Thousands Celebrating LA Pride In West Hollywood This Weekend

WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA) — For more than 40 years, L.A. Pride has been a champion of equality and inclusion for the LGBTQ community.

Over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of festival-goers turned out for the three-day event in West Hollywood, including many celebrities, including Meghan Trainor, Lisa Vanderpump and Paula Abdul to name a few.

On Sunday, the annual L.A. Pride Parade kicked off at 11 a.m. along Santa Monica Boulevard in WeHo between Fairfax and Doheny.

The three-day event is one of the nation's biggest LGBTQ celebrations.

The parade is always a colorful feast for the eyes and Sunday's parade was no exception -- the clothing, commentary and costumes did not disappoint.

CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Greg Mills spoke to parade goers and dignitaries alike.

Mayor Garcetti remarked at how much LA has changed in the 50 years since the Stonewall uprising in New York -- what many consider the event that sparked the gay civil rights movement.

"When men tried to kiss each other at New Year's, the LAPD cracked down," Garcetti said, "and now we're marching today with the chief, with the fire chief walking."

The Sheriff's department sported Pride patches on their uniforms. Lt Don Mueller loved the new look.

"This is a first," he said, "the Sheriff authorized them just this week. Amazing." Mueller said.

Mueller walked in the parade with his husband, Oriel Briguela.

For some, it was a coming out celebration.

"For me, personally, it's not about being gay," said a young man named Nick. "it's just about being here and supporting the other people's decisions."

And that was precisely why his mom was there.

"I want him to be happy and feel supported," Angelica Quintero said.