Photos: Long Beach Pride parade remained joyous in the face of disappointment
Ocean Boulevard was still lined with rainbow-clad people of all ages and persuasions to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community despite the scandalous festival cancellation.
Thousands of people lined Ocean Boulevard to watch the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.
Despite confusion surrounding the weekend, thousands turned out in their rainbowy best for the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday.
While there was plenty of enthusiasm and support for the LGBTQ+ community and the participants in the parade, the day had an undercurrent of frustration after the weekend was thrown into disarray at the canceling of the ticketed festival Friday afternoon — hours before it was set to kick off.
The cancellation was due to a dispute between event organizers and the city related to permitting.
But the throngs of vibrantly clad spectators did not let the scandal dampen their Pride. Cheers and dance parties up and down the street met the dozens of parade entries as they moved along Ocean Boulevard.
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Brandon Richardson is an editor, photographer and reporter for the Watchdog. If this work is important to you, please thank him.
Sloane Ferris, 10, waves a long rainbow banner during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Ferris has attended Pride with her family every year since she was born. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Residents of 1000 Ocean dance to the music of the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Billy, a 2-year-old yorkie-pit mix, walks in the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.First Congregation Church of Long Beach members walk along Ocean Boulevard during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Kim Indelicato, a member of Cheer LA, does a backflip during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Mila Soria, 15, dances down Ocean Boulevard during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Every color of the rainbow filled Ocean Boulevard during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.A Long Beach Police Officer D. Earnest threatens Sean Massich, 38, with arrest for jumping a barricade to anti-LGBTQ+ protesters during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.A lone flag hangs from a balcony at the historic International Tower during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Mayor Rex Richardson walks in the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Residents watch the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade from their balconies Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Gabriella Espinosa, 38, a Hollywood resident, walks in the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Robert, left, a Long Beach resident, argues with an anti-LGBTQ+ protester, who declined to give his name, during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. "The Bible teaches love, what they preach is hate," Robert said. "Venom and hate." Photo by Brandon Richardson.The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence walk by the historic Villa Riviera the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Joey Leon, 39, a member of the SoCal Pride Colorguard, tosses a flag during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Sister Siri Usly the Ridiculous walks during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Sean Petersen, 48, and LA resident, and other representatives of the Glory Center give out hugs to people during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.A long rainbow train trails behind a participant of the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo by Brandon Richardson.Sylvia Franco, 45, a Long Beach resident, celebrates during the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride parade Sunday, May 17, 2026. Franco has been attending Pride in Long Beach for more than 15 years. Photo by Brandon Richardson.
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