Pride Month has arrived, but the celebration doesn’t have to stop on July 1, which is why Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF) is observing a Summer of Pride.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, there will not be a large, in-person celebration; however, there are other ways to get involved and celebrate in the community. Throughout June and the rest of the summer, PPF will host smaller, micro-events.

Pacific Pride has also partnered with several local restaurants, brands and bars to provide myriad ways to celebrate pride. Summer of Pride partners include: Acme Hospitality, Alcazar Theater, Corepower Yoga, Deckers Brands, Hook & Press Donuts, Jake & Jones, McConnell’s, Sanuk, SeaVees, Toad & Co., and UGG.

Jake & Jones is hosting a community wide Pride Window competition with donations benefiting Pacific Pride Foundation. Contact Jake & Jones to find out how to enter.

Additionally, PPF will offer its summer Youth Leadership Program for local LGBTQ+ youth. Young people ages 12-18 and still enrolled in high school will have the opportunity to connect in a safe and welcoming environment created by and for LGBTQ+ people.

Pacific Pride programming creates friendships, builds leadership skills, and encourages youth to engage intentionally with their community. At the end of the summer, youth will be eligible to apply to become Youth Leaders for the 2021-22 school year.

The Youth Leadership Program runs June 18-Aug. 6 at the Santa Barbara Community Arts Workshop and on Zoom. The program is free, but registration is required. Register here.

Pacific Pride Foundation is the largest LGBTQ+ center between Los Angeles and San Francisco. PPF provides services and programs to some 10,000 clients in the inclusive and diverse LGBTQ+ community including youth programs, elder programs, counseling services, sensitivity trainings, community events, and advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues.  

For more about PPF, or to make a donation visit pacificpridefoundation.org.