East Coachella Valley Pride marks a decade of visibility and support

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — East Coachella Valley Pride is marking its 10th anniversary Saturday with a free festival celebrating LGBTQ+ identity, local art and a decade of community connections.

The festival runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at Coachella Library Park and Garden. It will feature performances and art by local queer artists, food vendors and local organizations sharing resources with residents.

The celebration traces its roots to young people speaking up about the need for more support in the East Coachella Valley.

According to organizers, a 2016 Youth Participatory Action Research project surveyed more than 600 East Valley teens and young adults. One in 10 respondents identified as LGBTQ+, and the research identified a need for affirming spaces, information and services.

Those findings helped inspire the creation of East Coachella Valley Pride and The Center Coachella.

“What began with young people speaking up about what their community needed has grown into a decade of connection, visibility and celebration,” said Miguel Navarro, director of East Coachella Valley programs at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.

A committee of local residents is organizing the anniversary events with support from The Center. Organizers say the celebration is also an opportunity to reflect on what has changed and consider what the next decade of support and community-building could look like.

“As we look toward the next 10 years, we’re excited to continue building on that foundation and creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ people across the East Coachella Valley to feel seen, supported and celebrated,” Navarro said.

For the full entertainment lineup and more information, follow @ecvpride on Instagram or Facebook.