American Pride: LA and West Hollywood – Glamorous and gay
THE name on this huge annual event gets a little confusing. LA Pride actually takes place in the little gay hamlet of West Hollywood, one of the world’s “gayest” locations. This city within a city is literally roped off from the rest of LA by rainbow flags year-round, letting you know you have entered someplace special. The organisation behind this event is Christopher Street West, telling you immediately the importance of its East Coast cousin that started it all.
Like New York, LA Pride is also celebrating its 45th anniversary. The parade kicks off at 11am on Sunday, June 14 at the intersection of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica boulevards, continuing on Santa Monica until it hits Robertson Blvd. This is where you’ll find the Pride Festival, with entertainment headed by Maceo Paisley, Sean Van Der Wilt, Luciana and many others. It’s recommended to be there all weekend, because at the Pride Festival musical concerts the nights before, you’ll catch Tamar Braxton, Wilson Phillips, Kesha, Crystal Waters and others.
Mike Stommel, in charge of public relations for LA Pride, said LA Pride Parade was “the first permitted LBGT Pride parade in the world”.
“While every Pride event is special, LA Pride is one of the largest in the country and with Hollywood in its backyard, attendees can expect to see countless celebrities supporting and celebrating LGBT equality,” Stommel added.
“The LA Pride Festival also has some of the best talent that you won’t find at other summer festivals, from throwback classics to some of today’s hottest names in entertainment. We also have some of the best weather in the world.”
Just remember, they don’t call it Hollywood for nothing. After all this is the centre of the world’s film industry. That means look your best. It’s a place where shirtless wonders and plastic surgery reign. That doesn’t mean diversity of appearances is not embraced, but your conversation skills won’t be the first thing on anyone’s mind in this city.
West Hollywood is also one of the few places in LA where you don’t need a car. Meanwhile your best, though usually crowded, choice for the evening will be The Abbey, a 1920s Spanish Mission-style building with several bars, courtyards and dance spaces at 692 North Robertson Blvd.
A great day trip is to head south to Orange County’s Laguna Beach. The sophisticated art colony along the Pacific Coast Hwy is nestled between dramatic cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a relaxing change from LA.
For details on LA Pride, visit lapride.org
Alternatively, you can attend OUTFEST — the largest queer film festival. Los Angeles; July 9-19, 2015
LOS ANGELES: HOTEL INFORMATION
Millennium Biltmore
Inclusions: Three nights accommodation at the four-star Millennium Biltmore in a Standard King. Return shared airport transfers from LAX Airport.
Price: $535 per person
Travel Dates: July 1–31, 2015
Details: click here
For other gay and lesbian-friendly holidays, visit flightcentre.com.au/holidays/gay-and-lesbian
Flight Centre also has the US covered. Visit flightcentre.com.au/holidays/united-states
RELATED ARTICLES:
“American Pride: LA and West Hollywood – Glamorous and gay
June is pride season in the US and around the world. But visiting America for pride means coming back to where it all began, the home of the global modern gay rights movement. This year marks the 45th anniversary of many gay pride events throughout the US. The Star Observer looks at three of the biggest and the best. First off: LA Pride. ”
OR you could use inclusive language and show that you know that bisexuals and trans people march and participate in these events AND that it was them that kicked off the so-called “gay rights movement”.
Please stop erasing us.