The City of Beverly Hills kicked off Pride Month with its inaugural Pride Night event at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Promenade Terrace on June 2. The evening was hosted by musician Tolliver and Novena Carmel, DJ and co-host of KCRW’s signature music program, “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” The celebration featured live entertainment from a diverse roster of performers and remarks from Mayor Lili Bosse, department heads, partners, commissioners and city officials. Pride Night was presented by the City of Beverly Hills and Community Services Department with The Wallis as part of the city and Human Relations Commission Embrace and Celebrate Culture initiative. In honor of Pride Month, Beverly Hills City Hall was illuminated with festive rainbow colors. The sold-out event was attended by members of the City Council, commissioners, Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education members, administrators, families, residents, and visitors of all ages.
“The Embrace and Celebrate Culture initiative was formed to celebrate programs just like this,” Vice Chair of the Human Relations Commission Noelle Freeman said. “Programs that lift up equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging. And we’re so excited to partner the Arts and Culture Commission with the Human Relations Commission to create and celebrate global arts, diversity around the world, and ultimately honor community.”
“This was a gift of love,” said Bosse.
The evening included entertainment from the region’s leading LBGTQIA+ performers including pop, rock, electronic, soul singer-songwriter Zee Machine; actress and comedian Bri Giger; musician and performance artist Polartropica; musician and soloist San Cha; musician and performance artist Jeshua; drag artist and performer Miss Barbie Q; and DJ THEYTEE.
“We are thrilled, and we have so much Beverly Hills pride,” Mayor Bosse added. “Have a lot of fun tonight, and let’s dance the night away.”
“As an identifying number of the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s a very special night for me,” Associate Artistic Director at The Wallis Coy Middlebrook said.
With a booth across from a hot pink red carpet, the Next Beverly Hills Committee gave attendees bright pink tote bags with glittered branding in exchange for their email, with sweet treats like rainbow cake push-pops from partnering businesses, including Edelweiss Chocolates and Flour Shop, and clip-on selfie lights from GUESS. The free event was limited to ticket holders, and provided guests with a list of restaurants and cafes within walking distance of The Wallis curated by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.
“That’s what we do in Beverly Hills,” the City’s Chief Communications Officer Keith Sterling said. “We welcome and love everyone.” To learn more about Beverly Hills Pride, visit: https://beverlyhills.org/departments/communityservices/ beverlyhillspride2022/.
