Ojai Pride at 34: Honoring Legacy, Amplifying Community

Join us in a vibrant conversation about the 34th annual Ojai Pride Walk & Picnic, happening Sunday, June 29, 2025, as we gather at Libbey Park. It has now now expanded from its humble 1992 beginnings with just six marchers, to a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and joy In this special episode, we sit down with:Helen Allen and Lynn Doherty, Ojai Living Treasures and co-founders of the original Pride march, whose vision began nearly 34 years ago when six women walked hand‑in‑hand down Ojai Avenue.Kate Levinstein and JoEllen Depakakibo of Queers in Valley, the dynamic new organizers who stepped up last year to carry the torch forward.Expect a lively conversation that explores:The march’s evolution from a small group to a community-wide event hosting booths with free resources, local artists and performers, and a drag-hosted picnic How Queers in Valley is deepening inclusivity—introducing non-police security, ASL interpretation, wheelchair access improvements, and seating for .Anecdotes about local stars like Michelle Chakra (Ryan Beaghler), our returning drag host, beloved for drag brunches, bingo, and laughter.Schedule for June 29 (11  a.m. to 3 p.m.):Pride Walk begins at 11 am at the Libbey Park fountain Picnic & performances follow, featuring coffee from JoEllen’s Pinhole Coffee Van, live music, community booths, and a warm drag show under the Ojai sun After-party kicks off at 3 pm at The Ojai Pub, followed by line-dancing with Diane Anastasio at the Ojai Rancho Inn from 4 to 5:30 p.m.This year’s celebration is made possible by a powerful network of sponsors and supporters:City of Ojai, which issued an official proclamation honoring Pride Month, and provides ongoing support for event logistics.Local community groups, businesses, and arts organizations sponsoring booths, performance stages, accessibility services, drag entertainment, and refreshments.Tune in to explore how Helen Allen, Lynn Doherty, Helen Levinstein, and JoEllen Depakakibo are weaving together past and present to make Ojai Pride an inclusive celebration of love, visibility, and community for the next generation.They also give special thanks to Ojai Pub, The Rancho/Chief's Peak, and Sespe Creek Collective for various fundraising and gathering endeavors. We did not talk about oak pollen counts this early summer, Kim Stanley Robinson novels or Filipino street food.For more information, check out these sites:ojairec.com, theojaivortex.com, ojai.ca.gov