Equality : All The Headline Acts This Pride Month

Over the years, Pride events have changed to be as much about the parties and the parades as it is about honoring and remembering all the work that has been done for LGBTQ rights. But with the current political climate infusing this year’s celebrations with calls for resistance, a happy balance may yet be found between protesting and partying.

And the organizers certainly seem to want people to party, judging from the headliners announced for celebrations all over the United States. We’ve compiled them here for you guys as an easy guide to the various weekend celebrations.

1. Washington, D.C. Pride, June 8-11

Washington D.C. is offering a four-day non-stop celebration with performances by the Pointer Sisters, Miley Cyrus, and singer-songwriter Tinashe — who’s admitted to feeling same sex attraction numerous times before.

Aside from those acts, D.C. also has a rooftop pool party on Thursday, a part on Friday, and a block party, a brunch, and a parade on Saturday. You can find more information on their events here.

2. Los Angeles Pride, June 10-11

The LA Pride celebration kick off is literally star-studded. It’s going to be held at the Dodger Stadium, with Matt Bomer throwing the first pitch and Glee’s Dot Marie Jones singing the National Anthem. During the weekend, Chromeo, Brandy, Young M.A., Erika Jayne from the Real Housewifes of Beverly Hills, Brooke Candy, and Aaron Carter will be performing in West Hollywood.

Aside from that organizers have also lined up film screenings, tours of West Hollywood, and protest sign making workshops — just one of the ways resistance is making its way back to Pride. You can find more information on their events here.

3. San Diego Pride, July 15-16

Part of the performers taking part in this year’s Pride celebrations in San Diego are queer rappers Cakes da Killa and Cazwell. Aside from the pair, En Vogue, Lucia Mendez, and Tinashe will also be performing along with nearly 100 other local performers. All of the events will be held at Balboa Park. You can find more information on their events here.

4. Chicago Pride, June 17-18

Among the performers taking part in the Windy City’s pride celebrations are Taylor Dayne, Vassy, David Hernandez, Thelma Houston, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Carlito Olivero, and Kristine W. Also happening during Pride will be a 10K and 5K Run, as well as self-defence workshop. This is especially useful in a climate that has seen a sharp rise in hate-based attacks. You can find out more information about Chicago Pride here.

5. New York City Pride, June 23-25

New York is the city that never sleeps, and if the list of activities for this year’s New York Pride are anything to go by, attendees really won’t be getting any sleep. New York is celebrating with “Pride Island”, a three-day cultural experience that aims to be the biggest live music event in NYC Pride history.

Performers for Pride Island include Deborah Cox, Patti Labelle, lesbian duo Tegan and Sara, Years & Years, and Nelly Furtado. Other events happening during NYC Pride include the Village Voice Pride Awards hosted by Alan Cumming, a VIP rooftop party, and a Family Movie Night. Look for more information about NYC Pride here.

6. San Francisco Pride, June 24-25

You can always count on San Francisco to have a packed Pride celebration — it’s the epicenter of American gay culture, after all. Aside from headliner Betty Who, other performers include Cazwell,  Madame Gandhi, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and Amber Field just to name a few. Find out more about the various events during SF Pride here.

Going to any of these Pride celebration in the coming month? Tell us what you’re looking forward to seeing! Share it with us in the comments section below.