On June 28th a plaque was placed at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and McAdden Place, the historic stepping off point for the first ever Christopher Street West parade, June 28, 1970. Several dignitaries were present as were others who were there on that historic date. Rev Troy Perry, the sole surviving member of the three (Rev Troy Perry, Rev Bob Humphries and Mr Morris Kight) who started the CSW celebration as an annual event.
As seen from this photo from 1970, the three men are meeting (Rev Bob Humphries on the left, Rev Perry in the center and Mr Morris Kight on the right).
![]() |
|
and 35 years later, this plaque commemorates their efforts.
It reads:
Christopher Street West
On June 28, 1970
The first Gay Pride parade in Los Angeles
stepped off from this corner
The City of Los Angeles closed
Hollywood Boulevard for the Parade
which was the first such action in America
The Organizers of the Event were
Rev Troy Perry
Rev Bob Humphries
Mr Morris Kight
Dedicated June 28, 2005
Celebrants and well wishers gather in preparation for the dedication. |
![]() Rodney Scott, the President of CSW |
Paul Waters with the proclamation |
Rabbi Lisa Edwards of Beth Chayim Chadashim |
![]() Rev Perry addressing the crowd. |
Rev Perry and John Duran from West Hollywood City Council |
Unveiling the plaque: Rodney Scott, City Councilman Eric Garcetti, Pat Rocco, Rev Perry and Paul Waters of Valley Pride |
![]() Rev Perry and Phillip at the plaque. |
There was quite a story behind that first parade:
Chapter 7 - Our Militant Stand in The Lord is My Shepherd and He Knows I'm Gay.