Oakland- the East Bay’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) Pride festival is celebrating its fifth year Sunday, Aug. 31, and expanding the festival with a Pride parade down Broadway. Spring boarding off of 2013’s success where more than 30,000 people attended, Oakland Pride is happy to announce the largest celebration yet. The newly created parade will be added to the list of official Oakland Pride events which includes the Oakland Pride Creative Arts & Film festival, the all day festival at 20th and Broadway, the Official Oakland Pride Block Party at 21st and Franklin to name a few.
“We’re so excited to announce that Oakland’s own Sheila E will be performing at Oakland Pride this year.” said Amber Todd, chair of Oakland Pride’s Board “Sheila E is a world class performer and Oakland Pride is proud to welcome the Grammy-nominated artist with hits like “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre” in addition to her hit with Prince, “Erotic City”.”
Oakland Pride, a non-profit organization, has worked for the last five years to celebrate the cultures and diversity of the LGBTQ community in Oakland and the East Bay. Oakland Pride is dedicated to educating the greater community, promote equality, civic involvement and responsibility within Oakland and neighboring communities.
“Oakland Pride has worked hard to create an event that not only represents the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community but one that serves to highlight the success, challenges, and the families that make up who we are.” said Carlos Uribe, Oakland Pride board member and spokesperson. “We’re excited to be in our fifth year and very excited about the addition of a parade down Broadway. We’re looking forward to welcoming almost 50,000.”
In 2013, more than 30,000 attendees filled the streets of the Oakland Pride festival which was headlined by Oakland’s own En Vogue. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan presented an official proclamation declaring Sept. 1, 2013 “En Vogue Day” in the city of Oakland.
2014 sponsors for Oakland Pride include: East Bay Express, Clear Channel Radio, Hawaiian Airlines, Barefoot Wine, Pandora, Pacific Gas & Electric, Tribune Tavern, Kaiser Permanente, Tesla Motors, The Golden State Warriors, City Of Oakland, Whole Foods, BART, Our Family Coalition and the Teamsters.
For more information on Oakland Pride go here.
