The fifth annual Be You Pride Fest took place Saturday, June 6, in downtown Fullerton, bringing together community organizations, vendors, performers, and residents for a free Pride Month celebration organized by the Fullerton Museum Center.

The event was held from 2 to 7 pm along Wilshire Avenue and at the Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave. Organizers described it as Orange County’s largest Pride Month celebration and expanded the festival this year with a second performance stage, additional vendors, and art activities. The event was open to people of all ages and genders.

Festivities began with the annual “Fullerton Loves a Parade” Pride Ride, a community bicycle parade that started at 1 pm and concluded at the festival site in downtown Fullerton. The ride marked its fifth year alongside the Pride festival.

Council Member Dr. Ahmad Zahra delivered the opening speech, beginning with a reflection on California’s history. “We all know who Harvey Milk is, right?” The crowd cheered. “Back in 1978, there was a proposition to ban LGBT individuals from teaching, known as Prop 6. It was on the ballot, and the state senator who authored it was John Briggs from Fullerton. He’s long gone, but that was in 1978, the same year Harvey Milk, a champion and pioneer for our rights, came here to debate him at Cal State Fullerton. Thankfully, that proposition was defeated.

“Fast forward 40 years later, and I was elected to the City Council in Fullerton as the first openly LGBT person to serve in this role. The moral of the story? We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and fought for our rights—not just for equality, but sometimes just to be alive.

“In 2019, I raised the pride flag here in Fullerton, thanks to the community members who rallied together. It was a close three-to-two vote, and we kept the flag flying. More importantly, we’ve witnessed a cultural change in Fullerton.

“More people have come out, more allies have emerged, and many of us have become more visible. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey. No one can do this alone; we are a family, and we must stick together.

“Today, we had our Fire Chief and Police Chief join us in the parade, riding in their trucks. We’ve also implemented LGBT training for our fire and police command staff. We have fought for equality, affordable housing, open spaces, parks, and environmental justice. We even completed a trail in one of the most environmentally impacted neighborhoods. These are tangible results we can achieve when we unite as one community.

“I would like to thank everyone who joined us today, especially the supportive staff in our city. I also want to acknowledge the pioneers and volunteers who have made a difference. Shay, I see you. This museum is one of the most amazing things to happen in our city. When the council wanted to defund it, we rallied together and saved it. Then we started Pride. Remember, while it is a celebration, it is also a form of resistance.

“Currently, there are those who harbor hate and want to undermine our rights. In the spirit of Harvey Milk, we will not let that happen. So, I am here, as Harvey would say, to recruit you.

“You need to show up at council meetings, attend political rallies, and protest until we achieve equality. To our trans siblings, we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.

“And to the drag entertainers, thank you for being so courageous, fun, and joyful—this is precisely what the world needs: love and joy. Let us keep the momentum going tonight. Thank you, Elvia [Rubalcava, the Fullerton Museum Director], thank you to the committee, and thank you to everyone who joined us. Support all these businesses because we have a voice, and we vote with it, along with our dollars.

“I want to extend my gratitude to my colleague, Dr. Shana Charles, for being a voice of reason on a council that has not been as favorable in the past few years. Together, we have a strong alliance, and we will continue to fight together until the end.”

The festival featured more than 55 vendors, free craft activities, a free photo booth, live entertainment on two stages, and the museum’s beer garden. Organizers said the event was intended to provide a platform for education, inspiration, and celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Pride celebrations are held each June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a pivotal event in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. What began as demonstrations advocating for equal rights and protections evolved into annual celebrations that recognize the history, achievements, and ongoing challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other LGBTQ+ individuals.

Today, Pride events serve multiple purposes. They are celebrations of identity and community, opportunities for education and outreach, and reminders of the continuing efforts to achieve equality, combat discrimination, and promote acceptance. Many Pride festivals also highlight local organizations that provide support services, health resources, advocacy, and social connections for LGBTQ+ residents and their families.

In Fullerton, the Be You Pride Fest was first launched in 2022 and has become an annual event on the city’s cultural calendar. The event reflects the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ communities throughout Orange County and provides a local venue where residents, families, allies, and visitors can gather in celebration and support.

The entertainment lineup included musical performers, community groups, drag performers, and dance organizations. Scheduled acts included Mariachi Arco Iris de Los Angeles, MenAlive Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, Jennifer Corday, DJ Confetti the First, Soul On Fire Dance, 8TPS, and Bread n Butter. Drag performers Jewels, Big Dee, Roxy Del Valle, and Ornan Del Valle were also listed among the performers.

As attendees visited booths, watched performances, and connected with community organizations throughout the afternoon, the event continued a tradition rooted in both celebration and advocacy—honoring the progress made by LGBTQ+ communities while recognizing the work that remains to achieve full equality and inclusion.