We knew it was coming, and here it is. The 50th anniversary celebrations of LA Pride 2020 as we know it, has been canceled. Christopher Street West (CSW), the 501(c)3 non-profit that produces the annual LA Pride Parade and Festival, announced that the organization will be reimagining the way it will celebrate pride this year in response the the COVID-19 pandemic. CSW has decided the responsible decision is to not host any in-person celebrations for the remainder of the year and to celebrate virtually through 2021.
“The safety of the community is our top priority, and CSW must act responsibly to protect our community in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community has always adapted, changed and become more resilient in the face of uncertain times. Although we cannot celebrate Pride with a Festival or Parade, CSW will make sure that the spirit of Pride is not forgotten. We are in this together, and we are here for you as we continue to navigate through this situation,” said Estevan Montemayor, President of the CSW Board of Directors.
“The LGBTQ+ community has overcome many obstacles over the years and has always emerged stronger and more unified. The 50th anniversary will be one to remember regardless of a physical experience this year, and our hope is to resume in-person events for our incredible milestone in 2021. Our community will once again look adversity directly in the face and rise up together in solidarity and celebration,” added Montemayor.
“As we work through these difficult times together as a community, we must remember that Pride is not just about a specific month or weekend in June. Los Angeles’ LGBTQ+ community lives and breathes Pride every day,” said CSW Executive Director Madonna Cacciatore. “The cancellation of in-person events will not deter the spirit of our community, nor will it detract from the enormous impact the founders of our movement have had on history. CSW is continuing to work with LA Pride partners to create a celebration over digital platforms, including participation in this year’s virtual Global Pride. As a community, weathering this storm together will unite us and increase our appreciation for one another.”
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary, LA Pride 2020 will be hosted on various digital platforms in the coming months in efforts to adapt to the current climate and ensure the Pride celebration is a staple moment with diverse and creative ways to honor the LGBTQ+ community regardless of an in-person gathering. More details to be announced in the lead up to LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June.
To learn more about LA Pride 2020, visit www.lapride.org.
