RAIN ON MY PARADE

Politicians Pledge To Improve WeHo Pride’s “Lame” Reputation—Next Year.

LA-queensSome queens think Los Angeles Pride sucks, calling it “tired” and  “kind of crappy.” (We think the unenthused ladies in this photo might agree.)

We’re not sure if its L.A.’s non-pedestrian culture, the fact that city is pretty gay year-round, or some other factor that has fostered this sense of ennui about the 42-year-old celebration. But the West Hollywood City Council is demanding action!

At a meeting on Tuesday, Patch reports, council members discussed options for improving the parade and its image. You’re never gonna guess what they came up with: They formed a committee! (Because nothing brings the party like a committee!)

During more than two hours of deliberation, some residents complained the the three-hour-long parade needed to be shorter, others that the fencing around the dance area was restrictive, still others that the $20 admission to the dance was too steep. Openly gay councilman John D’Amico said that, for him, “the politics [that sparked the event in the first place] have drained out in favor of commerce.”  The parade attracts some 250,000 to 450,000 people each year and adds $1.2 million to the city’s coffers.

Of course, it also costs about $1.2 million to put on the parade and festival, making it a bit of a wash financially.

Rodney Scott, executive director of Christopher Street West, which runs the parade, said that the main issues attendees have raised are lack of inclusion for younger people and for the trans community. Deciding that a committee should be formed to sort this all out, D’Amico told Scott that the city was willing to give whatever resources were available, but they had to know what was required. “Tell us exactly what you need from us,” he said. “If it’s $10 million and 10 acres, tell us.”

D’Amico and West Hollywood Mayor John Duran have even agreed to sit on this superstar committee, which will begin meeting in July—after this year’s Pride celebration in June.

Um, see you in 2013?

Photo via anokarina

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