This photo from May 18, 2019, shows the Long Beach Pride sign illuminated at night on the festival grounds at Marina Green Park on Shoreline Drive in downtown Long Beach. Photo: Q Voice News.
LONG BEACH — Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride has changed its name to be more inclusive and hired LA Pride’s producer to take the Long Beach Pride Festival to the next level.
For several years, the 501(c)3 non-profit that produces the annual festival and parade has identified the organization as Long Beach Pride. Earlier in the week, the all volunteer group announced that it has officially adopted the moniker.
“The start of a decade is the perfect time to reflect on Long Beach Pride’s strong history and our commitment to inform and inspire a new generation of active members,” Denise Newman, president of Long Beach Pride, said in a statement.
“Our name now reflects our mission of encouraging even more inclusion and embracing the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, and its allies, through the simple yet universal message of having pride in ourselves and each other,” she said.
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The nonprofit also has hired Jeff Consoletti and his firm JJ|LA to produce the two-day Pride Festival. Consoletti has produced LA Pride since 2010.
“JJ|LA and Jeff are the perfect fit to help the Long Beach Pride Festival reach the next level,” Newman said.
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More details about the festival, including the entertainment lineup, will be released in the coming weeks, Newman said.
The 37th Annual Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade will take place May 16 and 17, and Teen Pride will be held May 15. The parade will march along Ocean Boulevard May 17.
A limited number of early bird, $20 single day tickets are available while supplies last on the Long Beach Pride website.
The organization also unveiled a new logo as it prepares for the annual festival and parade. The revamped branding material features a palm tree and rainbow colors across the word “Pride.”
