BIZ SHOWS UP FOR GAY PRIDE

It’s been 50 years since the infamous NYPD raid at Stonewall Inn in New York City sparked the modern-day LGBTQ activist movement, and while progress, opportunities and visibility for LGBTQ people continues to improve, the fight for true equality still rages on today. Thankfully, the show of support and solidarity now stretches nearly as far as the rainbow itself; with the music business leading in the celebrations.

Here are just a few things going on in recognition of 2019 Pride Month.

Pandora kicked off Pride Month festivities by highlighting the important and lasting contributions queer artists have made to the world of music and our overall culture, by talking to LGBTQ+ artists about the role music played in their personal journeys to being out and proud via artist audio messages, and creating Pride-themed playlists and podcasts.

Capitol Records is flying the rainbow flag proudly over the Tower all month. The label also hosted their first-ever Pride event in L.A. on 6/4 to kick off L.A. Pride. The show featured performances of label classics by some of the most popular contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race at Mickey’s, one of the oldest gay-owned and -operated bars in WeHo, celebrating their 30th anniversary. And on Sunday, 6/9, CMG’s employees, friends and family marched in the 2019 L.A. Pride Parade.

Troye Sivan and Charli XCX co-hosted and co-headlined the first-ever Go West Fest at the Wiltern in L.A. on 6/6. The fest’s name was inspired by the 1979 Village People song about finding a utopian land free of homophobia. Troye and Charli XCX—who recently collaborated on “1999”—curated the lineup, which included both LGBTQ acts and other artists active in the fight for equal rights.

Warner held a mini concert at their new offices; there was a bar (and candy bar), tons of food and an always-necessary and much-appreciated photo booth. The event, hosted by Justin Tranter, was said to be very inspirational. We're told Chad Michaels—the most famous Cher impersonator in the world (approved by Cher herself) and arguably the next best thing to the Warner legend—was everything. Another highlight was Tranter-supported trans artist Shea Diamond, whose voice wowed the crowd.

Paradigm Talent Agency kicked off their Pride Month celebrations by hosting Olly Alexander from Years & Years to their Beverly Hills office for a special talk with staff. The conversation, moderated by Paradigm’s Head of Global Music, Marty Diamond as well as staffer Eli Gelernter, explored Olly’s career, upcoming projects and his work address LGBTQ+ issues in music.

And L.A. Pride weekend kicked off on 6/7 with the Opening Ceremony, music festival and Pride parade featuring stars Paula Abdul, Meghan Trainor (pictured top left), Years & Years and more.

P.S. Billy Porter is a national treasure.

Billy Porter gives a rundown of his #PoseFX red carpet ensemble: "She is a fashion icon now!" pic.twitter.com/asJaZSLuto

— Variety (@Variety) June 6, 2019