Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes honored the non-profit organization during a council meeting on Tuesday.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 19, 2024

Riverside, CA — Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, a local non-profit organization representing the Inland Empire’s LGBTQ+ community was recognized and honored for its success by Riverside’s city council on Tuesday. The non-profit organizes the annual PRIDE celebration in Riverside and several other events throughout the year.

During the council’s normal meeting, Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes presented the group with a certificate of recognition, and said, “Riverside Pride is an amazing organization that is serving our community, creating a sense of community and pride across Riverside. It’s been really beautiful to see their 501(c)(3) charity continue to grow.” She continued, “and, they are 100% volunteer driven. I nearly fell off my chair when I learned that they are not paid to show up to do what they do.”

The honor took place on the eve of the one year anniversary of the ceremony commemorating the first time the City of Riverside raised the PRIDE flag at city hall on June 20, 2023. During the meeting, several of the group’s Board Members were on hand to accept the recognition, and their President,  Ray Yu thanked the city council for the honor. 

“Just three years ago, we started out as a small picnic in the park with 50 people. Last year at our festival, we drew over 4000 attendees at our event,” said Yu. “We could not have done that without support from the Riverside City Council, and city staff. It really takes a village to put these events together, so we thank the City of Riverside for the support and this honor.”

In addition to organizing events, the group also helps community members find LGBTQ+ affirming help they might need, spreading the word about resources from many other non-profit service providers. “They act as a guiding light for community members in need and connect them to resources that support their wellbeing and success,” said Councilmember Cervantes.

The event’s rapid growth is a sign of need, says Troy Kristoffer, one of the organization’s Directors: “Riverside and the Inland Empire has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community but we didn’t have a PRIDE event in our own neighborhood,” he says, noting that some of the nation’s biggest events surround Riverside but are still a long drive away for community members. “Now, thousands of people can find PRIDE in their backyard.” 

“We need a place that we can gather as a community!” said community member Jasper Moon when asked on social media about why we need a PRIDE event in Riverside. “It's a great feeling looking around and realizing you're not alone.”

The group will hold a family PRIDE BBQ event this September 28th, 2024 followed by the annual festival at White Park, and Riverside’s first PRIDE parade on May 10th, 2025, shifting away from the typically hot weather in September.

Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride (aka: “Riverside Pride”) is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit charity working to inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse Riverside community. For more information about Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, contact Troy Kristoffer at ‪(951) 554-0783‬ or gro.E1728639298Iedir1728639298Pedis1728639298reviR1728639298@yorT1728639298 .

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Related Links:
Website: www.Riverside.lgbt

File Image: https://www.riversideprideie.org/wp-content/uploads/CityCouncil2024-1024×749.jpg
Public television video: https://riversideca.granicus.com/player/clip/5996?view_id=2&redirect=true

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/02/2024

PRIDE “BBQ” to bridge the gap this September, and maybe a parade.

Riverside, CA — June 2, 2024 –  Pride month is upon us and Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride announced big changes to their PRIDE celebration known as Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride.

Riverside Pride’s President, Ray Yu, announced the event last night at the organization’s annual fundraising gala. “For our first two years attendance has been amazing and we’re expecting our next event to be bigger than ever,” Said Yu. “We’ve outgrown our indoor venues, and we realized an outdoor event in September would be uncomfortable for everyone, so our next festival will be on May 10th, 2025 at White Park in Downtown.”

And that’s not the only big news for Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride, as Yu hinted: “Now that the event is at White Park, it will be the perfect endpoint for Riverside’s first PRIDE parade.” 

In 2023, Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride festival attracted more than 4000 attendees who enjoyed performances, vendors, and more at the Riverside Convention Center in Downtown Riverside. 

In the meantime, the non-profit organization is still planning an event for September. “We don’t want to make everyone wait until May for PRIDE so we’re working on something special,” says event organizer Troy Kristoffer. “We’re very excited to be partnering with our friends at TruEvolution who will be helping us host a PRIDE themed BBQ event at their new Inland Empire LGBTQ+ Center.” 

The Riverside Pride BBQ Jam will be on September 28, 2024 and the event will include food, entertainment, games and vendors, Kristoffer said. Tickets will be free and become available on Riverside Pride’s website on August 1st.Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride (aka: “Riverside Pride”) is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit charity working to inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse Riverside community. For more information about Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, contact Troy Kristoffer at ‪(951) 554-0783‬ or gro.E1728639298Iedir1728639298Pedis1728639298reviR1728639298@yorT1728639298 .

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Related Links:
Website: www.Riverside.lgbt

Statement from Riverside Pride on Assembly Bill 1955: Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today's Youth (SAFETY) Act

5/27/2024

Riverside, CA — Riverside Pride is proud to announce our unwavering support for Assembly Bill 1955, the Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today's Youth Act. This crucial legislation aims to strengthen California's protections against the forced outing of LGBTQ+ students in schools, ensuring a safer and more supportive educational environment for all students.

As we have seen over the last year in the Inland Empire and across the country, efforts to forcibly out trans youth continue to threaten the rights of our students. AB 1955 is a significant step forward in protecting the privacy and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth. It addresses the critical need for safeguards that prevent the involuntary disclosure of a student's sexual orientation or gender identity, which can lead to devastating consequences, including discrimination, harassment, and even family rejection. Studies consistently show LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented among young people experiencing homelessness, with mistreatment, fear of mistreatment or being kicked out due to their LGBTQ identity being some of the leading causes.

We recognize the profound impact that a supportive and understanding school environment has on the mental health and academic success of LGBTQ+ students. This bill not only reinforces California's commitment to equality and inclusion but also empowers educators to create a more respectful and safe atmosphere for all students to thrive.

Riverside Pride commends the authors and supporters of AB 1955 for their dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. We urge lawmakers to pass this vital piece of legislation and call on our community members to voice their support by contacting their legislators.

Together, we can create a future where every student in California, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can pursue their education free from fear and with the full support of their school community.

For more information on Assembly Bill 1955, please visit https://riverside.lgbt/ab1955facts [PDF] or contact Riverside Pride to learn what you can do to support.

To read the whole letter of support, visit https://riverside.lgbt/ab1955pdf [PDF]

In solidarity,

Brock Cavett
Advocacy Director, Riverside Pride

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/27/2024

Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride Signs On To Support Assembly Bill 1955: Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today's Youth (SAFETY) Act

Riverside, CA — Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride has signed an open letter in support of Assembly Bill 1955, the Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today's Youth Act. Joining 104 other local organizations who support the bill, the letter was sent to Josh Newman, the chair of the Senate Committee on Education urging him to support the bill. This crucial legislation aims to strengthen California's protections against the forced outing of LGBTQ+ students in schools, ensuring a safer and more supportive educational environment for all students.

In a statement, Riverside Pride’s Advocacy Director explained why this bill is vital to the health of students: “As we have seen over the last year in the Inland Empire and across the country, efforts to forcibly out trans youth continue to threaten the rights and safety of our students. AB 1955 is a significant step forward in protecting the privacy and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth. It addresses the critical need for safeguards that prevent the involuntary disclosure of a student's sexual orientation or gender identity, which can lead to devastating consequences, including discrimination, harassment, and even family rejection.”

Studies consistently show LGBTQ+ youth make up the majority of young people experiencing homelessness due to mistreatment at home or who fear being kicked out of their home due to their LGBTQ+ identity. 

Cavett continued, “Riverside Pride recognizes the profound impact that a supportive and understanding school environment has on the mental health and academic success of LGBTQ+ students. This bill not only reinforces California's commitment to equality and inclusion but also empowers educators to create a more respectful and safe atmosphere for all students to thrive.” The bill, which was coauthored by 14 legislators, including Assembly Members Chris Ward (D), Sabrina Cervantes (D) and Corey Jackson (D). 

Together, we can create a future where every student in California, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can pursue their education free from fear and with the full support of their school community.

For a copy of the letter sent by 105 organizations click here: https://riverside.lgbt/ab1955pdf [PDF]

For more information on Assembly Bill 1955, please visit https://riverside.lgbt/ab1955facts [PDF] or contact Riverside Pride to learn what you can do to support.

Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride (aka: “Riverside Pride”) is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit charity working to inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse Riverside community. For more information about Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, contact Troy Yu at ‪(951) 554-0783‬ or gro.E1728639298Iedir1728639298Pedis1728639298reviR1728639298@yorT1728639298 .

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Related Links:
Website: www.Riverside.lgbt

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Historic ceremony to be held September 10th, 2023 at Riverside Convention Center

JULY 16, 2023 – RIVERSIDE, California – Save the Date! Witness the historic, first Ceremony of Love, a mass wedding event to be held at Riverside’s 2nd annual Inland Empire Pride Festival at the Riverside Convention Center, on September 10th, 2023. 

Last year, over 2000 people attended the inaugural festival in downtown Riverside held at the Municipal Auditorium. This year the event has upgraded its venue to the Riverside convention center to accommodate the expected 4000 festival attendees.

The wedding ceremony will be held on the event’s main stage in the Raincross Ballroom and will be officiated by Reverend Troy Kristoffer of Ceremonies of Love.

“This will be the Inland Empire’s biggest wedding celebration ever,” said Ray Yu, the group’s President, “we’re so proud to host such a historic event at our pride festival this year.”

“Part of our mission at Ceremonies of Love is to marry any adults who wish to be married,” said Reverend Troy Kristoffer, “I’m so happy to be working with Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride to have this event at the festival and to celebrate the power of love.” 

Couples who wish to participate may register at the event website at www.Riverside.lgbt/LoveWins . Registration to be participate is free, but suggests a donation to the non-profit charity of Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride in lieu of an officiant fee.

Before the ceremony, Reverend Troy will be on call to guide couples through the sometimes confusing process of obtaining their marriage license from the county, and everything else they need to know.

Couples will be welcome to invite guests to attend and witness their special day and enjoy a small reception after the ceremony and have photos taken.

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Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride Festival is a free event with advance registration or a small fee at the gate. Riverside Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Pride, Inc. (aka: “Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride” or “Riverside Pride”) is a volunteer-directed 501(c)(3) non-profit charity working to inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate and support our diverse Inland Empire community. For more information about Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, contact Ray Yu at ‪(951) 554-0783‬ or gro.E1728639298Iedir1728639298Pedis1728639298reviR1728639298@uyr1728639298 

Ceremonies of Love provides non-denominational ceremony services for commitments, welcomes and farewells throughout Southern California.

Related Links:
Website:
www.Riverside.lgbt
Ceremonies of Love: www.CeremoniesOfLove.org

Press Images:

Reverend Troy Kristoffer
A crowd of people in the audience of a show.

Riverside’s First LGBTQ+ Pride Event since 2009 Attracts Over 2000 Attendees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RIVERSIDE, CA – September 12, 2022 – In early 2021 a new PRIDE organization was formed in Riverside, California with the mission of elevating and illuminating the LGBTQ+ community, and a goal to bring a large-scale PRIDE event back to the Inland Empire. After almost 2 years of grueling work, planning, hurdles and challenges – the inaugural Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride™ festival rocked the Riverside Municipal Auditorium on Sunday, Sept 4th, 2022. 

Despite a record heatwave bringing Riverside’s hottest day in history, more than 2,000 attendees flocked to the auditorium to celebrate their truths and find community while enjoying food, dancing, live entertainment and exhibitors from around the Inland Empire. 

“For a first time event, we are over the moon with how it went,” said Ray Yu, President of Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride Inc., “We were so happy to see that our hard work over the last year brought so many people together to celebrate unity and love.”

For others the event was a chance to show Riverside that they belong to the community:

“In a city that has never had a real LGBTQ+ center, I wanted people to see that we're here, and that we're real members of this community.” said Jasper Moon, an attendee and volunteer. “It was really important for me to see an event that could bring our community together as one, and create something that the entire community could enjoy.”

Jeri Savarese of Free Mom Hugs and a member of the LGBTQ+ community said, “It was absolutely wonderful having Pride in the Inland Empire. My hometown showed up in a big way.” When asked about what she expected when she first heard about the event, Savarese said,  “I imagined it was going to be small with a few hundred or so attendees. The fact that there were over 2,000 people in attendance shows that these community events are truly needed. I met so many families that drove over an hour to come to this event.”

Youth Zone sponsor representative, Rafael Gonzalez from the non-profit organization Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance said it was important for the organization to get involved with the event.

“Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance has served the Inland Empire for over 20 years. We believe that our youth deserve a brave space in which to celebrate PRIDE and be themselves without having to hang out in beer gardens and big crowds of adults. The Youth Zone was filled with youth and their families all day long so we know it was appreciated. It was great to partner with the Riverside's Inland Empire Pride Festival.” 

One of the main attractions of the event was the entertainment lineup which almost exclusively consisted of local LGBTQ+ acts, including a 12-woman dance troupe called Sirens from the local Rhythmbeatz Dance Studio. The troupe’s 20 minute high-energy non-stop dance set stunned the audience and drew a roaring applause from the crowd.

“Still on a high from our Riverside Pride performance!” Lead dancer of the troupe, Cherry Lee said on her Instagram account not long after the event. “I’ve been on stage hundreds of times and still get butterflies. I absolutely love how dance allows for expression in so many ways! It’s a gift to be able to make people feel the celebration of this event through dance!!!”

The day's events culminated in a thunderous finale from local drag stars, Jazmyn Simone-Echelon, Nebeur Styles and Athena Kills, hosted by local Rupaul’s Drag Race star Mayhem Miller. 

“Performing in front of that many people felt amazing because it was like performing for your family at a picnic. Just love love love,” said Simone-Echelon. “I attended the first Pride in Riverside years ago as a fan of Drag, where Rupaul was the headliner and [she] actually pulled me on stage to walk SUPERMODEL with her, it was life changing. Now I was one of the headliners this year. It was amazing.”

When host Mayhem Miller challenged the audience to prove who was more excited, the floor and walls of the auditorium literally shook from the crowd’s response.

“We had just had a mild earthquake the day before,” said a guest who was in the audience. “Every time the crowd reacted, I literally thought we were having another one.”

What’s next for Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride?

“Rest. For a month.” said President Yu, “then back to work fighting for acceptance and equality. That’s year-round work for us.”


Riverside Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Pride, Inc. (aka: “Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride” or “Riverside Pride”) is a volunteer-directed 501(c)(3) non-profit charity working to inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate and support our diverse Inland Empire community. For more information about Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, contact Troy Yu at ‪(951) 554-0783‬ or gro.E1728639298Iedir1728639298Pedis1728639298reviR1728639298@yorT1728639298 .

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Related Links:
Website: www.RiversidePrideIE.org

Riverside Pride's PRIDE Month Event to Shine Bright for a Good Cause.

FOR RELEASE APRIL 12, 2022 at 09:00

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – April 12, 2022 – Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride announced today that it plans to glimmer and shine up the night with a fundraiser event called, Riverside Pride’s Glow Walk for Love, that will take place at  the University of California, Riverside, on June 18, 2022. The nonprofit organization encourages people from all Southern California to come dressed in costumes and glow novelties to illuminate the evening while walking to raise money for the non-profit charity.

The event will be co-hosted by the LGBT Resource Center of the University of California, Riverside. “We are thrilled that we can bring such an event to our campus and help support the Riverside Pride Event that has been missing from our vibrant community for years.” said the Center's Program Director, Megan Rush.

“This will be a PRIDE month event like no other,” said Troy Yu, the event organizer. “We’re so excited to partner with UCR and light up the campus for PRIDE month.”

The event kicks off at 7 p.m., where after an opening ceremony, participants will be cheered on by a drag cheerleading squad as they choose to walk or run their number of pledged miles for charity. Spectators are welcomed to cheer on participants and mingle with the many vendors and food trucks who will be present at the event. Prizes will also be given out at the end of the night to the highest donors and best and most outrageous outfits. 

Rush added, “This is a great opportunity to create and build a bigger and more connected LGBTQ+ Community throughout Riverside. Few things are as better than being in community in a post COVID-19 world, so wear all your neon favorites and join us for lots of fun and love!”

“We hope to bring together everyone to heal rifts and build bridges within our community.” Yu said, “In order to succeed against all the new forms of adversity we're facing these days, we’ll need to work together.” 

Information about guest speakers and entertainers will be released in the coming days.

For more information and to register to the event, visit www.RiversidePrideIE.org

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available – contact gro.E1728639298Iedir1728639298Pedis1728639298reviR1728639298@yorT1728639298 for information. 


Riverside Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Pride, Inc. (aka: “Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride” or “Riverside Pride”) is a volunteer-directed 501(c)(3) non-profit charity working to inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse Riverside community. For more information about Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, contact Troy Yu at ‪(951) 554-0783‬ or gro.E1728639298Iedir1728639298Pedis1728639298reviR1728639298@yorT1728639298 .

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Related Links:
Website: www.RiversidePrideIE.org

Related Media

Real Housewife Star to Spend Mother’s Day with Guests at Riverside Pride’s Brunch Event [PDF Version]

FOR RELEASE MARCH 31, 2022

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – March 31, 2022 – Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride has announced their Mother’s Day Brunch fundraiser on May 8th, 2022 at VIP Nightclub in Riverside, CA and there will be a REAL VIP in attendance. The event, which is an opportunity for families to celebrate with their matriarchal family members, is a charity fundraiser for the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will include food, entertainment, and a chance to meet special guest Braunwyn Windham-Burke from the reality television show Real Housewives of Orange County

Winham-Burke, who came out as a lesbian in 2020 (the first openly gay cast member in the franchise’s history), has long been an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, and has even supported her children in exploring and finding their own identities within the community. 

“Being a mom to queer kids is awesome. You get to see your kids thrive and shine when they’re surrounded by love and acceptance,” Winham-Burke explained. 

“I’m so excited to work with Ms. Windham-Burke on this event,” said Troy Yu, the event organizer. “I cannot think of a better ally from the world of reality television to represent what it means to be a loving, supportive mother on Mother’s Day. Her journey has been a perfect example of what Mother’s Day is all about and it will be great to have her as our guest of honor.” 

“Coming out later in life was really hard,” Windham-Burke said. “There have been times where I questioned if I made the right decision to come out so publicly, but I’m so grateful I did. I often say representation matters. There is a need for people to tell their stories, and I am so honored to be able to be that representation for so many people.”

The event, which benefits the efforts of Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride Inc, a non-profit that works to increase visibility of and provide support and resources for the LGBTQIA+ community in Riverside, will include entertainment, fabulous food and drink, and even surrogate mother figures for those who are missing that person in their life.

“We’re working with one of our favorite organizations called Free Mom Hugs, who work to promote acceptance, love and support for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. They will be providing ‘surrogate’ moms for those who want to attend but for whatever reason, don’t have a mom to celebrate with,” said Yu. “We recognize that many in our community are not in contact with their mothers or have lost them in some way, so we want to make sure that those who want to celebrate with us, still have someone to spend the day with.”

Founded in 2021, Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride Inc. will bring a large-scale PRIDE event back to the Inland Empire after a long period of relative quiet for the visibility of LGBTQIA+ in the area. The festival and parade, currently in planning stages, will take place in downtown Riverside on September 4, 2022 during Labor Day Weekend. The organization has several cohort events scheduled for the months leading up to the PRIDE event to raise awareness and funds for the effort. 

Tickets for Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride’s Mother’s Day Brunch will go on sale April 8th, 2022 at www.RiversidePrideIE.org 

VIP Nightclub is located at 3673 Merrill Ave, Riverside, CA 92506


Riverside Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Pride, Inc. (aka: “Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride” or “Riverside Pride”) is a volunteer-directed 501(c)(3) non-profit charity working to inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse Riverside community. For more information about Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, contact Troy Yu at ‪(951) 554-0783‬ or gro.E1728639298Iedir1728639298Pedis1728639298reviR1728639298@yorT1728639298 .

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Related Links:
Website: www.RiversidePrideIE.org

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