ANTHONY M. ROSA | LGBTQ+ TEAMSTERS | PRIDE

TEAMSTERS CELEBRATE LA PRIDE ALL WEEKEND LONG!

2023.06.14

The Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus, Teamsters Human Rights and Diversity Commission,
and Teamster Locals from across Southern California, joined together to celebrate LA
PRIDE all weekend long!

On Saturday, June 10th, Teamsters gathered at Lucy’s El Adobe Cafe to put the final
touches on the 2023 Teamster float for the LA Pride Parade. LA PRIDE took place
once again in the heart of Hollywood, on Sunday, June 11th. The float decorating
venue was graciously donated by Patricia Casado. Lucy’s El Adobe Café is a legendary
Hollywood Film and Music watering hole for over 60 years, Patricia was gracious to
host the Teamsters to kick off our weekend with a Movie Star Breakfast donated by
Hollywood’s premiere location catering service Chef Robert.

On Sunday, June 11th over 200 Teamsters gathered in Hollywood, California to march
in the 51st Annual Los Angeles Pride Parade. This was the second time Teamsters had
a presence in this historic parade with an expanded marching contingency this year.

This year, the main pieces of the float were designed by the amazing Construction
Captain, Chris Ridino. He dedicated so much time in bringing our Teamster float to life
fabricating, building, and safely attaching all the key elements. Also, part of our float
this year was Local 399 Member Matthew Goldman (aka DJ Cody Lee Williams) and
Business Agent Calvin McDowell to hype up the crowd with a fantastic DJ set while
the Teamsters marched and danced along the Walk of Fame, in the streets of
Hollywood, showing the strength and solidarity of the Teamsters. We want to also
thank Local 399 Member Jesse Wright for helping to find the components to our float
and assisting with the entire audio install, sound check and tear down.

This year, after the parade, marchers gathered at Boardners in Hollywood for the first-
ever post pride parade after-party. This fantastic event was organized by Local 399
Members Susanne Medina and Jenna Mullins. They had food, drinks, and generously
donated giveaways to share with all those in attendance. At the after-party, we also
heard from key organizers and supporters of this year’s event.

“We are supporting PRIDE’s all over Teamsterland,” said Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus
President and Local 399 member, Chris Fuentes. “People used to say, “I didn’t know
Teamsters could be in the Pride Parade.’ But, last year’s march in Hollywood’s LA
PRIDE set up a chain reaction. General President Sean M. O’Brien said, “You are not
alone. You are not cast aside. We are part of a team’ and that’s what we are
representing here. All of you are part of this amazing team and we work together.”

Chris Fuentes recognized the hard work and
dedication of key organizers, starting with Local 399 Communications Director Amy
Gorton, reprising her central role in coordinating this effort to bring Teamsters
together. LGBTQ+ Caucus Board member Andrew Rivas LU-533, drove 8 hours to
spend his ‘vacation’ working on logistics for the successful Teamsters parade
weekend. Hosting three fun filled events would not have been possible without the
selfless generosity of vendors and donors who helped make this years’ experience
more inclusive and even larger than last year.

“I do not want to make this our last march,” said Human Rights and Diversity
Commission Director, Anthony Rosa, who delivered a powerful message. “I do not
want to make this a thing that we won’t remember. We must come out and stick
together. We must have diversity, equity, and inclusion. We must touch all the states
of the Teamsters to let them know that you are here. You are a person, and you
matter.”

There were Teamster Locals represented from across Southern California, as well as
members from Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Reno, and more. Teamsters Local 399
Principal Officer and Western Region Vice President of the International Brotherhood
of Teamsters spoke to the support on a Local and National level within the
Teamsters.

“We’re going to support no matter what,” said Dougherty. “Our General President
Sean M. O’Brien and our General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, along with the
entire General Executive Board are extremely supportive of the fight for equality and
respect our LGBTQ+ members deserve. We must fight not just for our members, but
for all working people. The only way we are going to see change is if we continue to
fight. And if you are not fighting, then get out the way and let somebody else pick up
where you left off.”

For more than a century, Teamsters have understood that workers are first human
beings that deserve to have equal rights and protections both under a collective
bargaining agreement, and throughout their community. This year however, there has
been aggressive support from the International and the Human Rights and Diversity
Commission to prioritize the fights for the rights of our LGBTQ+ members. Under the
leadership of Director Rosa, the HRDC issued statements re-affirming Teamsters
support of Pride month as well as supporting Trans Visibility Day.

The energy from the day was high and the spirit of solidarity, strength and the power
of the Teamster family was felt by all in attendance. No matter if directly part of the
LGBTQ+ Community, an ally, family member or friend, the love, support, and Teamster
pride was infectious. As Teamsters, we may be defined by our differences, but it is our
solidarity that continues to bring us strength on and off the job.

For those unable to attend this year’s event, look at some of the great photos from the
day. Teamsters plan to show up even bigger and better next year.

This year’s parade presence would NOT have been made possible without our
generous sponsors. See full list of those that graciously donated their time, talents,
and equipment to pull this year’s LA Pride Participation off.