Hundreds of allies, advocates and local residents gathered at the Stockton Pride Fest last weekend to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with a vibrant lineup of drag performances, music tributes and calls for unity amid ongoing political challenges.
The event, organized by the San Joaquin Pride Center and sponsored by Health Plan San Joaquin, emphasized community building and inclusivity, drawing performers from Stockton and nearby areas like Modesto.
The festivities kicked off with lively crowd interactions led by the event’s MC, Sasha Devaroe. Nine drag queens performed during the closing act, including performances from Rubi, Ava Rice and Bijou Bentley.
Bentley had done a drag queen story time for kids and their parents earlier during the festival.
“I really want to spread the message to kids to enjoy being themselves,” Bentley said. Drag is art and sometimes art can be suggestive but parents can determine what’s appropriate for their kids. This is an inclusive space.”
Local businesses and organizations supported the event, including the St. John Evangelist Church in Stockton. The church deacon, Steve Bentley (no relation to Bijou), emphasized the church teaches acceptance and inclusion to their congregation.
“I would encourage anybody who says that ‘LGBTQIA+ is a sin’ to actually read the Bible instead of just cherry picking passages,” Bentley said. “Everyone is loved by God, And no one is excluded in his overabundant love, and everyone has a place in his kingdom.”
April Victorine, Free Mom Hugs lead for the Stockton area, shared the organization Moves to support the LGBTQIA+ community from offering hugs to gathering information for them if they don’t feel comfortable to do it themselves. She shared that she joined the organization before she found out her son is transgender.
“For some people, it has been so long since they received a hug or support from anybody,” Victorine said. “We are very proud to have a chapter in all 50 states.”
According to attendees, there were no notable counter demonstrations from opponents of the LGBTQIA + community during the event.
“This was a safe place and that this place was for everyone,” said John Alita, Executive Director of the San Joaquin pride center. “I grew up during a time when we didn’t have events like this. I definitely see our community coming together.”