Article & Photography by Megan Williams

In the heart of West Hollywood, Weho Pride did something a little different this year and threw an entire offshoot music festival filled to the absolute brim with heavy hitters, called OUTLOUD Raising Voices Music Festival. Created by Jeff Cons and produced by JJLA an event, production, design, and experiential entertainment agency they put on a three-day festival comparable to the bigger festivals throughout the country, with a queer twist. With headliners like Lil Kim, Jessie J, Aluna, Kat Graham, Madison Beers, Years and Years, Jake Wesley Rogers, The Aces, Gina Chavez, Marina, LP Giobbi, Angelica Ross, Slayyyter, Saucy Santana, Cupcakke, Moore Kismet and more it was no wonder tickets sold quickly to see even a sliver of the show.

From the moment you got into the gates of OUTLOUD you felt the base from the two stages, the Unity Stage was made up of the incredible DJ’s on the lineup, some drag performers, a voguing contest, along with other amazing acts, while the OUTLOUD Stage acted as the main stage of the event where the likes of Lil Kim, Years and Years, Marina and Jessie J closed out each night of the three day with a bang. All puns intended here.

During each day we got to experience WeHo pride which was going on in cooperation with OUTLOUD. The Pride Grand Marshall were Janelle Monàe, and Jojo Siwa, both out and proud pillars of our communities in their own respect. During the rest of WeHo Pride we got to experience creative and fun vendors, another stage that had their own performances, DJ’s and interactive moments. As day turned into night the party goers hit the town where Santa Monica Boulevard, the mecca of gay bars, and clubs turned into the queer playground we’ve always dreamed of.

One giant highlight of WeHo Pride was the Eden Entertainment Afterparty at Pump Restaurant. Eden Entertainment Group, run by Becca Putt, has single handedly changed the queer event game. The events are tailored toward queer women, but all are welcome with open arms. With events in cities like Los Angeles, Venice, San Francisco, Tampa, San Diego and beyond selling out and packing their venues, the ladies finally get a consistent party worth going to time after time. Putt leads the charge because she has phenomenal music acts, incredible performers, and gorgeous dancers every event. The way she throws a party is legendary and the Eden Entertainment WeHo Pride Afterparty didn’t disappoint. The Aces, the highly popular girl band, fresh off the OUTLOUD stage popped up for a surprise hour long DJ set that kept the party rolling. Gogo dancers and the mascot of all the Eden Entertainment Group Parties “Remy” the Panda was there creating mischief and keeping all the queers on their toes.

WeHo pride was nothing short of iconic. To OUTLOUD and WeHo Pride together, at the same time, and to do it well was really a sight to behold. In my opinion, to date, it’s one of the most talent packed, smooth running, upper-echelon, creative Pride festivals I have ever been able to cover. From the festival itself, to the Grand Marshall selections, to the layout of the festival and WeHo Pride, to communication from the PR management team to the media, to everything in between WeHo Pride and OUTLOUD Raising Voices Music Festival was a resounding success. I hope it’s a staple for years to come.

This article was published in the 2022 Sports & Recreation Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.