05/16/2026
Well this is sad news.
Long Beach Pride is deeply disappointed by the City’s decision to cancel the Long Beach Pride Festival, a long-standing community institution built by volunteers, sustained by love, and rooted in the belief that every person deserves to live openly, safely, and with dignity.
For more than four decades, Long Beach Pride has stood as a symbol of visibility, resilience, and belonging. Founded by community members who understood the urgent need for LGBTQ+ representation and solidarity, Long Beach Pride has grown into one of California’s most significant Pride celebrations. Today, it remains a 100% volunteer-run organization powered by people who give their time, labor, and heart to create a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ people, families, youth, elders, allies, and the broader Long Beach community.
This decision comes at a moment when LGBTQ+ people are facing escalating attacks from the current federal administration and from political forces across the country. At a time when our community is being targeted and made vulnerable, Long Beach should be doing more to protect and uplift us, not taking away one of the most visible and meaningful expressions of inclusion our city has.
Long Beach has proudly held itself out as a national leader on LGBTQ+ equality. That promise must mean something in moments of pressure. Inclusion is not proven when it is easy. It is proven when leaders choose to stand with vulnerable communities when they need support the most.
Canceling Pride sends the wrong message. It tells LGBTQ+ residents, workers, students, small business owners, artists, families, visitors, and allies that their safety, visibility, and celebration are negotiable. It undermines decades of volunteer work and community trust. And it weakens the very values Long Beach claims to champion.
We call on the City of Long Beach to immediately engage in good faith with Long Beach Pride, community leaders, public safety partners, and elected officials to identify a path forward that preserves the festival and protects the community. We call on our Mayor Rex Richardson and the city council members to make the Pride Festival happen. We ask that our city leaders stand with
