THOUSANDS of George Floyd protesters have marched along Hollywood Boulevard as Black Lives Matter demonstrations replaces Gay Pride month.
June traditionally sees marches in support of the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride Month, but following the death of George Floyd, the streets have been flooded with Black Lives Matter demonstrators.
This weekend saw thousands of people march through the streets in protests organized by black members of the LGBTQ+ community, “All Black Lives Matter”, combining the two global justice initiatives.
Crowds flocked from Hollywood to West Hollywood – originally set to host the LA Pride Parade, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A statement of solidarity was painted on Hollywood’s best-known street ahead of the demonstrations, honouring black LGBTQ+ community members during the 50th anniversary of the first Pride celebration.
The mural spelt out ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER in the colors of the rainbow at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, where the march kicked off.
The words were painted in bright, rainbow colors to represent the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, and those synonymous with the Rainbow flag and Transgender Pride Flag.
All Black Lives Matter protesters marched on Hollywood Boulevard yesterday, demanding an end to racism and police brutality, while holding signs with the LGBTQ+ flag.
Demonstrators were also honoring Tony McDade, a black transgender man killed by Tallahassee, Florida police on May 27.
The events website states: “The protest is in direct response to racial injustice, systemic racism, and all forms of oppression.”
“The LGBTQ+ community must extend its support to unite against oppression, police brutality, racism, transphobia, and the many other disparities disproportionately impacting the Black community.”
Hollywood Boulevard has seen numerous mass protests against police brutality over the past two weeks, including a 200,000-strong crowd last Sunday.
The enormous crowd was one of the largest yet seen in Southern California, demonstrating against George Floyd’s death.
Floyd’s death sparked the global Black Lives Matter protests after a video went viral on May 25, 2020, showing police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck and back for nearly nine minutes as he pleaded for his life.
June was chosen for Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969.
As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world.
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