WeHo Mayor Chelsea Byers, left, and Councilmen Danny Hang and John Erickson celebrated at World Pride in the nation’s capital. (photo by John Erickson)

A pink convertible cruising down a rainbow Route 66 represented West Hollywood during World Pride Day in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 7. West Hollywood officials attended the event to represent the city’s commitment to solidarity and inclusion. Councilmember Danny Hang said the event also provided an opportunity to establish West Hollywood on “the international stage.”

“We’re open for business, inclusive, fun, full of life and ready to welcome everyone from across the world,” Hang said. “We’ve got the best restaurants, beautiful hotels, world-class entertainment and internationally renowned nightlife. We’re a small city with a big impact, and we were proud to let the world know it.”

The West Hollywood delegation included Hang, Mayor Chelsea Byers and Councilman John Erickson. Hang said the main reason they went to the nation’s capital was because “LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across the country.”

“Representing West Hollywood at World Pride in D.C. was a powerful reminder that even as our communities face attacks, our visibility and unity send a message of resilience and hope,” Erickson said. “West Hollywood stands proud on the world stage – showing that love, strength and inclusion will always prevail. Our city continues to be recognized as a leader in championing LGBTQ+ rights and equality worldwide.”

Additionally, Hang said that he would like to incorporate things he saw at World Pride into future West Hollywood Pride events. They include things such as youth empowerment and civic engagement, voter registration booths and queer history pop-ups.

West Hollywood has been finessing its Pride celebrations over the past couple years since it split from Christopher Street West, the organization that produces Los Angeles Pride, in 2022. Until then, West Hollywood had partnered with Christopher Street West to host Pride since 1979. Christopher Street West now holds a Pride celebration in Hollywood. West Hollywood holds its own Pride Festival and Parade.

“Pride is more than a celebration – it is a powerful affirmation of identity, resilience, and the right to live authentically,” read a statement from Joshua Schare, director of communications for the city of West Hollywood. “As LGBTQ+ rights face growing threats across the nation, we stand firm in the legacy of Pride as a protest, honoring those who came before us and continuing their fight with courage and resolve.”

West Hollywood’s Pride events took place during the two weeks leading up to World Pride Day and included the Dyke March, OUTLOUD Music Fest, WeHo Pride Arts Festival and performances by Paris Hilton, Lizzo and Maren Morris. Christopher Street West held the L.A. Pride event over the same weekend that Byers, Hang and Erickson were in Washington, D.C.

“WeHo Pride has found our groove,” Hang said. “While the transitions are never easy, the evolution has allowed us to come together as a community and build something truly unique to West Hollywood.”

However, since the split, community members have expressed concerns about the availability of events for members of the recvery community. Alcohol has historically been prevalent in Pride events, with alcohol companies sponsoring many events. And, in the past, West Hollywood has hosted many sober events and carved out specific areas for individuals in recovery.

This year, West Hollywood included #SIZZLE – a free, sober space at the WeHo Pride Street Fair on Saturday, May 31. The city distributed harm reduction kits that included fentanyl testing strips, naloxone and other lifesaving tools.

Pride AF, an alcohol free concert, takes place on Saturday, June 28, on the Respite Deck in West Hollywood Park.

“It’s a smart, compassionate move that helps keep our community safer and better informed,” Hang said.

He also noted that if there is enough support, he would like to make West Hollywood a future World Pride Day destination.

“Bringing World Pride to WeHo would be incredible and put WeHo on the world stage,” Hang said. “While hosting the international event would be a huge lift, it might be worth exploring if there’s appetite for it. We have the heart, the history and the drive to pull it off.”

West Hollywood has a lineup of Pride events lasting through the end of June. A full list of upcoming events can be found at wehopride.com/events.