Meet the 2018 Long Beach Pride Parade Commentators

Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride is proud to announce the commentators for the 35th Annual Long Beach Pride Parade: Jewels, Ronn Ruiz, Deb Kahookele, Mia Farrow and Missy Vee. The parade takes place Sunday, May 20, 2018, with a 9:30 a.m. pre-parade show at the Parade Grandstand on Ocean Boulevard between Cherry Avenue and Junipero Avenue. Step-off is at 10:30 a.m. at Ocean Boulevard and Lindero Avenue.

Every one of the 2018 hosts is a community superstar and a true advocate for LGBTQ+ Long Beach. Two of them will sound familiar: Jewels and Missy Vee both helped call the 2017 parade, and we are glad to have them back on the microphone.

At Parade Central

Three personalities hold down Parade Central, ready to get everyone fired up for the parade.

Jewels

Jewels produces and hosts dozens of events, shows and fundraisers throughout Southern California, but her heart belongs to Long Beach. From the beginning, her mission has been to make sure everyone who visits Long Beach feels welcome, loved and entertained.

If you have ever seen her lead a parade of drag queens down Broadway on Easter Sunday to benefit St. Mary’s C.A.R.E. Center, you know what she brings to a crowd. When she is not hosting charity fundraisers or turning up at community events all over the city, you can find her any night of the week at Hamburger Mary’s, The Eagle 562 or The World Famous Falcon. She has hosted stand-up comedy shows at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood and Long Beach, made countless television appearances, and every Saturday and Sunday morning her “Brunchette” troupe entertains sold-out drag brunch crowds in several cities.

Ronn Ruiz

Ronn Ruiz is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor and philanthropist who owns and operates three businesses in Downtown Long Beach. He is co-founder and CEO of Apartment SEO, a digital marketing agency for the multifamily real estate space, and founder and CEO of Chulo Chonies, an online lifestyle apparel brand for men and women. Ronn and his partner donate more than $30,000 a year to charitable organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, people experiencing homelessness, and AIDS, cancer and diabetes research.

Deb Kahookele

Debra (Deb) Kahookele is a local Realtor with Re/Max Estate Properties and is deeply involved in our Long Beach community. She is president of PARA, a downtown Long Beach neighborhood association, has served on the Harvey Milk board since 2011, sits on the board of the Long Beach Day Nursery, and is a founding board member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, South Bay Chapter. Deb is also one of the founders and producers of the 2017 Pride Rally and the 2018 Long Beach SANTA Crawl.

On the Curve at Ocean and Alamitos

Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow is a Long Beach drag entertainer, philanthropist and Empress 46 of the International Imperial Court of Long Beach. She is also a behavior therapist for children with disabilities, and she works tirelessly to raise awareness for people living with disabilities. She gives back by organizing events, volunteering and donating to local organizations.

Missy Vee

Missy V Simply V is a multitalented drag entertainer based in Long Beach who has performed throughout Southern California with The DreamGirls Revue and The Brunchettes. She was crowned Miss Gay Pride 2016 and is part of the Imperial Court of Long Beach.

Parade Day Schedule

• 8 a.m.: Shoreline Front Runners Pride Run, starting at Junipero Avenue and Ocean Boulevard and running along the beach path
• 9:30 a.m.: Pre-parade show at Parade Central on Ocean Boulevard between Junipero and Cherry avenues, with giveaways including free festival tickets and T-shirts
• 10:30 a.m.: Parade steps off at Ocean Boulevard and Lindero Avenue

The 2018 parade carries the theme “Remember the Past, Create the Future,” and actress and activist Alexandra Billings rides as Celebrity Grand Marshal. Expect everything from drag queens and kings to zombies. It is a spectacular street show and one of the largest Pride parades anywhere.

Street Closures and Guidelines

• 5 a.m.: Ocean Boulevard from Redondo Avenue to Lindero Avenue
• 7 a.m.: Lindero Avenue to Cherry Avenue
• 8:30 a.m.: Cherry Avenue to Alamitos Avenue and around the curve to Broadway

Only registered parade vendors may sell food, merchandise or drinks along the route. Find your spot on Ocean Boulevard and listen for five familiar voices.

Media inquiries: info@longbeachpride.com