West Hollywood will forego its traditional float in the LA Pride Parade on June 8, 2025, opting instead to send a delegation to World Pride in Washington, D.C., on the same day. The decision, announced as the city prepares for its own WeHo Pride celebration the prior week, reflects a strategic pivot to amplify its global presence during a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights.
Mayor Chelsea Byers framed the move as a statement of solidarity. “With World Pride returning to the U.S. after years abroad, and at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, West Hollywood’s participation shows our solidarity with queer communities worldwide,” she said. Byers highlighted the opportunity to learn from D.C.’s security and community-building strategies while ensuring WeHo Pride’s visibility on the international stage.
The choice comes amid changes to World Pride’s plans since the Trump administration took office on January 20, 2025. Events originally slated for the Kennedy Center were canceled or relocated after new leadership was appointed, reshaping the D.C. celebration. Despite these shifts, West Hollywood’s delegation aims to engage fully in the global event.
Councilmember Danny Hang emphasized the city’s role in the spotlight. “Joining World Pride in D.C. lets us showcase West Hollywood’s dedication to LGBTQ+ rights on a worldwide platform,” he said. The city’s absence from LA Pride, however, stems from scheduling conflicts and past tensions. Vice Mayor John Heilman noted the overlap’s challenge, saying many residents plan to attend World Pride to support the global LGBTQI movement and protest policies under the current administration.
WeHo Pride, launched in 2022 after West Hollywood parted ways with Christopher Street West, the organizer of LA Pride, has carved its own identity. Previously, LA Pride’s parade and festival were West Hollywood staples, but since the split, the parade relocated to Hollywood and the festival to downtown Los Angeles. West Hollywood continued contributing floats to LA Pride, but this year’s focus on World Pride marks a departure.
Councilmember John Erickson expressed dissatisfaction with LA Pride’s recent execution. “Last year’s event didn’t meet expectations, and rebuilding community trust is their responsibility,” he said, signaling a cooling in relations. Meanwhile, WeHo Pride’s June 1, 2025, parade will anchor a vibrant lineup, including the OUTLOUD Music Festival featuring Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Paris Hilton. Additional details are available at wehopride.com, while LA Pride information can be found at lapride.org.
The decision underscores West Hollywood’s balancing act: maintaining a robust local Pride while engaging globally. As World Pride coincides with LA Pride, the city’s delegation will carry its advocacy to D.C., leaving local celebrations to shine independently. With both events set for early June, West Hollywood’s absence from the LA parade signals a new chapter in its Pride legacy, rooted in international unity and local resilience.
Seems out of line with supporting weho
Pride that has never been the same since christopher street west stopped being the organizer
As long as we are purchasing only one-way tickets for Hang, Hamas Byers, and Quisling Erickson, this should be fine. Since those 3 operate with Trumpanzee-like tactics (especially the bleach-blonde media whore), getting them out of WeHo would be a breath of fresh air
Free trips and per diem all around!
Good grief.
At first glance it seems grandiose. But WeHo already has WeHo Pride. Doubling up at LA Pride always seemed repetitive.
This makes about as much sense as installing a screen door on a submarine.