“By the Community, For the Community”
Firmly believing in bring proud year round, DTLA Proud Festival resurged LGBTQ+ Pride over the weekend as summer comes to a close.
The 4th annual queer-first community festival took place August 23-25 in Pershing Square. All proceeds go to the DTLA Proud Community Center. DTLA Proud is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by a grassroots group of downtown Los Angeles residents, business owners, community leaders and nightlife promoters.
“We were born from the idea that together we could create an all-inclusive community that represents the diverse LGBTQ population that lives, works and plays in LA’s fastest-growing gayborhood,” a press release stated. “We strengthen and empower the local LGBTQ & ally community in downtown Los Angeles through visibility, volunteerism, partnerships, events and festivals.”
All photos by Morgan Genser
This year’s DTLA Proud Festival saw:
• The Marketplace. A custom-built shopping experience featuring 20 queer entrepreneurs, who partnered with corporate visual merchandisers to design and build custom stores, elevate their brands, and showcase their business for the LGBTQ community;
• Summertramp. A “Magical Brigadoon of Decadence and Delight” that transformed Pershing Square into an urban oasis and play host to an expanded water park, with local DJ performances and guest spots from other local parties;
• Main Stage entertainment. Highlighted over 100 queer performers that showcase the best and most diverse talent that DTLA has to offer, including Vancie Vega, the #1 Dolly Parton impersonator, Mariachi Arcoiris, Miss Shalae, Ongina, Vander Von Odd, Bitqch Puddin’, Abhora, and many more to come!
• Queer history monuments. DTLA Proud partnered with the One National Gay and Lesbian Archives to curate an amazing tribute to LA’s queer history, dating back 10 years before Stonewall to highlight LGBTQ+ history at the festival.
