June in Santa Monica is set to blossom with rainbow hues as SaMo Pride returns, showcasing a series of events spanning the entire month dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community, as detailed on the city's official website. Initiated in 2019, this year's SaMo Pride expands its partnership net to include the Main Street Business Improvement District and Summer Soulstice.
Festivities kick off with a Proclamation from the city council that was presented by participants of the Family Pride Story-echtomy Program and pride month culminates on June 21 with citywide activities; these events will spread across Santa Monica—from the iconic pier to the bustling promenade and even onto the sandy beaches, promising an inclusive experience for locals and visitors alike. In a statement obtained from the city's website, the effort continues to champion diversity within gender identities and expressions.
Those eager for a prelude to the marches in West Hollywood and Los Angeles can indulge in a creative burst at the "All Pride, No Prejudice: Pride March Sign Making Workshop" located at the Main Library Central Courtyard on Thursday. SaMo Pride's calendar also features a series of distinct gatherings, such as the lively SaMo Pride Drag Bingo at Solidarity Restaurant on June 5, supporting the Trans Equity Scholarship fund with famed co-hosts Miss Barbie-Q and Mini Horrorwitz.
The endurance of the human spirit will be on full display during the AIDS LifeCycle Finish Line Festival on June 7, as participants cross the finish line after a grueling seven-day ride from San Francisco to the heart of Los Angeles and attendees at the Family PRIDE event at Annenberg Community Beach House on June 13 can explore narratives that challenge gender stereotypes, woven into Drag Storytime activities hosted by the city of West Hollywood's first Drag Laureate, Pickle.
Moreover, individuals from the LGBTQ+ community are invited to gain empowerment through specific self-defense techniques at a training session on June 14 at Miles Memorial Playhouse, while the "Pride Sunset Swim" on June 20 offers a safe and jubilant space enhanced by poolside festivities. The grand SaMo Pride Community Celebration stages a medley of attractions, including "Pride on the Promenade," where guests can savor musical acts and sip on drinks while exploring LGBTQ+ businesses.
To cap off the month, the "Pride on the Pier Dance" on June 22 transforms the Santa Monica Pier into a vivacious platform of inclusivity and celebration, with a portion of proceeds supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations, ensuring that the essence of SaMo Pride resonates within the community well beyond the month's festivities.
