LA Pride kicks off weekend-long celebration
Headliner Ricky Martin will be the first openly gay Latin artist to perform center stage at LA Pride.
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Los Angeles kicked off a weekend-long celebration of Pride Month Saturday with a party at Los Angeles State Historic Park that included a series of musical performances, capped by headliner Ricky Martin.
LA Pride in the Park, sponsored by the nonprofit Christopher Street West Association, covers more than 20 acres, and features an array of activities, exhibitor booths, vendors, games, food and drink.
The theme of this year's LA Pride season is "Power in Pride,'' celebrating "the LGBTQ+ community's ability to live authentically through strength and resilience.''
The highlight of the event was the concert entertainment, which included appearances from JoJo Siwa, RaiNao, Tokischa and MUNA, along with cast members of HBO's "We're Here'' -- including Sasha Velour, Latrice Royale, Jaida Essence Hall and Priyanka.
But the highlight was headline performance by Ricky Martin, who was the first openly gay Latin artist to perform center stage at LA Pride. Organizers said it also marked Martin's first headlining performance at any Pride event.
Gerald Garth, Christopher Street West board president, said Martin "has long been an inspiration to millions around the world.''
"His participation in LA Pride in the Park goes beyond mere entertainment. It symbolizes a powerful affirmation of queer Latin identity and a celebration of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community,'' Garth said in a statement.
Pride in the Park also included a dedicated "sober space'' within the venue, featuring games and activities, as well as an Erotic City with displays and appearances "that appeal to the kink community.''
LA Pride celebrations will continue Sunday with the LA Pride Parade through the streets of Hollywood, followed by a daylong street fair.
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