As another Pride month comes to end, our Founder and President Casey Weitzman reflects on her history and relationship to attending pride events over the years… “It’s June 2024, which means 2 Pride festivals and 2 parades here in Los Angeles. (There is also TransPride, but we will get to that later).

Back to LA Pride weekend in Los Angeles. Ricky Martin made history this summer, as the first openly gay Latin artist to headline LA Pride in the Park, which took place at the Los Angeles State Historic Park on Saturday, June 8. It was Ricky Martin’s first time ever headlining a Pride event. In the 90s, Ricky was a heartthrob to me and almost every human on earth (well, almost everyone). There was a vulnerability and passion to his body and how it moved. It was like nothing I ever experienced. When he performed “La Vida Loca” at the Grammy’s in 1999, the music world was forever changed. The performance skyrocketed him to immediate success. And, all while in the closet. He wouldn’t come out until 2010, and went public with his marriage in 2017. 

Way before Ricky, there was Barry Manilow. Another closeted musician, Barry was afraid that his sexuality would ruin his career. I must remind myself with my clients “that you don’t come out until you’re ready.” Barry and Ricky felt that they had to stay in the closet because they knew coming out would come with overwhelming consequences.

Back in the day, I drove my 1974 Toyota Celica GT with an 8-track tape to Las Vegas with my first girlfriend to see Barry Manilow. (Don’t judge). Say what you will, but his lyrics were relatable, painful, and tear jerkers, as well as a bit cheesy. It perfectly encapsulated the queer experience.

It sure would have helped me, and thousands of others, both young and old to have out, LGBTQ+ role models. Most of us have experienced homophobia, internalized homophobia, or transphobia and internalized transphobia, which really messes with the soul and spirit. 

So today, June 9, 2024, I am at home eating IN-N-OUT Burgers with my loved one. I turn on the television and can’t believe my eyes. On my local Channel 7, which is ABC News, there was the LA Pride Parade live on a big station.  I know there is so much hate and so many serious issues, such as “rainbow-washing” marketing that must be addressed. But, seeing Pride broadcasted live on TV felt like an exhale. In time, it will get easier and more accepting, but for now, we have lots more work to do. (DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER AND VOTE!)

As a 60+ queer woman, I experienced pure joy and euphoria today, which is rare for me. I never imagined that LA Pride would be broadcast live on TV in my lifetime. Me and my partner, Lynda were both so happy to witness this paradigm shift.

And, let me end with LA Trans Pride. It’s happening, and more people attend these events yearly. GWLA is honored to be a part of this event, and we can’t wait to show you the fabulous photos and videos we took. Stay tuned.

For now, be well & Happy Pride.”

Thank you for reading the GenWell blog. You can read more about our team here. If you or a loved one is struggling on the journey with gender identity, we ask you to reach out via our contact form or call our office at (818) 855-1105. We are fully committed to supporting your Gender Wellness.

Take good care,

~The GenWell Staff