Long Beach is ramping up its support for the LGBTQ+ community this year, as the city takes charge of hosting and funding the 2024 Long Beach Pride Parade scheduled for May 19. A decision backed by the approval of $80,000 in one-time funds from the city budget during the February 13 mid-year budget review. Long-time local institution and parade mainstay, Long Beach Pride, is presently in the process of restructuring, prompting the city to take a more active role in ensuring that the popular event goes ahead without a hitch.
Mayor of Long Beach Rex Richardson has voiced strong support for the move, stating, "As a city that proudly stands for equality and inclusion, we have long been a supporter of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community,” as reported by the city press release. The Long Beach Pride Parade not only brings together the community but also viewers from across the LA region, who for decades have marked the occasion as a celebration of diversity and acceptance. Vice Mayor and Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen, who championed the city's funding initiative, cited the parade as not only a local favorite but an event of great importance to LGBTQ+ businesses and community members citing her connection as a mother of an LGBTQ daughter while expressing her privilege in supporting the parade.
The upcoming parade, marking its 41st year, is estimated to cost around $130,000 with the city's Special Events and Activities Fund and the Second Council District's One-time District Priority Funds also contributing to the event costs. Interested businesses and community organizations can already throw their hats into the ring for participation, with entry applications open until May 1, 2024, with details on the parade to be released at a later date.
In tandem with the parade, the Long Beach Pride Festival will take over the city's downtown waterfront on May 18 and 19. Although separately organized by Long Beach Pride, the festival promises to extend the weekend's festivities, more information regarding the festival is promised to be available on Long Beach Pride's official website. “Long Beach Pride is very proud to be a part of such a great city as Long Beach,” said Tonya Martin, President of Long Beach Pride, expressing gratitude towards the city's support for the event which serves as a beacon of light for the community, according to the official city press release.
Updates on the parade, as well as any additional information, can be found on the city's dedicated Pride Parade webpage. Long Beach, with its rich blending of neighborhoods, culture, and community, reaffirms its position as not just a tourist haven, but as a city dedicated to supporting and celebrating its diverse population, ensuring that iconic events like the Pride Parade remain integral to the city's social fabric.
