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The Bankhead Plaza was bustling last Saturday with amplified music that could be heard from a block away as people gathered for Livermore Pride's annual event celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month.
In the plaza, rainbow streamers and flags decorated tents and tables, which hosted groups like LGBTQ+ allied organizations and businesses.
Similarly adorned attendees gathered around the stands or watched live musicians and drag performers at the event’s large stage.
While the family-oriented festival aims to connect the entire community, particular intention was set to uplifting the youth, according to members of Livermore Pride — a nonprofit dedicated to LGBTQ+ community-building and the host of local pride celebrations since 2019.
"What’s most important to me is that young people have a space where they can safely have queer joy in public," said Brittni Kiick, the city's vice mayor and board vice chair of Livermore Pride.
Although this year marked Livermore Pride’s third Pridefest celebration, it was the first to be included in the Livermore Valley Arts (LVA) cultural celebrations series as the result of a collaboration between the two organizations.
Together, Livermore Pride and LVA organized a space filled with entertainment and more, painted in the colors of pride.
Vendors sold sweets and Pride attire, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups were available to chat.
Drag performers, including Ava LaShay, Helixer Jender, Bazil B. Dazil, Avery Night and Summer Lynn Spears entertained attendees by dancing, lip syncing and sometimes performing acrobats.
Two bands and a solo singer also performed under rainbow flags.
Livermore parents Kristin and Matt Ramirez basked in the inclusive environment with their 15-month-old.
"Since I've moved here, there’s always been a presence with Pride and that makes me feel more confident raising her here and that she'll be supported or there will be a place for her, no matter how she identifies," Kristin said, reflecting on the event and its impact.
Just after 3 p.m., the stage was disassembled but celebrations continued into the evening as a 21+ after party was set to take place at 6 p.m. that evening in Blacksmith Square.
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