#ResistMarch Replaces Annual LA Pride Parade In WeHo

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — The celebration of the LGBTQ community that usually caps the annual two-day LA Pride Festival was replaced this year with what has been dubbed #ResistMarch.

Organizers promise this will be a "gathering to ensure our futures." The event is expected to attract as many as 100,000 people.

March founder Brian Pendleton said he was inspired by the early pride demonstrations of the 1970s and the nationwide Women's Marches held in January, one day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

"The mission is to march in unity with those who believe that America's strength is its diversity," organizers said in a prepared statement. "Not just LGBTQ people but all Americans and dreamers will be wrapped in the Rainbow Flag with unique, diverse, intersectional voices gathering together.

We are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. We are people of color. We are people of different faiths. We are people of all genders and no gender. We are immigrants. We are dreamers. We are people with disabilities. We are parents. We are allies."

Participants assembled at 8 a.m. near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. A rally with opening remarks and performances started at 9 a.m.

Speakers include House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congress members Maxine Waters and Adam Schiff, West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman and LGBTQ pioneer the Rev. Troy Perry. Entertainers include singer Adam Lambert and actress-comedian Margaret Cho.

After the rally, the marchers moved south on La Brea Avenue, west on Sunset Boulevard, south on Fairfax Avenue, then west on Santa Monica Boulevard, ending at the Pride Festival in West Hollywood.

Motorists should anticipate major street closures to accommodate the march.

San Vicente will remain closed between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard until 8 a.m. Monday for the festival.

According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Hollywood Boulevard will be closed between Highland and La Brea avenues from 6 a.m. to noon Sunday. The following streets are expected to close at 9 a.m. until the march ends, but the closures could begin earlier depending on the event:

• La Brea between Hollywood and Sunset;
• Sunset between La Brea and Fairfax;
• Fairfax between Sunset and Santa Monica; and
• Santa Monica between Fairfax and into the city of West Hollywood.

Sunset is expected to be closed between Highland and La Brea for the event, as will westbound Franklin Avenue between Highland and La Brea.

— City News Service, photo courtesy of #ResistMarch