CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING HISTORY

GFBLA members have the opportunity to participate in a historic event through a collaboration between Pride Bands Alliance (GFBLA's national organization) and the Tournament of Roses Association. Pride Bands Alliance is assembling a composite marching band of LGBTQ+ marchers across the nation to march in the Rose Parade on January 1, 2027. This historic event marks the first time in the 138-year history of the Rose Parade that a band like this will be marching.

Pride Bands Alliance has scheduled a week-long event around the Rose Parade from Sunday December 27, 2026 through January 2, 2027, which involves rehearsals, volunteer and social events, marching at Disneyland, performing at Bandfest, and culminating marching in the Rose Parade. Pride Bands Alliance will be hosting as many as 250 LGBTQ+ marchers from across the nation in this collaborative, historic event.

As the local band, GFBLA is looking to help as many of its members participate in this historic event on January 1, 2027. Money donated through this fund will be redirected toward setting up a scholarship fund to help GFBLA members participate in the event. The average cost of participation in the six-day event totals $2,000 per marcher, which covers hotel, transportation, events, and most meals. Every dollar donated helps one of our members attend the event.

OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1978, the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles (GFBLA) is the second oldest LGBTQ+ band in the world! Originally named the Great American Yankee (G.A.Y.) Freedom Band of Los Angeles, our group was created to promote visibility of the LGBT community and to provide entertainment at pride celebrations. GFBLA was one of the original eight gay bands that founded the Pride Bands Alliance.

The scope of the band has since expanded, focusing now on providing a positive environment for everybody, enriching the community through music, and setting an example of acceptance and camaraderie among all people.

Throughout the decades, GFBLA has witnessed many of the important milestones in gay history. Drawing from the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic and the battles for marriage equality and transgender rights, our musicians bring a deep well of experience to all of our performances.

GFBLA Rose Parade Scholarship

By Freedom Band Foundation of Los Angeles

GFBLA Rose Parade Scholarship

GFBLA is setting up a scholarship to support our marchers to participate in the January 1, 2027 Rose Parade.