West Hollywood’s One City One Pride LGBTQ arts festival kicks off today with an artist-led protest sign workshop at The Chapel at The Abbey. The event, from 5 to 9 p.m., will feature artists who will help participants create signs for the June 11 Resist March.
At 7:45 tonight, West Hollywood City Council members plan to address the crowd at the Chapel, at 692 N. Robertson Blvd. just south of Santa Monica. No RSVP is necessary, and admission is free to those 21 and older. There will be a “happy hour” until 7 p.m.
Tonight’s event is one of many across through June 29 that will celebrate LGBTQ art, dance, film, history and music. The theme of this year’s One City One Pride is
“Go West.”
“Whether associated with Horace Greeley’s famous quote from the 1800’s (“Go West, young man, and grow up with the country”), the Village People’s anthem of hope and unity, or the Pet Shop Boys’ later cover of the song, Go West conjures images of a movement toward a promised land,” says an announcement of the events from the city’s Arts Division.
“For many LGBTQ people, this included the idea of a West Coast utopia, a dream of gay liberation, and the freedom to live lives openly in the West Coast meccas of San Francisco, Los Angeles and the emerging, influential young City of West Hollywood. Most recently, there has been a wave of artists and creatives moving here from New York. Over the years, people have moved West for many reasons, and for 2017 One City One Pride takes a look at what pride means to those who accepted the call to ‘Go West!’”
The highlights of One City One Pride this year are:
• A full “Day of History” on June 3 with multiple screenings and a tour originally written by the late Stuart Timmons, co-author of “Gay LA” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The #Resist March on June 11 (tonight’s will be the first in a aseries of free One City One Pride artist-led protest sign making workshops in the weeks leading up to it).
• The June 29 world premiere of “Jeanne,” a new documentary about the accomplishments of activist and author Jeanne Cordova.
Full event listings are below. For more information please visit www.weho.org/pride or follow One City One Pride at @WeHoArts.
May 22: Harvey Milk Day and One City One Pride Kickoff
Join the City of West Hollywood’s One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival on Harvey Milk Day from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a happy hour (until 7 p.m.) and there will be artist-led protest sign workshop so you can be prepared for the #Resist march on June 11. RSVPs are not necessary, and supplies for making protest signs and pins are provided, just bring your anger, wit and creativity. Artists will be standing by to assist those who are creatively stymied. Free admission.
May 23: 29th Annual Lambda Literary Awards Finalists Reading (Literary)
Join readings at 7 p.m. by the Los Angeles area finalists for the annual Lambda Literary Awards at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. Free admission.
May 25: LGBTQ Historic Places in L.A. (History/Film/Panel)
Join the Los Angeles Conservancy for a screening at 6:30 p.m. of three short films spotlighting significant LGBTQ spaces including The Black Cat, The Woman’s Building and Great Hall/Long Hall. The screening will be at Great Hall, Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. Admission is $5. Proceeds will go towards funding future activities highlighting more of L.A.’s LGBTQ historic places.
May 31: Exploring International LGBT Rights in China and Abroad (Panel discussion)
Join the City of West Hollywood’s Human Rights Speakers Series at 7 p.m. for a discussion on the growing difficulties activists, non-profits and others face when trying to provide aid in countries with anti-LGBT policies. The discussion will take place at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. To RSVP for this free event go to https://wehohumanrights.eventbrite.com or call (323) 848-6823.
June 1 – June 30: ONE Archives LGBTQ History Panel Displays
The City of West Hollywood has sponsored two outdoor exhibitions of LGBTQ History Panels from ONE Archives. These will be displayed during the month of June on construction fencing surrounding West Hollywood Park as it undergoes renovation. The exhibitions are:
• “The History of the LGBTQ Civil Rights Movement”, which explores the inspiring journey of the rights movement from World War II to present day, starting from development of “gayborhoods” in the 1940’s, the Stonewall Riots and the beginning of organized protests in the 1960’s, the beginning of Pride and a cohesive national movement in the 1970’s, the AIDS crisis of the 1980’s, the beginning of gay marriage in the 1990’s and the explosion of rights in the 2000’s.
• “Heroes of the LGBTQ Civil Rights Movement”, which highlights the LGBTQ pioneers who were front and center at the birth of the LGBTQ civil rights movement. They include Christine Jorgensen, one of the first to undergo gender reassignment surgery; Frank Kameny, who co-founded the Mattachine Society and helped organize some of the first public gay and lesbian protests in 1965; Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, who co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian organization in the U.S, and Bayard Rustin, one of the most important and influential civil rights activists of the 20th century who worked alongside Martin Luther King
June 2 – June 30: “Lesbians to Watch Out For — ‘90s L.A. Activism”
This year marks the 24th anniversary of the National Dyke March in Washington D.C. and the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Lesbian Avengers. These two events inspired national activist efforts and a legacy of Dyke Marches across the country. From protest and street activism to grassroots community groups, ’90s activism in LA and WeHo reflected the energy of the decade. The exhibit begins with an opening reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 2 at Plummer Park, Long Hall, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. It features “The Lesbian Avengers: 25th Anniversary” traveling exhibition, and tells the stories of L.A. queer women from groups like ACT UP LA, Queer Nation LA, Dyke March LA, the United Lesbians of African Heritage (ULOAH), Los Angeles Asian Pacific Islander Sisters (LAAPIS), Lesbianas Unidas (LU) and other organizations. Free admission.
June 3: One City One Pride Day of History
As in years past, One City One Pride provides an entire day of history on the Saturday prior to Christopher Street West’s L.A. Pride Festival. Events include:
11 a.m.: Drag Queen Story Time
Organized by RADAR productions, the same folks who first brought Drag Queen Storytime to San Francisco’s Public Library, join the City of West Hollywood through WeHo Arts and the West Hollywood Library for stories and crafts in the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. Free admission.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Stuart Timmons’ LGBTQ History Tour (History/Performance Art)
Stuart Timmons, co-author of “Gay LA” suffered a stroke before his West Hollywood LGBTQ History Tour was completed. Thanks to a team of helpers and a grant from the City of West Hollywood through One City One Pride, the tour will be restaged with a cast of colorful characters from different eras stationed along the route. The tour starts from the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625. N. San Vicente. Also, before during or after the tour you can get supplies and help from artists to make your own protest sign for the June 11 #Resist March.
5 p.m.: “Reel in the Closet” (Film/History)
“Reel in the Closet” is a feature-length documentary that lets us connect with queer people from the past through the rare home movies that they left for us. Screened at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. Free admission.
In addition to the three events above on June 3, “LA: A Queer History” will be shown on a loop in the City Council Chambers, there will be a protest-sign making workshop, and ONE Archives LGBTQ History exhibits will be on view in West Hollywood Park. Also trans artist Yozmit will stage “(TOTEM)” the first part of a three-part performance artwork “Migration of the Monarchs” (details below).
June 3-24: “Migration of the Monarchs” (Art)
Everything in life…transforms. “Migration of The Monarchs” is a three-part conceptual art project involving wearable art that transforms over the month. Burlesque and cabaret will merge with Victorian esthetics, Butoh, Kabuki, and “Pansori” (traditional Korean singing) to create an act of experiential research into the psyche of the performer during the Hollywood Fringe. Intentions and prayers in part one will be during the performance.
• June 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: artist Yozmit will collect prayers and stitch a ribbon or bead onto a TOTEM as a symbol of exchange.
— June 9, 7 to 9 p.m., WALK will be performed as live ambient art on Santa Monica Blvd.
— June 10, 10 p.m.; June 18, 1pm, and June 24 at 5:30 p.m.
June 4-25: “The Complete History of Drag in a Few Mo-mo” (Theatre)
APT 3F presents a new play by David LeBarron. Backstage at a drag show, Auntie, an old diva, teaches a newbie her fabulous lineage, from ancient times to current affairs, a resilient race of glitter, tucking and throat throttling reality. It will take place at The Other Space Theatre, 916 N Formosa Ave. More information is available at www.facebook.com/events/440350399643368. Show dates and times are:
— June 4 at 3:30 p.m.
— June 15 at 8:30 p.m.
— June 18 at 7 p.m.
— June 24 at 3:30 p.m.
— June 25 at 7 p.m.
June 4: “Vox Femina: Woman Rising, a Taste of Season 20” (Music)
This free concert at 3 p.m. combines repertoire from Vox Femina’s 20th anniversary season, a snapshot of the organization’s past, present and future. It will be at Congregation Kol Ami, 1200 N. La Brea Ave.
June 4: #LastDance (Theatre)
It’s “Boys in the Band” with a little “Paris Is Burning” thrown in!. #LastDance will make audiences rethink what really is behind the wigs, makeup and heels and find out they are people just like them. The event takes place at 7 p.m. at McCadden Place Theatre, 1157 N. McCadden Pl, Los Angeles. Tickets are required and more information can be found on facebook.com/events/810577775747334. Show dates are as follows:
— June 4, 7 p.m. (press preview)
— June 11 at 10:30 p.m.
— June 18 at 1 p.m.
— June 23 at 7:30 p.m.
— June 24 at 8:30 p.m.
June 7: Outfest WeHo Screening (Film)
The City of West Hollywood through WeHo Arts partners with Outfest for a monthly screening at 7:30 p.m. of a film to be determined at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
June 13 and 14: “California Dreams” presented by New Stages (Theatre)
Through story and song, “California Dreams” will explore the experiences of LGBTQ seniors as they made their own journeys west – literally, figuratively and symbolically toward liberation. This original production was created through a workshop process involving seniors at the L.A. LGBT Center. It will be presented at 7 p.m. at the Renberg Theatre, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza’s L.A. LGBT Center, 1125 N. McCadden Place., Los Angeles. Free admission. RSVP to (323) 860-5830 or by e-mail to seniors@lalgbtcenter.org.
June 8 -25: Hollywood Fringe / One City One Pride (Theatre)
The Hollywood Fringe Festival is an open and uncensored community-derived event. The Fringe’s eastern border is usually Gardner Street, but through a special collaboration with the City of West Hollywood, LGBTQ shows can take place throughout West Hollywood as part of One City One Pride. Visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/weho to find shows taking place in WeHo.
June 9-16: LAAA “Out There” (Visual Art)
“Out There” is an all-media exhibition at Los Angeles Art Association during One City One Pride which runs through June 16. The opening reception on June 9 is 6 to 9 p.m. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Monday through June 18. Gallery 825 is 825 N. La Cienaga Blvd. Free admission. Exhibit details can be found at www.laaa.org/calender/2017/6/9/out-there
June 9: Dyke March
The Dyke March kicks off from Sal Guariello Memorial Park at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Holloway at 7 p.m. Artists will be on hand and supplies will be available to create signs for the Dyke March or the June 11 #Resist March.
June 10 to 11: L.A. Pride Festival
The L.A. Pride Festival is organized by Christopher Street West (CSW) Visit www.lapride.org for a full line-up of entertainment and to purchase tickets ($20-$30). West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd.
June 11: #Resist March
This year a march will take place from Hollywood, where L.A. Pride was born in 1970, to West Hollywood, where L.A. Pride grew up. The march will begin at 8 a.m. at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland and continue until 1 p.m. whenit will end near West Hollywood Park. Instead of a parade celebrating past progress, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies will march in solidarity with and on the same day as the National Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington D.C.
June 14: Rainbow Key Awards
Since 1993, the City of West Hollywood has presented Rainbow Key Awards to those who have done outstanding work for the gay and lesbian community as selected by the Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board from nominations submitted by the community. The 2017 Rainbow Key honorees are: Cleve Jones (former aide to Harvey Milk, author of “When We Rise”; JQ International (LGBTQ/Jewish organization); Eric Paul Leue (Mr. LA Leather 2014); L.A. Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; Michaela Ivri Mendelsohn (transgender activist, public speaker and business leader); Jewel Thais-Williams (operator of Catch One, the now-legendary discothèque), and Ruth Tittle (16-year member of the Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board). The awards will be presented at 7 p.m. (with a reception at 6 p.m.), at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. Free Admission.
June 17: ALAP Pride Play Reading Festival (Theatre)
Join ALAP (the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights) at 2 p.m. for its annual reading of short plays. It will take place at Plummer Park Community Center, Rooms 1 and 2, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. Free admission.
June 17: 7th annual “Celebrating All Life and Creation” Pow Wow (Multidisciplinary/Community Event)
Join Red Circle Project of AIDS Project LA for a full day of traditional Native American music, dance, crafts and food, along with HIV testing and prevention resources. Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. Free to attend.
June 20: Chuck Rowland Award Presentation (Theatre)
Celebration Theatre will present its annual Chuck Rowland Award for contributions to LGBTQ theatre to Patricia Loughrey. Excerpts from three of her plays will be presented: “Dear Harvey: Stories of Harvey Milk”, “The Daddy Machine” and “The Inner Circle”. West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. Free admission.
June 25: “The Go West Sunday Funday Mini Ball”
This event by Reach LA supports youth of color through the house / ballroom community. This year Reach will host West Hollywood’s first ever Sunday Funday Mini Ball, which celebrates this year’s theme of Go West by showcasing the migration of house / ballroom culture from the East Coast to West Coast. It will take place at Rage Nightclub, 8911 Santa Monica Blvd. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show is from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Free admission.
June 29: World Premiere of “Jeanne” (Film)
Join One City One Pride for the world premiere of “Jeanne,” a documentary on the life and accomplishments of activist and author Jeanne Cordova, directed by Gregorio Davila. The director and Jeanne’s partner, Lynn Harris Ballen, will participate in a post screening discussion. It will take place at 7:30 p.m. at West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. Free admission.
Will the city have a way to track where the marchers are so we can join in towards the end?