South LA Pride 2024, held on July 13 at the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex, concluded with a resounding success, drawing a large number of attendees from diverse backgrounds to celebrate love, inclusivity, and the vibrant culture of South Los Angeles.
This year’s theme, “It’s Giving,” encouraged everyone to bring their full selves to the forefront, showcasing their unique flair and individuality with pride.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein-Soto, and Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Heather Hutt, and Hugo Soto-Martinez were among the guests in attendance.
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Addressing the crowd, Bass emphasized the significance of unity and the city’s commitment to protecting the rights of all its residents. Both Harris-Dawson and Hutt returned as the presenting sponsors of South LA Pride.
“The support of city leaders like Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Heather Hutt, along with Mayor Karen Bass, is immensely significant for South LA Pride,” said Jasmyne Cannick, director of South LA Pride.
“Their presence and advocacy underscore a powerful message of inclusivity and recognition for the BIPOC queer community in South LA. It shows that our city values diversity and is committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated. This support not only validates our experiences but also empowers us to continue to be visible in our own neighborhoods while striving for equality and justice within our community.”
“Showcasing BIPOC queer talent from South LA on the main stage at South LA Pride is crucial for fostering representation and empowerment within the community,” added 2024 Entertainment Chair Aunt Jackie.
“It provides a platform for local artists to share their stories, celebrate their identities, and inspire others through their creativity and resilience. By highlighting these voices, South LA Pride underscores the rich cultural diversity and unique experiences of the BIPOC queer community, challenging mainstream narratives and promoting a more inclusive and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ life.
“This focus not only elevates emerging talents but also strengthens community bonds, affirming that every identity and background is valued and essential to the fabric of South Los Angeles.”
This year’s headliner was out R&B artist JeRonelle, who was featured in the second season of FOX’s “The Four: Battle for Stardom.”
“I’m thrilled and super excited to have headlined South LA Pride this year,” shared JeRonelle.
“In a time and election year where so much of our freedom seems to be at stake, it’s important for us to have spaces where LGBTQ folks can come together, have fun, feel safe, and literally take center stage.”
Other performers included singer Choklate, out rappers Billy The Goat and boysloveflowers, R&B singing duet Sunday, disco funk artist Javi, alternative music artists Topaz Faerie and Luna Scar, pop singer Cristina Hron, drag performances by Sasha Thickerfish and Miss Heaven Lee, singer Arashi Supanova, alongside DJ’s Higher Intentions, HJC, The Hound, and Dante Luv.
The Best Dressed at Pride contest was hosted by South LA Pride Co-Chair Queen Shannon Gipson and Mother Devine Gorgeous Gucci. The contest featured a diverse array of fashion statements, reflecting the rich tapestry of South LA’s LGBTQ+ community.
The Outside Kiki Ball, sponsored by the LA LGBT Center and its Center South, highlighted talented performers competing in various categories, showcasing their flair, creativity, and runway prowess.
In addition to the main stage, other activations included a softball game hosted by the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association and free yoga with WalkGoodLA.
South LA Pride 2024 featured an array of vendors, comprising local businesses, artisans, and community organizations offering a diverse range of products and services, from handcrafted jewelry to unique apparel to delicious food and informative resources.
The South LA Pride event is organized by members of South LA’s LGBTQ+ community. The co-chairs were Ray Love Jr. and Queen Shannon Gipson and a planning committee of over 30 members from the South LA community.
“This year’s Pride was not just a celebration but a powerful reminder of our community’s resilience and our collective commitment to fostering a society where everyone is free to be their authentic selves,” added Cannick.
The South LA Pride sponsors included Councilmembers Harris-Dawson, Hutt, and Curren Price; Los Angeles LGBT Center, Angel City Football Club, LA Chargers, tDavid Bohnett Foundation, FOX Future, Engineers and Architects Association, and AMMAD.
For more information, visit southlapride.com.
