Pride in West Hollywood brings everyone from different shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and sexual orientation in one place celebrating people as a community. We caught up with Chris Classen, President of Pride Los Angeles to get us excited about this years festivities. Also, make sure to check out the heartfelt video for Pride 2016 HERE where individuals explain what ‘Pride’ means to them.

1.Tell us a litte bit about your background, we hear you are an artist as well?

I was trained as an architect, and am a working artist. I’m also Creative Director for an influencer marketing and events company called Incluence.

2. What inspired you to get involved in Christopher Street West and Pride?

I wanted to help the organization and share my creative direction and event expertise with such an iconic event. I joined an advisory committee in 2014, and joined the Board of Directors in 2015. In August of 2015 I was voted in as President and we immediate started planning for this year’s festival.

3. How are you planning on celebrating Pride this year?

With 50k prideful attendees!!!! LA PRIDE 2016 is going to be the best event we have ever planned. If anyone hasn’t been before, or in a few years, THIS is the year to come!

4. In your opinion, how do you think Weho shapes the gay culture nationwide?

We are located in West Hollywood but we are LA PRIDE. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world so as a community we have an outsized influence on global culture in general. West Hollywood is “The Creative City” which makes it a natural place for us to celebrate. This weekend is the only time when many members of the community (of all ages) can come and be themselves without judgement.

5. Your artwork will be a part of Pride this year, can you tell us a little about the installations?

My impact is more on the overall look and talent selection. I don’t have a piece of my own work in the festival. Our Arts curator Nathaly Charria has done a phenomenal job bringing in an epic amount of globally recognized artists. There are installations and experiences all over the park to be explored! check out Chris’s artwork HERE.