Over the weekend, thousands gathered in West Hollywood to celebrate this year’s LA Pride. The theme was Rise with Pride, and they opened the parade with Grand Marshals Jeff Hiller, Mia Yamamoto and the late humanitarian and founder of Beauty2TheStreets Shirley Raines.
The fun began around noon with performances from various artists including CANDIACE, Nekeith, Amber Ryann, Cassidy King, Bentley Robles, Princess Superstar, and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. There were food trucks to help attendees stay energized, while various vendors lined the streets, with some selling merchandise and others sharing valuable information and resources. The streets were filled with smiles and joy. You could really feel the positive energy…and the heat. It was a lot.
With all that’s going on within our current administration, I think the theme “Rise with Pride” is perfect. I had the liberty of interviewing Nekeith and Amber Ryann, two of the artists from the lineup. Both young Black queer independent artists with strong important messages that amplify our voices.
Speaking out against adversity can be scary, but some of us know it has to be done, otherwise we don’t make progress. I asked artist Amber Ryann when she decided to use her platform as a voice to speak out against our struggles. She had this to say:
“Dealing with the adversities in my own life, being a queer Black woman, there was an obligation for my own survival. Seeing my peers feeling they are being dismantled, I don’t feel there would be any point in me having a platform other than to advocate.”
As someone who believes in standing up for others as well as myself, this resonated deeply with me, as did her song ‘Same Thing,’ which message says we all want the same things, be it healthcare, equal rights, fair and equal pay, affordable housing and more.
Singer, rapper and model Nekeith brought the fun, the high energy, and the party! With songs like ‘Vibe,’ she lets it be known that as a Black trans woman, you can still be you, live your life, chase your dreams and have fun authentically without fear. You can purchase her album “Confessions of a Rose” on all platforms.
“To me, Pride means living authentically and unapologetically in who you are. It’s about celebrating our identities, honoring those who came before us and fought four our rights. It’s a reminder that our stories, voices and existence matter every day of the year,” Nekeith told LATF.
Leaving Pride, I felt full, hopeful and happy. Everyday we rise with pride and continue to live our lives fearlessly, because pride isn’t just a day. It’s a lifetime. We must continue to show up, speak up and rise together.
View this post on Instagram
