It’s officially Pride Month, and despite the national politics surrounding certain LGBTQ-plus issues, the community is ready to celebrate with events across the Central Coast. As part of our annual Pride issue, Staff Writer Libbey Hanson writes about the Gala Pride and Diversity Center as it continues to recover from its financial issues and hosts a month of Pride activities, Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal speaks with the local Free Mom Hugs chapter, and Staff Writer Emma Montalbano covers a couple of local establishments focused on being a space for the LGBTQ-plus community to celebrate year-round.
Follow the rainbow
SLO’s LGBTQ-plus community continues to celebrate Pride Month despite local and national opposition
BY LIBBEY HANSON
All hugs allowed
Free Mom Hugs’ Central Coast chapter embraces the LGBTQ community and anyone seeking comfort
BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL
Pride parties
Local businesses bring more LGBTQ-plus nightlife to the Central Coast for Pride Month and beyond
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
This article appears in Pride 2025.