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., South Patio, Rooms 5 and 6, West Hollywood. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Q Con presented by Prism Comics is like Comic-Con for the LGBTQ+ community with comics, games, cosplay and more. Fiesta Hall, Plummer Park, 1166 N Vista St., West Hollywood. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (More info: qconprism.org); Drag Story Hour with Amber Crane at West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood; 11 a.m.; Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles presents a short music program (see their expanded show listed above) at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood; 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 21
Decoding The Closet in American Art LA LGBT Center, Anita May Rosenstein Campus, Senior Center, 1118 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood; 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 22
Queers Performing Tricks presented by AC Smith + Queer Animated Shorts presented by Silverlake Shorts at Fiesta Hall at Plummer Park, 1166 N. Vista St., West Hollywood; 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 24– all in the Fiesta Hall at Plummer Park (1166 N. Vista St., West Hollywood):
The Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights presents its Annual Pride Play Reading Queer Book Bazaar with local book dealers, independent publishers, and literary vendors, plus live performances. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Boris Dralyuk: Lecture and Poetry Reading – 11 a.m.; Don’t miss the presentations by legendary queer photographer Rick Castro and author Sam Sweet – 2 p.m.; “Who’s Bad Ball?” Everything you wanted to know about Ball culture from Haus of Telfar and Purple Crush, the music directors of HBO Max’s Legendary. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Purple Crush (Courtesy HBO Max)
Sunday, June 25
Invertigo Dance Theatre’s Walk the Walk + Yozmit at West Hollywood Park (base of the Grand Staircase) 8750 El Tovar Place, West Hollywood. 2 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
Schindler House Haunting by Jas Lin 林思穎 at MAK Center for Art and Architecture, 835 North Kings Road, West Hollywood. 8 p.m. Reservation required.
Monday, June 26 – Friday, June 30– all at Braindead Studios (Brain Dead Studios, 611 N Fairfax Ave.) Reservations required:
Screening – Experimental Shorts – Curated by Jheanelle Brown – Mon., June 26, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Girl Internet Show: A Kati Kelli Mixtape – Tues., June 27, 8 p.m.; Screening – Blue by Derek Jarman – Wed., June 28, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Screening – Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music Performance featuring a Live Performance by the Legendary San Francisco Musical Act Lipstick Conspiracy – Thurs., June 29, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m; Screening – The Adventure of Iron Pussy by Apichatpong Weerasethakul – Fri., June 30, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
See more Pride events and updates in our Arts, Music and Food sections.
Full broadcast of this past weekend’s WeHo Pride parade via KTLA here:
LA Pride’s sizzle reel from last year’s Pride in the Park here:
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