Press Release

Senator Caroline Menjivar Presents the 2023 San Fernando Valley Pride March & Block Party

The June 24 SFV Pride March & Block Party is hosted in collaboration with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and local LGBTQ+ organizations

VAN NUYS, CA — Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) is gearing up to celebrate and recognize diversity, inclusion, and equality at the San Fernando Valley Pride March & Block Party on Saturday, June 24, 2023.The Pride March will begin at noon from the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Sherman Way, showcasing the vibrancy and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community as participants make their way to the Van Nuys Civic Center located at 14410 Sylvan St., Van Nuys, followed by the Block Party at 1 P.M.

In her first year in office, Senator Menjivar has firmly established herself as a champion of LGBTQ+ human rights. She has visited rural LGBTQ+ communities, publicly responded to rising transphobia in the state and across the country and, as a member of the LGBTQ Caucus, she has spoken on their behalf on various resolutions to uplift LGBTQ+ folks.

The bills Senator Menjivar introduced this year include:

  • SB 372 - Respect for Names Act
  • SB 729 - Fertility Treatment Health Coverage, relevant for LGBTQ+ folks historically excluded from this access.
  • SB 456 - Housing Vulnerable Youth, unhoused youth and youth in foster care are disproportionately LGBTQ+.

Senator Menjivar coauthoring:

  • Principal Coauthor, ACA 5 (Lee) Marriage Equality Act
  • Coauthor, AB 5 (Zbur) Safe & Supportive Schools Act
  • Coauthor, SB 760 (Newman) School Gender Neutral Restrooms

Visit the SFV Pride Resource Fair to meet Senate District 20 staff, learn about the services provided by Senator Menjivar’s Capitol and District offices, and the programs of organizations working to improve our communities every day. The Block Party will feature live entertainment, interactive art making, a healing and wellness tent, a Youth Scholarship and, most importantly, community building.

“For over a decade, it has been one of my top goals to bring awareness of our LGBTQ+ family to our Black and brown communities in the San Fernando Valley. An area that still finds itself yearning for queer representation. I’m so excited to celebrate the diversity and strength of LGBTQ+ people in the Valley through our Pride event,” said Senator Caroline Menjivar. “As the only queer elected official in this area, and given the historic levels of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric across our nation, it is imperative that we come together and celebrate the power of visibility and unity with our Black and brown LGBTQ+ communities. Growing up, I didn’t have allies at school or socially, or acceptance from my family. Through my previous volunteer work with organizations like GLSEN I’ve seen the detrimental, long-term effects a lack of support has on our youth. I don’t want any young people to have to navigate what I experienced on their own. Be part of our presence and join us on June 24th!”

Co-hosts of San Fernando Valley Pride also commented on the importance of this event for local LGBTQ+ communities.

“Especially at a time when the LGBTQ+ community is under attack across our country, it is vital we come together here in Los Angeles, to not only reject hate, but to celebrate diversity. I’m proud to support this important event and want to thank Senator Menjivar and her team for continuing the important tradition of PRIDE in the Valley.” Mayor Karen Bass, City of Los Angeles

“We are thrilled to organize and unite for the annual San Fernando Valley Pride as neighbors, families, friends, and loved ones to create a safe space of healing and action for the most vulnerable in our communities. Together we are flourishing a community in the 818 to embrace, respect, and invest in LGBTQ+ youth, resources, and most importantly our LGBTQ+ leadership.” Kevin Perez, President, Somos Familia Valle

“We know we're at our best when we're free to be ourselves. Whoever we are and whoever we love. That's why we're celebrating Pride and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Let's be proud, together.” Renato Lira, Executive Director, San Fernando Valley LGBTQ Center

 

Celebrate Pride and show your support for the 818 LGBTQ+ community!

Admission to San Fernando Valley Pride March & Block Party is free. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at www.SFVPride.org.

Information and RSVP for SFV Pride March & Block Party HERE.

Showcase your unique talents by joining our entertainment lineup HERE.

Volunteer opportunities HERE.

Questions: Makenna Gordon | (818) 901-5588 or Makenna.Gordon@sen.ca.gov

Media Contact: Celeste Jale | (818) 901-5588 or Celeste.Jale@sen.ca.gov

 

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