The Long Beach Pride Festival, an eagerly awaited event, was abruptly canceled just a day before it was set to begin. The city officials announced the decision, attributing it to the event organizers’ failure to submit crucial safety information on time.
In a statement issued on Friday, the city explained, “Out of responsibility to the safety of attendees, staff, and the broader community, the city cannot issue the permit and has directed the event organizers to not continue their event.” Nonetheless, the city affirmed that the annual Pride Parade would still proceed, kicking off at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Community Leaders React to the Cancellation
Tonya Martin, the president of Long Beach Pride—a nonprofit that organizes the festival—expressed her profound disappointment over the city’s decision. She emphasized the importance of the festival, especially at a time when the LGBTQ+ community faces increased vulnerability. “At a time when our community is being targeted and made vulnerable, Long Beach should be doing more to protect and uplift us, not taking away one of the most visible and meaningful expressions of inclusion our city has,” she declared.
The Pride Festival was planned to feature a variety of activities throughout the weekend, including live music, art displays, and delicious food options at Marina Green Park. While the nonprofit did not elaborate on the details surrounding the permitting process, it highlighted the significance of the festival for the community it represents.
City Responds to Criticism
The city maintained that it made numerous attempts to assist the organizers in obtaining an event permit. However, officials stated that essential documentation for safety reviews—including inspection details for the stage, electrical systems, tents, and emergency exit plans—was never provided.
According to the city, they informed the organizing team on Thursday about the permit’s unavailability and continued discussions on Friday in hopes of allowing a condensed version of the festival to take place over the weekend. The city also committed to refund businesses that had secured special licenses and health permits to participate, while redirecting inquiries about ticket refunds and vendor fees back to Long Beach Pride.
In response to the cancellation, Martin voiced her concerns that the decision sends a detrimental message. She urged Mayor Rex Richardson and City Council members to take swift action to allow the festival to continue. “Inclusion is not proven when it is easy,” she stated. “It is proven when leaders choose to stand with vulnerable communities when they need support the most.”
