No one could escape the music and cheers of Pride in Long Beach on May 19, in an event capturing some of the most important aspects people say about pride, such as unity, celebration, and politics.
From companies to nonprofits to political leaders in Long Beach, people gathered in the streets of Ocean Boulevard to celebrate the march.
The event was attended by both community members and protesters alike, each creating noise that brought this year’s theme, “Rhythm of the Rainbow” to life.
“Being able to see everyone just be on their own and appreciate being gay in a public space all together,” said Casey Rubenfeld, onlooker and CSULB student.
LBCC marched alongside the many parade floats, with Superintendent Mike Munoz at the head of the group.
“It’s all community at the end of the day, which I believe is very uplifting,” said Anahi Chavez.
The parade began that Sunday morning at 10 a.m., providing the start of the 41st march of 2024.
Of the notable people in attendance, one of the loudest crowd engagements rallied from the Stonewall organization float.
The Stonewall organization comes from the original Stonewall riots, a movement that pivoted LGBTQ+ civil rights in the late ‘60s, early ‘70s and beyond.
With this year’s election coming to a head, there was an emphasis on voting at this year’s pride parade.
“Being Lgbtq means having to be involved with politics whether we like it or not,” said Audrey Broughton, an LBCC student who marched.
In 2024 alone, 32 anti-Lgbtq bills were passed into law in states across the U.S., either limiting or outright banning Lgbtq rights.
“A march is still a form of protest at the end of the day, we attend these things to have fun but also to be seen and heard,” said Broughton.