Community Corner
PHOTOS: Gay Pride Officially Kicks Off with Mayors' Reception
West Hollywood Mayor Jeff Prang calls the city the trendsetter for world in terms of gay politics, life and culture. Welcomes all to celebrate gay pride in the city.
West Hollywood is the trendsetter for the world in terms of gay politics, gay life and gay culture. That’s what West Hollywood Mayor Jeff Prang said at a reception Thursday night to kick off the city’s annual gay pride celebration.
“West Hollywood is alive. The world’s eyes are on our community in terms of gay and lesbian civil rights and our social lives, our culture,” Prang said to the approximately 200 people attending the reception held at Skybar at the on Sunset Boulevard.
“West Hollywood is the center of gay and lesbian life in Southern California," Prang continued. "We are the ones who set the trends in terms of politics. We are the ones who set the trends in terms of fun.”
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Prang spoke at the annual Mayors’ Reception hosted by Christopher Street West (CSW), the non-profit group which organizes the annual LA Pride celebration. This year’s pride festivities will take place June 8-10 in West Hollywood Park.
Calling June his favorite time of year, Prang thanked the many CSW volunteers who dedicate themselves year-round to putting together the event.
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CSW president Rodney Scott said that planning and organizing the pride celebration is a pleasure since it means so much to so many people.
An estimated 25,000 people attend the gay pride festival held in West Hollywood Park. Another 300,000 people attend the annual gay pride parade which travels down Santa Monica Boulevard from Crescent Heights Boulevard to Robertson Boulevard. This year’s parade will be held on June 10 starting at 11 a.m.
Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom was also on hand for the reception. He revealed that he feels completely at home in West Hollywood since he lived here from 1979 to 1980 before moving to Santa Monica.
“West Hollywood is the epicenter of the LGBT community in Southern California,” Bloom said. “I’d like to think that Santa Monica is a kindred spirit. We are in lock step with you on policy issues, so it’s great for me to be here representing my great city.”
For the complete schedule of LA Pride festivities, click here.