Story by Esteban “Steven” Escobar, Diversity News Publications Staff
Proof Read by Don Hudson, Special Contributor for Diversity News Publications
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West Hollywood & Los Angeles cities celebrated 2009 LA PRIDE among with politicians, human rights groups & celebrities.
June is known as PRIDE month and the LA PRIDE was held from June 12, 2009 to June 14, 2009. This year theme was: PRIDE 365 “Power, Passion & Purpose. L.A. Pride is produced by Christopher Street West (CSW), a non-profit organization.
“PRIDE, as a movement, remains young. It was only 40 years ago in response to the Stonewall Riots our community gathered across this great nation to formally demand humanitarian equality in the face of brutality, persecution and discrimination. Forty years later, some things have changed and some have not.” Said Rodney Scott, President CSW/LA Pride
Proof Read by Don Hudson, Special Contributor for Diversity News Publications
_______________________________________________________
West Hollywood & Los Angeles cities celebrated 2009 LA PRIDE among with politicians, human rights groups & celebrities.
June is known as PRIDE month and the LA PRIDE was held from June 12, 2009 to June 14, 2009. This year theme was: PRIDE 365 “Power, Passion & Purpose. L.A. Pride is produced by Christopher Street West (CSW), a non-profit organization.
“PRIDE, as a movement, remains young. It was only 40 years ago in response to the Stonewall Riots our community gathered across this great nation to formally demand humanitarian equality in the face of brutality, persecution and discrimination. Forty years later, some things have changed and some have not.” Said Rodney Scott, President CSW/LA Pride
This year PRIDE activities featured Festival Saturday & Sunday. Press conference on Sunday and then the famous parade that show cast community leaders, more than 100 floats, organizations, celebrities & politicians.
L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa response to the overturn of Proposition 8 stated. The constitution is supposed to extend people rights not to limit them.
Some of LA PRIDE Main Stage show performances held on Saturday, June 13, 2009 were DEBORAH COX, FANTASIA, ERIKA JAYNE and DEBBY HOLIDAY. Sunday line up were EXPOSE, BLAKE LEWIS & TERRI NUNN and BERLIN hosted both days by Billy Masters & Momma.
“Love it’s all about been with each other, taking care of each other.” Said Gaye Ann Bruno. CSW VP Entertainment Board of Director.
In regards to not being able to marry in the state of CA Gaye Ann Bruno concluded “Things will change, but we will not give up the fight.”
West Hollywood Mayor Abbe Land, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Christopher Street West Board President Rodney Scott, Actress Kate Del Castillo, and Kristal Vick, People of Faith Standing Up for Equality were the speakers at LA PRIDE Press Conference held on June 14, 2009 in the intersection of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Boulevards. Also attending were Assembly member John A. Perez, Rabbi Denise Eger, Reverend Troy Perry, LA PRIDE 2009 Harvey Milk Award-winner, Maria Louise Roman, Equal Roots Founder, Matt Palazzolo.
“As an opportunity to express who we are as a community and what we stand for.” Rodney Scott, CSW President Board of Director
The Parade Grand Marshals were, Chelsea Handler, Chuy Bravo, and Community Grand Marshal OUT West.
The honorees for this year PRIDE were Jeanne Córdova Morris Kight Lifetime Achievement Award, Therese Stewart Woman of the Year Award, John A. Pérez Man of the Year Award, Claudette Colbert a.k.a. “Claudette Sexy DJ”CSW Special Community Award, Jim Williams CSW Special Community Award, Chris Angel Murphy Outstanding Youth Leader Award, Hollywood United Methodist Church Berman/Schafer Award, Doug SpearmanConnie Norman Award, Sean Penn George Moscone Award, Maria Louise Roman Harvey Milk Award, Tom of Finland Foundation Pat Parker Arts Award, Regent Media Sheldon Andelson Award, and Pat Rocco Torie Osborn/Dick Michaels Media Award.
Pride feature: Circuit, Dance, Country, Latin, Rhythm & Soul Dance pavilions, including Erotic City, Community Village & Children’s Garden.
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER STREET WEST
Pride 365: Power. Passion. Purpose.
A non-profit organization, Christopher Street West, is a leading partner in the advancement of rights and equality of the LGBT community. Led by professionally driven, volunteer based board members, Christopher Street West produces one of the largest Pride Celebrations in the United States with an expanding global presence reaching millions of people every year. For more information visit LAPRIDE.org
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