LA Pride Announces “Rise with Pride” Theme, Grand Marshals for 2026 Celebration
Los Angeles, CA – Christopher Street West (CSW), the organization behind LA Pride, has unveiled “Rise with Pride” as the theme for its 56th annual parade, scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Hollywood. The announcement signals a continued evolution for LA Pride, moving beyond a single weekend event toward a year-round commitment to community service, inclusion, and advocacy. Lawrence Carroll, President of the Board of Directors for CSW, emphasized the significance of the theme, stating, “‘Rise with Pride’ is more than a theme, it’s a responsibility. This year especially, it’s important that we listen to our community and respond intentionally.”
The celebration will be broadcast live on ABC7 and its streaming platforms, extending the reach of the event to a wider audience. Hosting duties will be shared by Gio Benitez, co-anchor of “Good Morning America” on weekends and ABC News transportation correspondent, alongside ABC7 Eyewitness News anchors John Gregory, Rachel Brown, and Tony Cabrera. ABC7’s reporting team – David González, Kevin Ozebek, and Liz Nagy – will provide comprehensive coverage directly from the parade route. The event represents a significant cultural moment for the city and the LGBTQIA+ community, building on a legacy that began with the world’s first permitted gay pride parade in 1970.
Honoring Leaders and Activists: 2026 Grand Marshals
CSW has too announced the 2026 Grand Marshals, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Jeff Hiller, an Emmy-winning actor and comedian known for his role as “Joel” on HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere,” will serve as the Celebrity Grand Marshal. Mia Yamamoto, a Los Angeles-based criminal defense attorney and prominent LGBTQ+ civil rights activist, has been named the Community Grand Marshal. The Icon Grand Marshal honor will be posthumously bestowed upon Shirley “Ms. Shirley” Raines, a beloved humanitarian and founder of Beauty 2 the Streetz, who passed away in 2026.
Hiller’s recent acting credits include guest appearances on Apple TV+’s “Pluribus,” a recurring role on NBC’s “Stumble,” and Hiro Murai’s upcoming series “Widow’s Bay” for Apple TV+, as well as a guest star role in Season 3 of “Elsbeth.” Yamamoto’s work as a transgender attorney has been instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and providing legal representation to marginalized communities. Raines, affectionately known as “Ms. Shirley” by those she served, dedicated her life to helping individuals experiencing homelessness on Skid Row in Los Angeles, channeling her grief after the loss of her son into a mission of service. Her organization, Beauty 2 the Streetz, provides essential supplies and support to those in require.
Parade Route and Pride Village Details
The LA Pride Parade will commence at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue, proceeding north along Highland Avenue to Hollywood Boulevard. From there, the parade will turn east onto Hollywood Boulevard, continuing to Cahuenga Boulevard before heading south back to Sunset Boulevard. This route will allow for maximum visibility and participation from both parade participants and spectators.
Following the parade, festivities will continue at Pride Village, a free and open-to-the-public event stretching along Hollywood Boulevard from Vine Street to Gower Street. Pride Village will feature a full day of performances, programming, and community resources, offering a space for celebration, connection, and advocacy. Applications for participation in both the parade and Pride Village are currently open, inviting individuals, organizations, and businesses to join in the festivities. CSW aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees.
Expanding Beyond a Weekend: Pride 365 and Year-Round Initiatives
Under Carroll’s leadership, CSW is actively working to transform LA Pride into a year-round institution, extending its impact beyond the annual parade and festival. This initiative, known as Pride 365, encompasses a range of community programming and events designed to foster dialogue, education, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the year. According to Carroll, as stated in a LinkedIn post, his goal is to “keep that energy moving forward: building bridges, telling our story, honoring our rich history and making sure Pride remains a platform for real change 365 days a year.”
Upcoming events within the Pride 365 framework include Trans Self-Care Sunday on March 29, providing a dedicated space for transgender individuals to prioritize their well-being. the Countdown to Pride celebration and fundraiser on May 2, generating support for CSW’s ongoing initiatives; and the second annual Christopher Street West Day on June 28, officially proclaimed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The Salon Series will continue to offer opportunities for community engagement and discussion on important issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community. These initiatives demonstrate CSW’s commitment to serving as a vital resource and advocate for the community year-round.
Carroll’s journey to the presidency of CSW, as highlighted by The Fight Magazine, reflects a blend of Midwestern values and West Coast opportunity. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, he spent 15 years in Los Angeles before taking on the leadership role. His approach to leadership is informed by principles of patience, reliability, and community care, qualities he attributes to his upbringing. He also shares his experience of intentional co-parenting with his friend Brandi Andrews, raising their son, Hartley, in a two-household family, demonstrating a modern and inclusive approach to family structures.
The evolution of LA Pride under Carroll’s guidance underscores the ongoing need for LGBTQIA+ advocacy and community support. As the organization continues to expand its reach and impact through Pride 365, it remains dedicated to its core mission of celebrating diversity, promoting equality, and creating a safe and inclusive space for all. The next key date for those interested in participating is the application deadline for the parade and Pride Village, details of which can be found on the official LA Pride website: lapride.org.
Looking ahead, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ proclamation of June 28th as Christopher Street West Day signifies growing institutional support for the LGBTQIA+ community and the work of CSW. Further details regarding the Salon Series and upcoming community events will be released in the coming months. The organization encourages community members to stay informed and engaged through their website and social media channels.
The 2026 LA Pride celebration promises to be a vibrant and meaningful event, honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to a future of continued progress and inclusivity. We invite readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding LA Pride and the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation in the comments below.