In 2016, I led APAIT’s efforts in organizing #NotOurPride; a coalition of LGBTQ groups and individuals that spoke out against controversial changes that were planned for the 2016 LA Pride Festival by event organizer, Christopher Street West (CSW). As a result of #NotOurPride’s advocacy, CSW rescinded the proposed changes and offered free admission to over 17,000 LGBTQ individuals and allies. #NotOurPride received coverage from the Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, USA Today, Vice, and LA Weekly (2016 and 2017).

 

Advocating for Pride!

#NotOurPride coalition members met with the Christopher Street West Board of Directors on numerous occasions to speak out against the proposed changes to the 2016 LA Pride Festival.

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Success!

After weeks of discussions, CSW agreed to rescind the proposed changes to the 2016 LA Pride Festival and offered free admission to that year’s Friday night festivities.

 

LA Pride 2016

Preparing to march in the 2016 LA Pride Parade with my APAIT colleagues.

Google AI Overview:

#NotOurPride was a movement of LGBTQ community members who organized to boycott the 2016 LA Pride festival, calling it a corporatized and divisive event that excluded marginalized groups and disregarded the community's history and legacy. The group advocated for a return to Pride's roots as a vehicle for unity and inclusion, but ultimately ended the boycott after their concerns were addressed. 

Origins and Goals

  • Boycott of LA Pride 2016: The movement began when various LGBTQ community members and organizations objected to the organization running LA Pride, Christopher Street West (CSW), for its controversial changes to the festival. 

  • "Gay Coachella": Critics derided the event as a commercialized "gay Coachella," a significant departure from Pride's origins as a civil rights uprising and a free community celebration. 

  • Goals: #NotOurPride aimed to push back against the commercialization of Pride, its perceived lack of inclusivity for marginalized groups like the trans community and people of color, and the exclusion of older adults and seniors from the event's focus. 

Key Grievances

  • Exclusion and Division: The movement criticized CSW for intentionally erasing the Los Angeles LGBTQ community's legacy and creating divisions within it by excluding certain groups and individuals. 

  • Commercialization: Critics felt the event had become too corporate and financially inaccessible due to high ticket prices, making it a barrier for many LGBTQ individuals. 

  • Disregard for History: #NotOurPride emphasized Pride's history as a movement for civil rights and unity, which they felt was being ignored by the festival's current direction. 

Resolution

  • Boycott Called Off: In May 2016, the #NotOurPride group voted to end their boycott of LA Pride after the organization made concessions and addressed some of their concerns. 

 
 

West Hollywood City Council Meeting Public Comment

Making a public comment on behalf of #NotOurPride, followed by Chris Classen, CSW President (2016).