Long Beach Pride Festival will not move forward

On Friday afternoon, the City of Long Beach announced that the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride Festival will not move forward due to the lack of sufficient documentation by organizers.

The proof of documentation was needed to complete safety reviews, inspect critical event infrastructure, such as the stage, electrical systems and tent, and emergency exiting plans to ensure compliance with public safety standards. 

“With event programming scheduled to begin today, May 15 at 5 p.m. with Teen Pride and essential information still outstanding, there is no longer sufficient time to safely permit the festival this year,” said the City of Long Beach in a statement. 

The Long Beach Pride Parade will continue as scheduled on May 17 starting at 10 am. The parade is managed and funded by the City of Long Beach.

On the other hand, the Pride Festival remains an independently organized, ticketed event that requires the submission of detailed operational, construction and public safety plans in order to be permitted to ensure safety of the attendees, stated the city. 

The City confirmed that businesses that obtained a special business license and other necessary Health permits will receive a full refund from the City. 

Reaction to the decision

The Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn showed her disappointment in social media and highlighted how the festival has been a beacon of joy, pride and acceptance for many decades. 

“I hope that people still come out and celebrate this weekend, see the performances that have been relocated to the Terrace Theater, and support the local Long Beach businesses that are just as proud as ever.”

The Long Beach Terrace Theater is located at 300 E Ocean Blvd #300. 

The Long Beach Pride showed their disappointment by the city’s decision and asked for help. 

Tonya Martin, president of Long Beach Pride, said the event is built by volunteers and sustained by the community, asserting that Long Beach Pride is more than a festival. It is a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ residents, families, youth, elders, allies, small businesses, artists and visitors. 

“At a time when LGBTQ+ communities are facing escalating attacks across the country, Long Beach should be standing with us, not canceling one of the city’s most visible expressions of inclusion,” said Martin. “Long Beach has long claimed leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. That leadership is tested in moments like this. Canceling Pride sends the wrong message and undermines decades of volunteer service, community trust and civic partnership.”

Long Beach Pride and partners called on the City of Long Beach, Mayor Rex Richardson, the City Council, and public safety partners “to engage in good faith with Long Beach Pride to identify a responsible path forward that preserves the festival, protects public safety and honors the community this event was created to serve.”