City Will Host/Fund 2024 Long Beach Pride Parade

On Feb. 26, the city of Long Beach made the  announcement that it will be playing as the official host and funder for the upcoming 41st Annual Long Beach Pride Parade.

The parade has been a staple of Long Beach and the LA region for decades, attracting thousands of spectators and participants each year as it celebrates all those within the LGBTQ+ community.

“As a city that proudly stands for equality and inclusion, we have long been a supporter of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The Long Beach Pride Parade is an integral part of how we celebrate the diversity of our community. We are proud to step up and support this year’s event.”

The 2024 parade will be funded by the city in partnership with the Office of Vice Mayor and Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen, who, on Jan. 23, 2024, originally brought forward the recommendation for the city to fund this year’s parade, and whose district includes the parade route.

“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. “We are truly grateful that the city is stepping up to support this parade so that it continues to be the beacon of light that it has always been for our community.”

The city has approved $80,000 in one-time funds from the city’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget to fund this year’s Long Beach Pride Parade In addition to this, the parade will also be supported with $50,000 in one-time funding from the Second Council District One-time District Priority Funds, adding up to a grand total of $130,000.

According to a press release issued by the city of Long Beach,  one-time action ensures the longstanding and cherished event continues for 2024 while Long Beach Pride, the nonprofit that traditionally produces the parade, restructures its organization.

“The Pride Parade is a Long Beach tradition that we have celebrated for the last 40 years,” said Vice Mayor and Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen. “This event is enjoyed by folks from all over the region and is very important to our community and our LGBTQ+ businesses. As a mom of LGBTQ daughter, it’s one of my favorite events to attend. It’s a privilege to be able to support this year’s event! I know it means a lot to our residents and LGBTQ+ communities across the southland.”

The parade will coincide with the Long Beach Pride Festival, taking place Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 along the downtown waterfront. The festival will be a separate event that will remain organized by Long Beach Pride.

The theme of this year’s parade and festival, according to a press release issue by Long Beach Pride, is “The Rhythm of the Rainbow” – a theme that, according to Long Beach Pride President Tonya Martin, is made to symbolize the unity of all people of different backgrounds, races, genders, and so on.

 “Despite progress, new barriers emerge. In 2024, we arm ourselves with our greatest weapon and ally: Music,” said Martin. “We pay homage to the beats that have strengthened our hearts and souls. Our music is a powerful tool against the challenges we face, and with it, we will prevail.”

The Pride Parade and Festival is also set to include several artists and performers, including American Rapper Saucy Santana as the Headliner for the Saturday lineup. Saucy Santana, who first began his career as a makeup artist for the hip-hop duo City Girls, started his music career in February 2019 with his debut single, “Walk Em Like A Dog.” He also became a recurring guest on the reality television show, “Love & Hip Hop: Miami.”

According to Long Beach Pride, Saucy Santana will no doubt deliver a show-stopping performance at this year’s parade.

“His music, celebrated for its empowering messages and dance-worthy beats, aligns perfectly with this year’s theme, “The Rhythm of the Rainbow,” highlighting the uniting power of music within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond,” said Martin. “As with any Pride or LGBTQ+ organization, we must continue to support our siblings. As it is, their growth is our growth.”

For more information on the parade and festival, including how to participate in the festivities, you can visit their official website at https://longbeachpride.com/. There is no entry fee to participate in the parade.