Pride in the South Bay: Celebrating, Supporting & Showing Up Year-Round
Every June, rainbow flags fly proudly across the South Bay—from city streets and storefronts to schools and homes—as the community comes together to celebrate Pride Month. But Pride is more than a parade or a calendar of events. It’s a reflection of history, resilience, identity, and love. For many, Pride is not just a celebration—it’s a commitment to advocacy, visibility, and belonging all year long.
This summer, we invite you to take part in that commitment. Whether it’s attending a community event, supporting a local LGBTQIA+ organization, or having meaningful conversations with your kids, there are countless ways to celebrate and support Pride in the South Bay.
Celebrate Together: Local Pride Events
One of the most joyful ways to support Pride is to show up. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or a proud ally, attending a local event is a meaningful act of visibility and unity. Across the South Bay and surrounding areas, several Pride events offer opportunities to celebrate, connect, and uplift one another. These are just a few of highlights:
Hermosa Beach Pride returns for its fifth annual celebration the weekend of June 11 through June 15, 2025. Hosted at the Hermosa Beach Pier, this festival features events for all ages and identities. From family-friendly activities on the beach and craft events to vibrant drag and music performances to wellness and workout events, it’s a joyful celebration of inclusion and community spirit right in the heart of Hermosa.
The 5th Annual South Bay Pride Paddle & Luncheon takes place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at King Harbor in Redondo Beach. This one-of-a-kind event kicks off with a paddle parade through the harbor, followed by a festive luncheon and lively drag performances at the King Harbor Yacht Club.
San Pedro Pride 2025 takes place on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at West Harbor. Hosted by Bridge Cities Alliance, this year’s theme, “Hand in Hand,” celebrates unity, acceptance, and the collective power of love and community. Expect an uplifting atmosphere filled with entertainment, connection, and the shared joy of Pride.
Support That Lasts Beyond June
Behind every parade and celebration are organizations doing vital year-round work to protect, uplift, and empower LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. These local nonprofits and community groups offer a range of services, including youth mentorship, mental health resources, inclusive education, cultural programming, and advocacy.
Supporting these organizations—by volunteering, donating, or simply showing up—is one of the most impactful ways to be an ally. You can also make a difference by shopping at LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, sharing their work on social media, and attending events throughout the year, not just in June.
As Sarah Betty Leinen, President of the South Bay LGBTQ Center, shared, “The community can help by supporting our local organizations and businesses. If they’re a nonprofit, please donate or sign up to volunteer. If they’re a business, please patronize them. Showing up matters.”
Organizations to Know and Support:
- South Bay LGBTQ Center – southbaycenter.org
- PFLAG Manhattan Beach / South Bay – pflagmanhattanbeach.org
- Hermosa Beach Pride- hbpride.org
- Bridge Cities Alliance – bridgecitiesalliance.com
Being an Ally, Every Day
Pride is more than a moment—it’s a mindset. This means having conversations with your children about inclusion and identity, advocating for safe schools and inclusive classrooms, and using your voice to speak up against discrimination.
“As an ally,” Leinen explains, “Pride means standing up, showing up, and speaking out. It’s about honoring the history, resilience, and brilliance of the LGBTQIA+ community and using my voice to amplify theirs—every day, not just in June. Pride is transforming exclusive spaces into welcoming ones, showing up for my students and loved ones, and resisting policies that target their existence. It’s protest and celebration, legacy and love. For me, Pride is not just a moment—it’s how I live, lead, and fight for a world where we all belong.”
Whether you’re paddling in the harbor, dancing at the pier, mentoring a young person, or simply taking the time to learn, your actions matter. Together, we can build a South Bay that celebrates Pride not just in June—but every single day.
