Jeff Consoletti is the creative force that has powered WeHo Pride since its inception three years ago.
As the founder and CEO of JJLA, Consoletti has steered many groundbreaking events, brand activations, and concerts including the largest LGBT ticketed festival in the nation, LA PRIDE Festival, and Pride Island at NYC’s WorldPride headlined by Madonna. During the pandemic he created the digital series OUTLOUD: Raising Voices for Facebook, and its subsequent live concert series at the Coliseum.
Boston-born Consoletti lives in Los Angeles with his husband, Rob.
Q: What have you learned is the key to creating a successful pride event after three years putting on the event?
A: I think it boils down to authenticity, inclusivity, and a lot of strategic planning. Our community in West Hollywood and beyond are diverse and have different wants, needs, and interests. We work tirelessly alongside the city to provide a Pride experience that is inclusive and that safely celebrates our community alongside the residents of West Hollywood.
Q: What unforeseen challenges arose this year that did not in previous years?
A: There haven’t been any unforeseen challenges so far this year, however, there are lessons that we’ve learned over the last few years that have allowed us to pivot and improve everyone’s WeHo Pride experience. As with all special events, most issues that arise are behind the scenes, resolved quickly, and don’t affect the community’s enjoyment of the event, but ultimately these learning opportunities make for a more seamless experience for WeHo Pride guests.
Q: What are some other events or attractions you dream of adding to the festival in the future?
A: The sky is the limit – we’ve had requests to lengthen the set list, add days, and add stages. We’re grateful to have a strong demand from our community and hope to add even more fun elements in the years to come.
Q: What makes you most proud to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
A: I’m proud to be able to live authentically and confidently in a city that supports my individuality and identity. Looking through the crowd of OUTLOUD or through the faces in the parade is a highlight of my career every year and reinforces why we love producing this iconic event in this iconic city. It really feels like a moment in the LGBTQ+ movement, one that honors our rich history and our fight for equality while celebrating alongside our friends, family, and loved ones.
Q: What does Pride mean to you?
A: I think Pride means something very different for each person. For me, Pride is about bringing joy to others through music while bringing them together. Music can be the epicenter of community, and for me, I take immense pride in my community coming together through music. While music propels my mission to create an amazing Pride experience, I’d be remiss not to say how much our talent amplifies our non-profit community partners who are doing the work on the ground. Pride puts the LGBTQ+ community front and center and I love using that platform to honor the organizations that are making our community safer and our world a better place.
Q: What responsibility do young people have in carrying on the legacy of pride?
A: The message and legacy of Pride can only go so far without all generations being active and involved. It’s one of the reasons why our lineup strives to uplift emerging queer artists. I’ve found it’s equally the responsibility of my generation to engage and encourage the younger generations. I hope OUTLOUD at WeHo Pride gives everyone the opportunity to gather and fuel a full year of community engagement.
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We fought a long time to gain the acceptance we wanted.
Now, The City of West Hollywood milks the tradition of having a parade and festival here every June.
The only fight left is to remember why it exists.
Splitting West Hollywood in Los Angeles prides is an atrocity. Turning a civic and political celebration and activism event to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall riots and turning it into a private extremely expensive festival for the mostly elite isn’t atrocity. At a time when LGBT people are losing their rights specifically through the law at the alarmingly accelerated rate, it is no time for a superficial, mostly heterosexually attended music festival to line the pockets of an individual grifter. Pride this year should be unified, and focused on one thing: defeating Trump and the Republicans from the fascist… Read more »