Pride in Pictures: LA Pride is one of the oldest in the nation

LA Pride was one of the originals, but there were some conditions before the first one could kick off.
By · Updated on May 30, 2019
Pride in Pictures: LA Pride is one of the oldest in the nation
The first Gay Pride Parade, held on Hollywood Boulevard in 1970. Photo: The Advocate

The first L.A. Pride Parade was held on June 28, 1970, in commemoration of the previous year’s Stonewall Riots. It was one of the first cities in the world to host a parade advocating for LGBTQ rights and progressive political change.

The parade takes place in West Hollywood and is organized by the Christopher Street West Association, founded by Reverend Troy Perry and two of his friends, Mr. Morris Kight and Reverend Bob Humphries.

Before the first parade, Perry said that “The Police Commission voted 4 to 1 to place conditions on the parade permit.”

Those conditions were that 1) a one million dollar bond had to be placed for businesses in case they were damaged during the parade, 2) a $500,000 cash bond had to be placed before the parade could kick off and 3) a minimum of 5,000 people had to march in the parade.

Here are some photos of L.A. Pride parades throughout history:

This plaque at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and McCadden Place marks the origination of the Los Angeles Gay Pride Parade. Richard Bence
LOS ANGELES – JUNE 10: Los Angeles LGBT Pride Parade in Hollywood. Shutterstock
LOS ANGELES – JUNE 10: Los Angeles LGBT Pride Parade in Hollywood. Shutterstock
West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA, June 14, 2015, 40th annual Gay Pride Parade for LGBT Community, down Santa Monica Blvd., LGBT Public Library Banner and marchers. Shutterstock
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Harvey Milk Los Angeles Los Angeles Pride Rev. Troy Perry

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