Whether or not you’re heading to the official Long Beach Pride festival, there’s something important to remember: Pride is not a gated event. It’s everywhere we are.

It’s in our bars, cafés, bookstores, art shows, dance floors, and street corners. It’s in the day-to-day work of queer-owned businesses, nonprofit organizers, and neighbors who hold this community together — not just during Pride weekend, but all year long.

Long Beach has always had a vibrant and resilient LGBTQ+ presence. Some of our most cherished queer spaces have stood the test of time, supporting the community through decades of joy, hardship, activism, and celebration. Others are new — bold, inclusive, and intersectional — created by a generation that’s reimagining what visibility and pride can look like. And that’s what this piece is really about.

This year’s Long Beach Pride festival may look a little different — smaller footprint, no headliners — but it’s still here. And that’s something worth recognizing. Planning a festival of this size is no easy task, especially during difficult times. So to the team, volunteers, and city staff who make it possible, thank you!