Lakewood Pride started with a simple idea, that everyone in our community should have a space where they feel seen, connected, and like they belong. We created this to build a space where people feel seen, heard, valued, and connected. This is about belonging and community, not just a single event on a calendar.

 

Lakewood already has many beautiful events and spaces that bring people together, but there has not historically been a Pride-centered space for the LGBTQ+ community here. We see this not as a missed step, but as a hopeful opportunity to grow our city’s capacity for inclusion and celebration. This journey began through conversations with community members who wanted more for our city.

 

Councilmember Ken Cruz helped bring people together to explore what Pride in Lakewood could look like, and it quickly blossomed through the passion of local businesses, organizations, and residents who saw the same vision. Lakewood has always worked toward being an inclusive place, and that spirit is already visible in our parks, shops, and neighborhoods.

 

Lakewood Pride is a natural extension of that identity, a way to show that we are building an inclusive city together, one connection at a time. Our hope is that Lakewood Pride grows into a cherished annual tradition. It is community-led and will continue to evolve with the voices of those it serves. It’s not just about one day, but about building lasting connections that stay with us all year long.