That was quite a spread in the Daily Breeze on Thursday, announcing the annual Gay Pride Celebration in Long Beach.
Generally, the mainstream press tends to mention "gay pride" festivities around the country, after the event. And, when a report is lodged, it's usually tucked away inside on page 18 or 19 of the dailies...with a big focus on campy photos of the "Drag Queens" or titillating, exploitative negative imagery of "Daddy's" and half-naked Leather men strutting down the main streets.
In contrast, the Daily Breeze ran a tasteful report on the front page of a main section of their paper, with a caption in rainbow colors which read,
"ANNUAL LONG BEACH FESTIVAL SHOWS ITS PRIDE"
Along one side, the editors included a run-down of the weekend events scheduled throughout the weekend (May 17th - May 18th) in the thriving downtown core of the ever-growing Southern California City.
For example, there was mention of a handful of the known performers slated to appear on the Main stage - Deborah Cox, the Bangles, Sheena Easton, and KC and the Sunshine Band - to name a few.
In addition, the editors wrote up an insightful piece on Hip-hop Artist - Melange Lavonne - and her cry to gays to "listen up".
The Lesbian hip-hop performer has seen her pop hit - "Gay Bash" (about a gay teen killed because of his sexual orientation) - ride to considerable success in recent days on the gay television network LOGO. But, she noted for the record that it is still a struggle to get the tune and her new CD - "The Movement" - play on gay radio stations.
The reason?
She wistfully alleged that, "people automatically attach a negative ideology of what hip-hop is, and they haven't even listened to it."
"Don't put me in a box. Give me a chance," she pled.
For those with a mind to, catch her performance on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.
By the way, the 25th Annual Long Beach festival is celebrating its Silver Anniversary. Like me, it's a Silver Fox, gettin' better with age!
The - in-your-face out-in-the-streets party of the year - is sure to be the biggest bash yet, guaranteeing 2 days of fabulous entertainment; including special performances sure to please the gargantuan crowds expected to attend en masse.
The event is always rich in culture and brimming-full with colorful human diversity!
In addition to the world-class LIVE entertainment on seven different stages (mentioned above) there will also be dance areas and venues alongside the picturesque ocean views.
Of course, the ringside festive event is the actual GAY PARADE which will kick off tomorrow (May 18th). The rainbow-hued jaunt will feature a variety of participants - representatives from various local and National organizations, for instance - as well as dignitaries from all over the globe screaming their support.
The wildly exuberant - over-the-festive-top celebration - begins downtown at Ocean and Temple at 10:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, hats off to the Daily Breeze for "leading the way" in their coverage on this major gay event.
Let's see how the rest of the media in Los Angeles fairs with their coverage when the parade in West Hollywood shouts out its PRIDE early next month on Santa Monica Blvd.