By Rebecca Kaplan, Oakland City Councilmember At-Large–
As Oakland’s Councilmember At Large, representing the entire city, and as our first openly lesbian councilmember, I am thrilled to announce that, this year, Oakland’s LGBT community is coming together for a historic Pride weekend-long event, September 9–10 of 2023. This set of events and celebration and support of our diverse area LGBT community united Oakland Pride, and PrideFest, working together.
Oakland Pride is an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in Oakland and the East Bay, while Pridefest Oakland is a music and arts festival that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The history of Oakland Pride goes back to 2008 when a group of LGBTQ+ activists decided to organize a community-based Pride celebration. Since then, the event has become one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ events in the Bay Area, attracting people from all walks of life. Similarly, Pridefest Oakland was established to promote cultural diversity and inclusivity through music, dance, and art.
This year, we are excited to merge the two festivals into one event, which will take place on September 9–10, 2023. By combining our efforts, we aim to create an even more inclusive, diverse, and joyful experience for everyone in attendance.
Attendees can expect two days that will include live music, food, drinks, exhibitors, and vendors. We will have a dedicated family area with activities for children and a health and wellness area. Oakland has a strong history of building Pride events that are uniquely reflective of our LGBT community—racially diverse and including a strong BIPOC leadership and presence, family-friendly, having children’s areas, and more.
We need to unite in this time of unprecedented attacks against our LGBTQ+ community. This event is a chance to show our pride, celebrate our progress, and come together to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. www.oaklandpride.com
Councilmember At-Large and Council President Rebecca Kaplan, who is the Vice Mayor of Oakland, was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. She also serves on the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC). Follow Councilmember Kaplan on Twitter @Kaplan4Oakland (https://twitter.com/Kaplan4Oakland) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Kaplan4Oakland/).
Out of the Closet and into City Hall
Published on May 4, 2023
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