File photo
Members of the LGBTQ community who are sober or recovering will be able to discuss temptations, concerns or excitement surrounding the annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride (LBLGP) parade and festival this weekend at an inaugural meeting scheduled for Thursday, event organizers announced.
The “Sober Pride” meeting will include assistance from LGBTQ sober community leaders who were asked to help by Pride member Cailee Jones, after noticing LGBTQ members and allies refrained from the annual festivities because of sponsorships by alcohol-related corporations.
“I want this community to know that we do think of them and they matter just as much to us,” Jones said. “That is what this night will be about.”
Sunshine Daye, one of the community leaders involved, believes the gathering will be a way to show unity and support for sober pride.
“Many people drink because of their sexuality,” Daye said. She added that because of this, it can also “be a slippery time for those who are trying to maintain their sobriety while celebrating their queer life.”
The hour-long meeting will be held this Thursday, May 14, at 7:30PM at LBLGP’s office, 1017 North Obispo Avenue, with a half-hour fellowship to follow.
Organizers said they will make an announcement soon regarding an unofficial area that will be dedicated toward the sober or recovering LGBTQ community near the “Family Fun Zone” at this weekend’s festival for those needing it.
For more information, email Cailee Jones at [email protected] or contact Sunshine Daye at 562.712.5683.