The Downey Patriot

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Eastside Pride returns to Montebello by popular demand

Eastside Pride participants in 2022. The event returns this Saturday from 12-10 pm in Montebello.

MONTEBELLO — Eastside Pride is back and better than ever in Montebello.

Riding on the massive success of its inaugural year in 2022, the producers of the event decided to double up on the shows and the vendors. The event is scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 24, from 12-10 pm.

This year, Eastside Pride will consist of a 5K run organized by the City of Montebello called Stride for Pride, a drag show brunch, and a more risqué 18 & over drag show at 8 pm.

Angry Horse returns as a community partner and will host a Pride Ball where entrants will compete for best dressed, best runway walk and best vogue.

Also returning is Queer Mercado, showcasing some of the best LGBTQ+ small business owners on the Eastside of LA.

“When we created BLVD MRKT our goal was to create spaces where our community felt seen and connected to each other,” said founder Barney Santos. Spaces that honored the people that make up the very fabric of our neighborhoods. “I believe It is so important to create safe spaces to celebrate our LGBTQ+ family on the Eastside. In Latino communities a lot of toxic perspectives still exist surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. Having a day like Eastside Pride, allows people in our community a chance to feel free, a chance to be celebrated, and a chance to feel seen.”