The Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus, Teamsters Human Rights and Diversity Commission, and Teamster Locals from across Southern California, joined together to celebrate LA PRIDE all weekend long!

On Saturday, June 10th, Teamsters gathered at Lucy’s El Adobe Cafe to put the final touches on the 2023 Teamster float for the LA Pride Parade. LA PRIDE took place once again in the heart of Hollywood, on Sunday, June 11th. The float decorating venue was graciously donated by Patricia Casado. Lucy’s El Adobe Café is a legendary Hollywood Film and Music watering hole for over 60 years, Patricia was gracious to host the Teamsters to kick off our weekend with a Movie Star Breakfast donated by Hollywood’s premiere location catering service Chef Robert.

On Sunday, June 11th over 200 Teamsters gathered in Hollywood, California to march in the 51st Annual Los Angeles Pride Parade. This was the second time Teamsters had a presence in this historic parade with an expanded marching contingency this year.

This year, the main pieces of the float were designed by the amazing Construction Captain, Chris Ridino. He dedicated so much time in bringing our Teamster float to life fabricating, building, and safely attaching all the key elements. Also, part of our float this year was Local 399 Member Mathew Goldman (aka DJ Cody Lee Williams) and Business Agent Calvin McDowell to hype up the crowd with a fantastic DJ set while the Teamsters marched and danced along the Walk of Fame, in the streets of Hollywood, showing the strength and solidarity of the Teamsters. We want to also thank Local 399 Member Jesse Wright for helping to find the components to our float and assisting with the entire audio install, sound check and tear down. 

This year, after the parade, marchers gathered at Boardners in Hollywood for the first-ever post pride parade after-party. This fantastic event was organized by Local 399 Members Susanne Medina and Jenna Mullins. They had food, drinks, and generously donated giveaways to share with all those in attendance. At the after-party, we also heard from key organizers and supporters of this year’s event.

“We are supporting PRIDE’s all over Teamsterland,” said Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus President and Local 399 member, Chris Fuentes. “People used to say, “I didn’t know Teamsters could be in the Pride Parade.’ But, last year’s march in Hollywood’s LA PRIDE set up a chain reaction. General President Sean M. O’Brien said, “You are not alone. You are not cast aside. We are part of a team’ and that’s what we are representing here. All of you are part of this amazing team and we work together.”

Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus President, Chris Fuentes recognized the hard work and dedication of key organizers, starting with Local 399 Communications Director Amy Gorton, reprising her central role in coordinating this effort to bring Teamsters together. LGBTQ+ Caucus Board member Andrew Rivas LU-533, drove 8 hours to spend his ‘vacation’ working on logistics for the successful Teamsters parade weekend. Hosting three fun filled events would not have been possible without the selfless generosity of vendors and donors who helped make this years’ experience more inclusive and even larger than last year.

“I do not want to make this our last march,” said Human Rights and Diversity Commission Director, Anthony Rosa, who delivered a powerful message. “I do not want to make this a thing that we won’t remember. We must come out and stick together. We must have diversity, equity, and inclusion. We must touch all the states of the Teamsters to let them know that you are here. You are a person, and you matter.”

There were Teamster Locals represented from across Southern California, as well as members from Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Reno, and more. Teamsters Local 399 Principal Officer and Western Region Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters spoke to the support on a Local and National level within the Teamsters.   

“We’re going to support no matter what,” said Dougherty. “Our General President Sean M. O’Brien and our General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, along with the entire General Executive Board are extremely supportive of the fight for equality and respect our LGBTQ+ members deserve. We must fight not just for our members, but for all working people. The only way we are going to see change is if we continue to fight. And if you are not fighting, then get out the way and let somebody else pick up where you left off.”

For more than a century, Teamsters have understood that workers are first human beings that deserve to have equal rights and protections both under a collective bargaining agreement, and throughout their community. This year however, there has been aggressive support from the International and the Human Rights and Diversity Commission to prioritize the fights for the rights of our LGBTQ+ members. Under the leadership of Director Rosa, the HRDC issued statements re-affirming Teamsters support of Pride month as well as supporting Trans Visibility Day.

The energy from the day was high and the spirit of solidarity, strength and the power of the Teamster family was felt by all in attendance. No matter if directly part of the LGBTQ+ Community, an ally, family member or friend, the love, support, and Teamster pride was infectious. As Teamsters, we may be defined by our differences, but it is our solidarity that continues to bring us strength on and off the job. 

For those unable to attend this year’s event, look at some of the great photos from the day. Teamsters plan to show up even bigger and better next year. 

This year’s parade presence would NOT have been made possible without our generous sponsors. See full list of those that graciously donated their time, talents, and equipment to pull this year’s LA Pride Participation off.

 2023 LA Pride Parade Sponsors:

  • Chef Robert Catering
  • Lucy El Adobe Café
  • Art Construction Chris Ridino  
  • DJ Cody Lee Williams
  • Reel Waste & Recycling 
  • Bear Creek Portables 
  • PROPS Security
  • Hollywood Forever Cemetery, K. Yogu  
  • MAPTHISOUT.COM
  • Millennium Biltmore Hotel 
  • Beverly Hilton Hotel 
  • The Fairmount Century Plaza 
  • Pacific Production Services-PPS
  • World Locations 
  • Image Locations
  • Cinema Air 
  • LA Finest Security 
  • Universal Locations  
  • Skye Rentals 
  • Empire Locations
  • Production Locations 
  • It’s A Wrap: Tables, Chairs & Pop-Ups 
  • Universal Studios
  • Goodnight & Co.
  • Good Trouble, HS&J Prods.
  • Tyrus Emory, Michelle Clunie & Owen Lee
  • Teamsters Local 399 Staff & Volunteers

Interested in learning more about the Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus? Head to: https://lgbtqteamsters.org/.

FULL PHOTOS FROM THE DAY TO BE LINKED HERE SOON!