Happy LGBT Pride Month!

We are now one week into June and which means that, unfortunately, 7 days have already gone by in what is highly considered to be the gayest month of the year. Fear not though, Pride events are only just beginning all across the country.

Here are some highlights of 2010 Pride celebrations for our community this June. (Add your local pride event to this list by commenting below.) Happy Pride!

LA Pride, The 40th Annual Los Angeles LGBT PRIDE Celebration

LA PRIDE FESTIVAL – Saturday, June 12 from 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. and 
Sunday, June 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Santa Monica Blvd. between Crescent Heights Ave. and Robertson Blvd.)

All are invited to come out and show their Pride at one of the most exciting PRIDE Celebrations in the country as Christopher Street West launches their latest three-year vision – “PRIDE 365: Power. Passion. Purpose.” Thousands of festival attendees are expected in the heart of West Hollywood to revel amongst world-class headlining entertainment.

LA PRIDE PARADE - Sunday, June 13, steps off at 11:00 a.m. & Silent Celebration Sunday, June 13 at 12:00 noon
 (San Vicente Blvd. between Santa Monica Blvd. and Melrose Ave.)

Crowds will continue to feel the palpable excitement amid the largest gathering of the LGBT community in Southern California by playing witness to this historical and time-honored tradition. Participants are encouraged to get their place along Santa Monica Blvd. in the City of West Hollywood early as over 400,000 people look forward to this dynamic and crowd-pleasing display of moving community creativity.

More info at: http://www.lapride.org.

2010 San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade

June 26 and 27, 2010
2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade. The theme is “Forty and Fabulous” and the event will be held over the weekend of June 26 and 27, 2010. With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and more than a dozen community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of LGBT people and allies in the nation. The two-day celebration is free and open to all.

More info at: http://www.sfpride.org.

NYC Pride

June 19 to 27, 2010
This year’s theme, “Liberty and Justice for All,” will spotlight New York City as one of the world’s most welcoming and inclusive LGBT destinations. The City will host a full week of activities, beginning with The Rally at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield on Saturday, June 19, and culminating in the legendary Dance on the Pier at Pier 54 – Hudson River Park on Sunday, June 27. Heritage of Pride, which organizes LGBT events in New York City to commemorate and celebrate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, will present a weeklong roster of activities that will showcase the City as the most vibrant LGBT destination in the world.

The Rally
Saturday, June 19, 4–8pm - Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (72nd Street and Fifth Avenue)
The official NYC LGBT Pride Rally will feature well-known performers and motivational speakers from the LGBT community to kick off this year’s Pride Week events. This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.
Rapture on the River: A Women’s Dance
Saturday, June 26, 6–11pm – Pier 54 – Hudson River Park (13th Street and West Street)
Rapture 2010 is the official NYC Pride Week Women’s Dance. In its seventh year, it has become a staple Pride Week event. Tickets will be available from May 1 to June 26. All proceeds from the Rapture on the River will benefit NYC’s LGBT Pride Week events and community organizations.
The March
Sunday, June 27, step-off begins at noon – Begins at 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue and ends in the West Village
The March, which began as a civil rights demonstration the year after the Stonewall Riots, is now also a celebration of gay rights as well as recognition of causes such as the fight against AIDS. For a good spot to watch the step-off, you should be in the 50s or upper 40s on Fifth Avenue. For larger crowds and high energy, anywhere in the Village is ideal. For smaller crowds, visitors should watch anywhere from the ‘teens to the 30s on Fifth Avenue. This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.
PrideFest
Sunday, June 27, 11am–7pm – Hudson Street between Abingdon Square and West 14th Street
PrideFest, the annual LGBT street fair, brings together local residents and families, community leaders, area business owners and visitors for a day of fun and celebration. This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.
Dance on the Pier: Dance 24
Sunday, June 27, 4–10:30pm – Pier 54 – Hudson River Park (13th Street and West Street)
Featuring DJ Steven Oliveri and the Grammy-nominated DJ duo Freemasons, Dance on the Pier will culminate in a fireworks display. Tickets will be available from May 1 to June 26. All proceeds from the Dance on the Pier will benefit NYC’s LGBT Pride Week events and community organizations.

More info at nycpride.org.

Don’t see your local pride event featured here? Add it to the list by commenting below with the dates and information that you want to share with other Pride month revelers.

(SF Photo Credit: Juan Carlos Pometta Betancourt)