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.E1719903582Iedir1719903582Pedis1719903582reviR1719903582@yorT1719903582 .
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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
