WestHollywoodToday: LAPride ResistMarch 2017 To Remember

Photos by Karen Ostlund

#RESISTMARCH KICKED OFF 9AM SUNDAY, JUNE 11 BEGINNING AT HOLLYWOOD AND HIGHLAND IN HOLLYWOOD.

9AM, June 11 Hollywood & Highland ResistMarch 2017

The March began in Hollywood with a brief opening ceremony speaker program including a tribute to the one year anniversary of the Orlando massacre, lifting 49 balloons. The March finished two hours later in West Hollywood with a rally featuring speakers including the U.S. Congressional Delegation.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti hold the opening speech 9AM at the intersection of Hollywood and La Brea, to remember the 70's:

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti

" Just as we did in 1970's first LGBTQ+ Pride, we are going to march in unity with those who believe that America's strength is its diversity. Not just LGBTQ+ people but all Americans and dreamers will be wrapped in the Rainbow Flag".

Last Sunday, June 11 2017, the #ResistMarch brought together people from all walks of life for a peaceful protest march that began at the intersection of Hollywood Blvd. & Highland Ave in Hollywood and concluded at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd. & La Peer Dr. in West Hollywood. Instead of the Pride Parade with floats celebrating the past progress of the LGBTQ+ community, the #ResistMarch gathered to ensure the community’s future and remember the past.

“This year the LGBTQ+ community is lending its iconic rainbow flag to anyone who feels their rights are at risk and to everyone who believes that America's strength is its diversity.” said Brian Pendleton, Founder of #ResistMarch. “When they come for one of us, they come for all of us. Which is why we our diverse intersectional community must unite as one.”

This inter-sectional diversity is reflected in the wide array of over 100 partner organizations that have committed their support to the #ResistMarch, including GLAAD, Planned Parenthood, Black Lives Matters, ACLU, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the Human Rights Campaign, APLA, Bienestar, the City of West Hollywood.

(in blue)West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman

“GLAAD is proud to support the #ResistMarch on June 11th. In a time when LGBTQ people are being erased, it is now more important than ever that we stand in solidarity,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO of GLAAD.

Sue Dunlop, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, noted, “On June 11th, we will join the #ResistMarch in support of fundamental civil and human rights for all people, everywhere.”

The only float was ResistMarch bus

John D'Amico, Councilmember proclaimed “The shoulders we stand on are broad and strong and have carried us here. The #ResistMarch is showing up for yourself and your rights. The #ResistMarch is peace and protest and pleasure and passion and people. The #ResistMarch is authentic. The #ResistMarch is who we are.”

Adam Lambert

#ResistMarch organizers prepared an opening ceremony with speakers in Hollywood and at the end of the march route, a speaker program and entertainment.

U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi

Speakers included: U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff, U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu, California, Los Angeles Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, Los Angeles Councilman David Ryu, West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman, Trans Activist Bamby Salcedo, AIDS Activist Phil Wilson, #ResistMarch Founder Brian Pendleton, HRC President Chad Griffin, Haim, Margaret Cho, RuPaul, Adam Lambert, Jussie Smollett, Cheyenne Jackson, The Gay Men’s Chorus Of Los Angeles, The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, America Ferrera, Black Lives Matter’s Dr. Melina Abdullah, NALEO National Chairman John Duran, Planned Parenthood’s Sue Dunlap, Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Lorri Jean and Women’s March L.A. Founder Emi Guereca.

Grand Marshall Alexei Romanoff

LA Pride Festival, Saturday June 10 to Sunday June 11th 2017 took place in West Hollywood Park, bringing out over 62,000 people over the 2-day festival. The weekend featured a wealth of musical talent ranging from Chromeo, Brandy, Young M.A, Aaron Carter, and Leon Else on the main stage; to Latin artists Graciela Beltran, Carmen Jara, and Selena Tribute Band on the Plaza Stage; to a variety of emerging Hip-Hop artists like Jay Will, DJ Bad, and Sevyn Streeter on the Boulevard Stage.
The weekend was hosted by Gigi Gorgeous alongside Billy Francesca and included celeb guests Tommy Lee who took to the drums joining Brooke Candy onstage. Other notable guests included Sparkley and Spencer Ludwig, WWE’s Darren Young & Ariane Andrew.