The Long History of LGBTQ+ Advocacy in Laguna Beach
Most of us know that the LGBTQ+ scene in Laguna Beach during the ‘70s was mainly what gave the city it’s reputation of being an LGBTQ+ friendly destination.
Welcome to Laguna Beach's LGBTQ community that boasts the best LGBT-friendly events in Orange County.
History- In the 1960s, Main Beach in Laguna Beach was not only a major tourist destination, but also known as the epicenter of the city's gay culture, which was home to two beach-front gay bars, Dante's and Barefoot. Scroll down the page to find a list of local gay events in Laguna Beach.
The City eventually made Main Beach a public park, also known as the ‘window to the sea.' The gay culture naturally moved to the 1400 block of South Coast Highway, which was home to The Coast Inn, Boom Boom Room and a gay dinner house, which has changed hands several times over the years. Bob Gentry was the first openly gay elected official in Orange County when he became mayor of Laguna Beach in 1982, further welcoming the gay community to town. He served during the height of the AIDS crisis.
Then on May 9th 2018, the City of Laguna Beach presented the LGBT Heritage and Culture Committee with a proclamation recognizing the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Heritage and Culture Month in Laguna Beach.
Sunday, July 31
Royal Hawaiian Drag Bingo with Endora!
7:00pm – 11:00pm
Royal Hawaiian
Endora can call the number as no one else can! With her own raucous commentary, all in good taste, as always! Some great prizes to be awarded to the winners, the competition will be fierce! Enjoy some personable hosts and bingo card distributors that will certainly add to the entertainment value!
Friday, August 5
Xanadu at Laguna Playhouse
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Laguna Beach Playhouse
PRIDE WEEKEND KICK-OFF EVENT with a special edition of Xanadu at the Laguna Playhouse! Wear your favorite 1970's outfit, polyester is king! Complimentary lite bites and no-host beverages provided.
Saturday, August 6
Laguna Canyon Nature Hike
8:00am - 10:00am
Laguna Canyon, Willow Staging Area
Enjoy an early morning hike to get the juices flowing for a full day of pride. Your tour director will meet you with bottled water and maps for the outing as you discover a portion of the 22,000 acres of preserved outdoor spaces surrounding Laguna Beach. All ages are welcome. 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, August 6
Pride Festival
4:00pm – 10:00pm
Neighborhood Community Center
Enjoy a day of Pride with Pride Vendors, Spectacular Food Trucks, Family and Kids Fun Space, Tito's Vodka Cocktails, and Dancing with recorded artist Lyle Anthony and the Pulp Vixens. Along with DJ Taj, with Wilhemina Cavier as your hostess for an afternoon of outrageous FUN!
$17 Advanced General Admission
$20 General Admission at the door
For more information, visit www.LagunaBeachPride.org