9th Annual East Coachella Valley Pride Festival brings colorful celebration to Coachella
Timothy Foster
COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – East Coachella Valley Pride returned this weekend, marking its ninth year of celebrating love, culture, and community in the heart of Coachella.
The annual event, held at Coachella Library Park and Gardens, brought together hundreds of residents for a day filled with live performances, art, food, and local resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. This year’s theme, “Orgullo floreciendo sin fin” or “Pride Blooming Without End”, symbolized the ongoing growth of acceptance and connection within the East Valley.
East Coachella Valley Pride first began in 2016 after local high school students conducted a survey that found one in ten young people in the area identified as LGBTQ+. The results inspired a community effort to create more safe spaces, support groups, and opportunities for connection in the eastern part of the Coachella Valley, where access to LGBTQ+ resources has historically been limited.
Miguel Navarro, Director of East Valley Programs at The LGBTQ Center of the Desert, said the event provides life-changing access to local LGBTQ resources and safe spaces for young people, allowing them to feel supported and not alone.
Over the years, the festival has evolved into more than a celebration. It has become a source of hope and belonging. With partnerships from organizations like Alianza Coachella Valley, the Youth Leadership Institute, and Planned Parenthood, the event continues to provide essential services and support to those who need it most.
Organizers said the mission behind East Coachella Valley Pride remains clear. They want to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, has a place to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.