Thousands of members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies ascended onto the Los Angeles State Historic Park for day one of LA Pride in the Park on Friday, June 10, 2023, to take part in the largest Official Pride concerts in the country. The multi-stage concert experience hosted by Christopher Street West Association (CSW) – the 501(c)3 nonprofit that’s produced the iconic LA Pride celebration for more than 50 years – greeted guests with bursts of color offering a wide selection of activations, F&B vendors, activities, dancing, and world-renowned performances.
Megan Thee Stallion, Friday night’s headliner on the Main Stage, shimmered head to toe in a crystal bodysuit. She performed her biggest hits including “Savage” and “Body.” The multi-GRAMMY Award-winner invited fans onto the stage for a dance off and even joined in on the fun. She continued to keep the crowd electric as she moved across the stage while fans sang every lyric to her songs. She later delivered an inspiring speech about self-acceptance which fans praised. She concluded her performance with a powerful visual as she posed centerstage with her dances surrounding her, fists in the air as they stood in front of a giant screen that displayed the Pride flag.
Megan The Stallion – Photo by alex_Ashley Osborn for LA PrideAdditional performances throughout the day on the Main Stage included Fletcher, Symone, Gigi Goode, Dorian Electra, The Scarlet Opera, G Flip, Foudeqush, Saturn Risin9, and The Iconic House of Miyake-Mugler + Friends. The All Out Stage featured performances from The Party By Ostbahnhof, Miki Ratsula, Jeffrey Eli, Codi Smith, and Pain Behavior.
In addition to first-in-class entertainment, fest-goers were treated to surprise appearances on the Main Stage by multi-Emmy winner Quinta Brunson, Chrishell Stause, Rivkah Reyes, Madison Werner, Rachel Matthews, and Gloria Bigelow, as they helped spotlight community leaders and organizations.
LA Pride in the Park Day One Highlights:
- Quinta Brunson, took the main stage to introduce the CSW Board and Megan Thee Stallion.
Brunson kept the energy alive at LA Pride in the Park as she shared what Pride meant to her. - The Scarlet Opera paid tribute to the late Tina Turner with an extraordinary rendition of her hit “The Best”.
- Fletcher surprised fans with special guest performances from Tove Lo, Haley Kiyoko, and Bella Thorne.
- Newlywed Chrishell Stause introduced her partner G Flip—“…I couldn’t be gayer for this next performer…” he shouted.
- “Selling Sunset” stars Emma Hernan and Chelsea Lazkani cheered on Stause as she hit the stage.
- Cara Delevingne, Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts, Jacqueline Toboni, and others attended Day One of LA Pride in the Park.
Attendee at LA Pride in the Park held at Los Angeles State Historic Park on June 9, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
About Christopher Street West (CSW)/LA Pride:
Christopher Street West Association (CSW), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, organized the world’s first permitted parade advocating for gay rights on June 28, 1970, to commemorate the Stonewall Rebellion on Christopher Street in New York City the year prior. Over 50 years later, CSW remains an active voice for the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Los Angeles. While best known for producing the iconic LA Pride Parade celebration & Pride in the Park (the largest Pride music event in the country), they also organize, sponsor or support community events throughout the year, and work with their nonprofit, philanthropic, and community partners to further diversity, equity, and inclusion. Visit lapride.org for more information. For more information, follow @lapride on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
