Fil-Am leaders join LA Pride Parade in Hollywood

From left: Community leader Jessica Caloza, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, LAPD Chief Dominic Choi and State Senator Steven Bradford. Image: Rob Bonta / Facebook

LOS ANGELES –Filipino American leaders – including California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Jessica Caloza, a front-runner for a seat in the California Assembly – were among the thousands of revelers at the LA Pride Parade and Block Party in Hollywood on Sunday.

The annual event took over the streets in Hollywood, finishing a two-day celebration of Pride Month.

Bonta, Caloza and several members of the Fil-Am community joined the throngs of marchers in Hollywood for the 54th annual LA Pride Parade, one of the oldest celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture in the US. Also attending the event was the first Asian American chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Dominic Choi.

“Happy LA Pride! I will use the full force of the law and the full authority of my office to protect the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community and defend against the hate-fueled attacks of bigots and bad actors,” Bonta wrote in his Facebook post.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (left) with “Star Trek” actor/activist George Takei, who served as the Icon Grand Marshal. Image: Rob Bonta / Facebook

Parade director Mariela Spirelli said around 5,000 people marched in this year’s parade.

A crowd of onlookers erupted as the parade kicked off around 11 a.m. with a group of bikers called the Motorcycle Contingent for Equality revving their engines and blaring their horns, rainbow flags waving as they rode.

A pride flag is waved during the LA Pride in the Park festival at Los Angeles State Historic Park, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The parade and festival attracted more than 100,000 people to not only watch the procession but to also partake in food, drink, entertainment and live performances throughout the day.

The parade began at 11 a.m. at Highland Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, then headed north on Highland, east on Hollywood Boulevard, south on Cahuenga Boulevard and finally back to Sunset.

“Star Trek” actor/activist George Takei served as the Icon Grand Marshal.

“As someone who has witnessed the struggles and triumphs of our community over the years, I am filled with gratitude for the progress we have made and inspired to continue the fight for full acceptance and equality for all,” Takei said in a statement.

Ricky Martin, center, performs during the LA Pride in the Park festival at Los Angeles State Historic Park, Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Professional wrestler Cassandro El Exotico served as the legacy grand marshal, while Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley – the agency’s first openly gay chief – served as the community grand marshal.

“These individuals epitomize this year’s theme of `Power in Pride,’ not just through their own achievements, but through their unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and visibility,” Gerald Garth, board president of event sponsor Christopher Street West, said in a statement. “As this year’s grand marshals, they embody the essence of empowerment, showing us that our differences are not obstacles but sources of strength. Together, they inspire us to embrace our identities, break barriers.”

The parade was hosted by “Good Morning America” weekend co-anchor Gio Benitez and ABC7 anchor Ellen Leyva.

The LA Pride Block Party followed the parade. It began at noon and continued until 8 p.m. on Hollywood Boulevard between Vine and Gower streets. The free event included vendor and information booths, a beer garden, food trucks and live entertainment.

LA Pride festivities began on Saturday with Pride in the Park at Los Angeles State Historic Park. The daylong event was highlighted by a concert headlined by iconic singer Ricky Martin. (With CNS report)

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