West Hollywood City Council members will appear at both its own WeHo Pride and World Pride in Washington, D.C. (photo by Jon Viscott)

While details of LA Pride have not been announced, one previous participant will not be returning to its Pride Parade on June 8. The city of West Hollywood, which will host its own Pride celebration the previous week, has opted instead to send a delegation to World Pride, which will be held in Washington, D.C., also on June 8.

Mayor Chelsea Byers said that the city’s presence at World Pride was a part of a larger message.

“With World Pride taking place in Washington, D.C. after many years outside of the U.S. and at such an important time in our country’s history – it is so important that West Hollywood be there to show our solidarity with queer communities around the world, learn from the security, safety and community building efforts, and ensure that West Hollywood Pride has a prominent spot on the global map of World Pride,” Byers said.

Since the Trump administration took office on Jan. 20, many alterations in plans for World Pride have occurred. For instance, events had been planned to be held at the Kennedy Center, but after President Donald Trump shuffled leadership at the organization, those events were either cancelled or moved to different venues.

“West Hollywood is proud to participate in World Pride in D.C. this year,” Councilman Danny Hang said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to highlight our city on the global stage. Our commitment to LGBTQ+ rights is unwavering, and we’ll continue celebrating Pride in a big way.”

“It’s unfortunate that LA Pride and World Pride in D.C. are the same weekends,” Vice Mayor John Heilman said. “I know a number of people want to attend World Pride to express solidarity with the global LGBTQI movement and also protest the anti-LGBTQI actions of the current administration.”

WeHo Pride began in 2022, following a split between West Hollywood and Christopher Street West, the organization that runs LA Pride. For decades prior, LA Pride had been held in West Hollywood. Starting in 2022, the parade moved to Hollywood and its annual festival was moved downtown. West Hollywood had floats in the LA Pride parade, however, even after the split.

Councilman John Erickson was blunt in his assessment of LA Pride.

“I did not have a good experience at LA Pride last year, and I think that the work that they have to do to get back the trust in the community is up to them,” Erickson said.

In addition to its parade on June 1, West Hollywood’s Pride will include the OUTLOUD Music Festival with headliners Lizzo, Lil Nas X and Paris Hilton. Additional events and updates can be found at wehopride.com. For information about LA Pride, visit lapride.org.