About Us
We carry the torch lit by Rev. Troy Perry and speak our truth:
"We're not afraid anymore"
Rainbow Advocacy was established in 1996 as a LBGTQIA+ Civil Rights, Social Action and Advocacy 501(c)(3) nonprofit, inspired by LGBTQIA+ activist Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches and visionary behind the world's first permitted Pride Parade in Los Angeles, now LA PRIDE through 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christopher Street West.
Conceived as the AIDS epidemic was continuing to ravage lives throughout the city, the mission was to provide educational, cultural and social services to gay, lesbian and bisexual youth.
Today, Rainbow Advocacy is dedicated to advancing the LGBTQIA+ Pride movement through the OUR PRIDE Arts & Advocacy programs, the Troy Perry Legacy Awards, Troy Perry Legacy Grants, and other projects with organizations and partners.
Legacy of Pride
The idea for a Pride Parade was conceived by Rev. Troy Perry in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Riots on Christopher Street in NYC.
Together with legendary community leaders Mr. Morris Kight and Rev. Bob Humphries, the Christopher Street West organization was born with film producer Pat Rocco as President.
The corner of Hollywood Boulevard and McCadden Place is where the first Pride Parade began on June 28, 1970. A commemorative plaque (right) was placed there in a ceremony on June 28, 2005.
Sharing the Stories of Our Lives
OUR PRIDE Arts & Advocacy is a collective of individuals and organizations dedicated elevating issues impacting the lives of LGBTQIA+ people around the world through the arts and advocacy to enhance the global Pride movement of compassion and amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The network seeks to address issues such as: racism, oppression, colorism, colonialism, corrective rape, conversion therapy, criminalization, discrimination, equality, mental health & suicide, police brutality, refuge & asylum, religious oppression & spiritual abuse, school bullying, transphobia, violence, women's rights, and youth homelessness.
Arts & Advocacy Network
How it started
In 2013, we created the first of two semi-annual interactive arts installations with LA PRIDE for the 35th anniversary of the rainbow flag [photos], followed by a 2015 installation at the West Hollywood Library [photos] and with the City [photos].
And in 2016, we launched a first youth video competition, along with the Troy Perry Awards program. In 2018, we produced the original music & literary arts program, "Awakenings," with the 2018 LA Lambda LitFest, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the rainbow flag.
The 40th anniversary events included historic literature readings and music, in addition to partnering in the production of the program “Meet the Rainbow Flag Makers: The Original Rainbow Flag Artists and their Friends” [view here] with the West Hollywood LGBTQ Arts Festival.
The OUR PRIDE Shorts & Video Fest started in 2018 as a youth video competition to showcase of compassion-focused videos & music submitted by youth (age 19 & under), featuring songs and short videos focusing on personal stories, current issues, social issues, and significant LGBTQ+ people, places and events.
Getting a Vision for OUR PRIDE
We launched OUR PRIDE in 2010 as GETAVISION, with programs and events in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Hollywood and West Hollywood, California.
In November 2010, the City of West Hollywood, West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and California State Senate recognized us for our programs which focused on supporting those with critical health issues.
We were nominated for the 2010 Creative Community Service Award at the 27th annual West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Creative City Awards.
The California State Senate recognized our
"commitment to making West Hollywood a socially conscious city by bringing people together to support those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other health challenges."
"Your commitment to motivating the community serves as a positive example for others to follow.
The State of California commends you for being an inspiration to the people of the 23rd Senate District."
- California State Senate, November 10, 2010
