Something is Happening in Laguna Beach

Something is happening in Laguna Beach… There is a wave… and it is a beautiful big wave… of PRIDE!

For decades, since the early 1920’s, Laguna Beach had been host to a strong LGBTQ community and in the forefront of a changing culture. Like Providence Town, Christopher Street, The Castro, West Hollywood, or Palm Springs, Laguna Beach was a leader as a cherished, welcoming, and livable LGBTQ city, and a must visit destination. Every holiday was a packed celebration… it was fair to say Pride was year-round.

Laguna Beach even had a gay Mayor, Bob Gentry. Elected in 1983, he served the community for more than 12 years. In his tenure he dealt with some of the most devastating events Laguna Beach had ever experience as AIDS ravaged the community. Sadly, for years this beautiful and vibrant community experienced the death of many of its residents. The stigma was profound, and it is fair to say the culture was suppressed; the LGBTQ community was marginalized as a result. Many residents moved away as much of the acceptance of diversity faded away, and the warm welcoming of the weekend-get-away travelers to the City, also diminished.

But change is upon the community. The beautiful City of Laguna Beach and its residents are once again strongly supportive of diversity, it is growing every day, and with that a renaissance of Pride is underway.

What is happening? Just 4 years ago a small group of two, Craig Cooley and Chris Tebbutt set out on a mission to recognize Laguna’s history and spark a new generation, a renaissance, of Pride in Laguna Beach. They started with a group, an alliance of individuals, that meet monthly to discuss the opportunities and options available to recognize and maybe even re-establish the LGBTQ culture that had so drastically disappeared, (although not completely), in just the last short decade. From this effort, and with their brilliance, the community has grown with more enthusiasm and support than had been imagined. It is tremendous and vibrant.

It began with a small pride beach party co-hosted with OC Pride… and has traveled in just 4 years to today with Laguna Beach’s own annual pride festival weekend. A long weekend that features outdoor hiking and yoga events, popular personalities, well known DJs and name entertainment. And very importantly, it includes activities that recognize and give back to the community that so strongly supports the new “wave”.

Indeed, in response to the “wave”, a new organization was formed, “Laguna Beach Pride 365” non-profit corporation whose purpose is to nurture a welcoming community of inclusion, diversity and, yes indeed, commerce. From weekly or monthly gatherings to a large convention event that speaks to “Diversity and the New Economy”. Pride is striking on all levels in a community that is very supportive. The transformation has been amazing, even Mayor Toni Iseman was instrumental in the City proclaiming June, to forever be, a month celebrating LGBTQ History and Culture.

So, the next time anyone is thinking of a fun weekend, maybe you should experience the “wave of pride” in Laguna Beach. They will greet you with open arms! Love is Love!