With the addition of a Tijuana contingent and a “Black and White Men Together” group in 1982, Lambda Pride chose the theme “Proud-Diversified-United.” The parade took place on June 12th and featured forty-six contingents including horses and motorcycle clubs. Christian fundamentalists, referred to by parade participants as “fundies,” protested on the sidelines with signs quoting the bible. Activists Gloria Johnson and Dr. Brad Truax were Grand Marshals.
The festival took place on private property this time, in the parking lot of West Coast Production Company (WCPC), a popular gay bar and dance hall owned by Chris Shaw. WCPC won the “Iron Spur” award for best float in 1981 and 1982. That year, an admission fee was charged for the festival, and Lambda Pride was able to sell alcohol under the permit of WCPC. There were more than 30 booths, including food vendors, craft shops, games, and a kissing booth. Lambda Pride operated a fundraising dunk tank. Entertainment included a disco dance floor and performances from The Girls, The Stonewall Singers, The Union Station Swing Band, and disc jockeys Ruben Tellez and Michael Duecker. Again, the event was more celebratory than political, and 1982 was the first year to not include a rally. The Lesbian Solidarity March took place downtown at City College the previous week. The event included a rally, and the lesbian community would continue their fight to keep Pride political.
