June is Gay Pride Month.
It’s a time for those who identify as LGBTQ and their supporters to not only celebrate, but also bring awareness to divisive legislation that seeks to strip individual freedoms and divide rather than unite.
Pride celebrations big and small will be held in cities around the world.
In Los Angeles, festivities will take place over two weekends. On Sunday, June 4, the city of West Hollywood, aka WeHo, held its famous Pride Parade. Transgender model Laith Ashley, Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts, Melissa McCarthy and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” were named WeHo Pride Parade Icons.
The following Sunday, June 11, was Los Angeles Pride, with Margaret Cho named Icon Grand Marshall, the late Leslie Jordan posthumously named Legacy Grand Marshall and the ACLU of Southern California named Community Grand Marshall.
Click through the photos to see all the Pride month festivities.
WeHo Pride Parade Icon Niecy Nash-Betts (“Dahmer”) wears a dazzling rainbow-colored costume.
Transgender male model Laith Ashley (Taylor Swift’s “Lavender Haze” love interest) was also named a WeHo Pride Parade Icon.
Niecy Nash-Betts and wife Jessica Betts waved to supporters as their convertible drove down Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood.
WeHo Pride Parade Icon and queer ally Melissa McCarthy wore a whimsical headpiece that opposed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Beauty influencer Patrick Starr was just one of the hundreds who paraded in the streets.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Crystal Methyd (Season 12), Gigi Goode (Season 12), Symone (Season 13) and Rock M. Sakura (Season 12) kick off the festivities.
“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” stars Garcelle Beauvais and Sutton Stracke also enjoyed the Sunday drive. Stracke owns a boutique in WeHo called Sutton.
Alexandra Shipp and Scott Evans promoted the upcoming “Barbie” movie on a pink float. Shipp plays writer Barbie, while Evans plays one of the Kens.
Quina Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”) warmed up the crowd during the first night of 2023 LA Pride at the Park at Los Angeles Historical Park on June 09.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alums Symone (Season 13 winner) and Gigi Goode (Season 12 finalist) dazzled in their silver suits at Pride at the Park.
“Selling Sunset” stars Emma Hernan and Chelsea Lazkani joined actress Molly Burnett for some fun in the sun at Pride at the Park.
Chrishell Stause (“Selling Sunset”) donned a festive dress at Pride at the Park. Her wife G Flip was part of the musical lineup.
G Flip performed a high energy set on stage at Pride at the Park.
Megan Thee Stallion electrified the crowd as Friday night’s headliner at Pride at the Park.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Queen of the Universe” judge Michelle Visage posed with a replica of the werk room for RuPaul’s Drag Race Performs Wigloose Live at Los Angeles LGBT Center on June 10.
Aura Mayari, executive producer Tom Campbell, Luxx Noir London, Michelle Visage, Marcia Marcia Marcia, songwriter Brett “Leland” McLaughlin, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, choreographer Miguel Zarate, Salina EsTitties, Sasha Colby and ACLU staff attorney Christine Parker took the stage at Wigloose Live. The queens performed the musical number, which first aired during Season 15 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Fellow “Drag Race” alum and burlesque beauty Violet Chachki (Season 7 winner) performed on June 10, the second day of Pride at the Park.
“Drag Race” standout Gottmik (Season 13 finalist) wore her signature black and white face make-up on stage. Gottmik made history as the show’s first transgender man.
King Princess performed in front of a packed crowd on the second day of Pride in the Park.
Of course everyone was waiting for headliner Mariah Carey, who kicked off her set with visuals that resembled the Grindr gay dating app.
Carey sang several of her hits and channeled her inner diva.
Icon Grand Marshall Margaret Cho held a furry friend as parade-goers cheered during the L.A. Pride Parade on June 11.
Vincent Rodriguez III (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”) and transgender model/actor Isis King (“America’s Next Top Model”) were all smiles during the motorcade.
Original “Queer Eye” expert Jai Rodriguez still looked fabulous at L.A. Pride supporting Project Angel Food.
“Drag Race” alum and beauty influencer Kim Chi couldn’t help but snag a selfie.
Janelle Monae felt all the vibes during the L.A. Pride Parade.
Actress/activist Kathy Najimy donned a “Gay OK” shirt while speaking out at NYC Pride rally on June 17.
The festivities in the Big Apple continued into the third week of June. On June 22, Billy Porter lit up the Empire State Building in celebration of New York City Pride.
Pop star Christina Aguilera was the headliner at Pride Live’s Stonewall Day 2023 at Hudson Yards on June 23.
Chelsea Clinton spoke at the event. The former first daughter and her family are residents of New York City.
Former “Pose” star Angelica Ross served as host of the event. Here she posed with fellow Hollywood trans activists Laverne Cox and Our Lady J.
Valentina Sampaio, Sports Illustrated magazine’s first transgender model, also made an appearance.
“Star Trek: Discovery” star Wilson Cruz (left) was joined by his brother Joshua, who is also out.
On June 25, senator Chuck Schumer, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul, activist Rev. Al Sharpton and New York attorney general Letitia James joined thousands of revelers for 2023 New York City Pride March.
Sharpton showed his support for the LGBTQ community with a festive t-shirt.
Outside Manhattan, “American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert performed during Pride Island at the Brooklyn Army Terminal on June 25.