Thelma Houston and Wendell James Lead Long Beach Pride 2016

In April 2016, the Long Beach Post reported that two familiar faces would lead the 33rd Annual Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade: Grammy Award winner Thelma Houston and actor Wendell James. The parade was set for Sunday, May 22, 2016, at 10:30 a.m.

Houston grew up in Long Beach, and the Post noted her Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” along with recognition from the City of West Hollywood for her work in the fight against HIV and AIDS. She told the paper the parade felt like coming home.

I am thrilled to return to Long Beach and to be a part of one of the world’s largest gay parades.

Thelma Houston, as quoted by the Long Beach Post

Wendell James, known for his role on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Raising Whitley,” had opened up on the show about his own struggle with his sexuality and faith. The Post reported that the episode pushed him to speak out more for LGBTQ+ awareness, and to use his platform for people who are not yet able to speak for themselves.

The story also previewed LOVE WINS, a free mass wedding ceremony planned for 9:30 a.m. at Ocean Boulevard and Lindero Avenue before the parade, with the Long Beach City Clerk’s Office taking part. Rubio said organizers were truly excited about the marriage ruling and wanted to share that excitement with the community by offering the ceremony as a free service.

This is a great way to celebrate our solidarity in pride.

Frank Rubio, Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride president, to the Long Beach Post

The Post added that Neon Trees would play the main stage on Sunday, and that Long Beach Pride had welcomed more than 80,000 attendees the year before. The 2016 theme, Solidarity Through Pride, ran through every part of that weekend.

A hometown legend at the front of the parade and couples saying “I do” at the start of the route: it was a fitting way to celebrate solidarity in 2016.

Read the full story at Long Beach Post.