After the abrupt cancellation of the Long Beach Pride Festival disappointed many this weekend, organizers worked quickly to create another space for celebration and connection.
A new event organized by the city of Long Beach brought people together to focus on uplifting the LGBTQ+ community on Sunday. In partnership with the city and Visit Long Beach, they hosted “Canceled? Never Heard of Her!” The free Pride party was held at Bixby Park from noon to 7 p.m.
“This one actually came together almost organically, out of the need, the interest in the community, to make sure that there was a direct place for people to go right after the parade,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said.
The city shut down the Long Beach Pride Festival, citing incomplete paperwork tied to public safety requirements — a huge disappointment for the organizers.
“This is our number one fundraiser of the year,” Long Beach Pride President Tonya Martin said. “Very shocked that we were handed a cease and desist right at the end.”
The city offered Long Beach Pride alternative venue options, but the organization didn’t feel they were the right fit. They are hopeful for a strong return next year.
“We worked so hard, so, you know, but we’re working through it,” Martin said. “We’re trying to rise above it and be more accountable and, you know, figure out what we did to enhance this.”
While many were frustrated by the event being called off, they didn’t let it define their weekend. Instead, they focused on unity, love and connection.
“It just shows that the community is so hungry for togetherness and to spend time together — that’s what I love,” Long Beach resident Natasha Hundreds said. “To just come here and have that atmosphere that everyone is friendly and having a good time and celebrate who they are.”
Long Beach Pride said it will refund all its vendors and sponsors for the canceled festival. NBCLA reached out to the organization about refunds for ticket holders but has not received a response.