In June 2025, Los Angeles witnessed the fourth annual Queer Fair, organized by the Community Solidarity Project, set against a backdrop of political unrest, including recent ICE raids and state crackdowns on protests.
The event underscored the historical significance of Pride Month, rooted in the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising led by Black and Brown trans individuals fighting against police violence.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the celebration of Pride is a crucial act of resistance in the face of ongoing threats and violence.
The Queer Fair’s founding principles of being a dry space free from cops and corporate sponsorship, while ensuring no entry fee, led to its continued relevance this year.
Beck Frei, an organizer and member of the Community Solidarity Project, emphasized the importance of creating inclusive spaces for Black and Brown working-class queer individuals, noting that many traditional Pride events focus on partying and often exclude marginalized voices.
Established in 2021, Community Solidarity Project aims to support social justice organizations and provide infrastructure for mutual aid and community defense work.
Frei recollected their motivation for co-founding Queer Fair, highlighting historical queer and trans organizing as a source of inspiration.
The community’s enthusiastic response over the years highlighted a desire for accessible events that honor the political legacy of Pride.
Frei noted, “I’m inspired by so many queer and trans people in history who created spaces for community connection, thriving even under inhospitable circumstances.”
This year’s Queer Fair, held at the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles in Koreatown, featured a diverse array of activities, including 25 tabling organizations, four live performers, DJs from Boyle Heights’s Cumbiatón, and various craft projects for attendees.
Within the vibrant atmosphere of Channing Hall, a sense of community was palpable as attendees engaged with mutual aid organizations distributing resources, harm reduction groups offering support, and tattoo artists sharing their craft.
The event was brought to life by DJs Best Bad and Modest Pup, creating a lively and welcoming environment.
Throughout the event, moments of joy and creative expression punctuated the air, such as groups decorating banners and crafting messages like “Chinga la migra”, a powerful expression of resistance.
Emcee ChiChi Navarro voiced the event’s essence, stating, “It’s about returning to the radical roots of Pride—uplifting those who’ve always been at the forefront but too often pushed aside, especially Black, Brown, trans, and undocumented folks.”
Navarro further emphasized that these joyful spaces serve a dual purpose: both celebration and acts of resistance and healing.
The atmosphere served as a counter-narrative to the troubling conditions faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the current political climate.
The first months of President Donald Trump’s administration brought darkness to queer and trans lives, exemplified by Children’s Hospital LA’s decision to end its gender-affirming care program following governmental threats.
Additionally, community health services faced cuts, including the abrupt termination of the LA County Department of Public Health’s contracts aimed at HIV and STI prevention in various organizations.
As funding dwindled, many found themselves reflecting on the systemic challenges faced by queer and trans individuals, whether it be through the loss of corporate sponsorships for pride events or governmental austerity measures.
Diverse corporate sponsors, including Comcast, Diageo, and Anheuser-Busch, have slowly withdrawn from long-standing support of Pride celebrations in several cities, significantly impacting resources for these events.
These losses reinforce existing frustrations regarding the failure of state entities and capitalism to protect marginalized communities, amplifying the significance of mutual aid practices within the LGBTQ+ community.
Historically, mutual aid became a lifeline, particularly illustrated during the AIDS crisis, when individuals from the queer and trans communities established networks for care amidst government neglect.
Shira Hassan, in her book “Healing Justice Lineages,” described the emergence of Liberatory Harm Reduction, anchored in grassroots efforts and the resilience of marginalized communities.
The Queer Fair showcased organizations such as M.A.R.S. Collective, All Power Free Clinic, Avril Heals, and Palms Unhoused Mutual Aid (PUMA), which provided essential resources and support for those in attendance.
Ndindi Kitonga, founder of PUMA, articulated the ongoing importance of mutual aid as a way of life transcending state abandonment and emphasizing the need to support society’s most vulnerable populations.
“It’s the possibility of creating something that allows all of us to thrive, affirms our autonomy and respects our collective humanity,” Kitonga remarked.
This intertwining of joy, radical care practices, and the acknowledgment of the historical struggles of the LGBTQ+ community was paramount at Queer Fair.
Artistic performances capped off the festivities, featuring singer/songwriters including Hope, who opened with heartfelt original songs.
In a colorful display, Shaavani entertained the crowd in SpongeBob-themed drag, transitioning into performances that took the audience by storm.
Ryatt Jammal’s soulful rendition of “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley captivated attendees, followed by Xodiak Rose’s dynamic engagement with the crowd through a vibrant vogue exhibition.
Reflecting on the day’s events, Hope expressed the significance of her presence at the Queer Fair, affirming that “my songs matter. My voice matters. My opinion matters.”
As the day came to a close, the need for community and support in times of pervasive attacks against queer and trans individuals remained evident.
Navarro echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our liberation has always come from the community. Not corporations.”
Beck Frei shared excitement for the future of Queer Fair, emphasizing a commitment to growing the event annually while centering on Pride’s original intent to defy systemic erasure.
The Community Solidarity Project relies entirely on small-dollar donations and encourages support through their website, ensuring the continuation of their crucial work.
This year’s Queer Fair was not merely an event; it reaffirmed the radical roots and enduring spirit of resistance that characterizes the LGBTQ+ movement, celebrating joy amidst hardship while fostering a sense of belonging and community.
image source from：knock-la
