Christopher Street West Association, Inc., is a non-profit service organization within the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community of Greater Los Angeles, committed to the goals of human rights, education, outreach and better understanding within our community, as well as the heterosexual community. CSW was formed in 1970 to produce the first Lesbian and Gay Parade in Los Angeles celebrating the Stonewall Rebellion on New York's Christopher Street in June, 1969. It was incorporated in 1976. Today CSW brings together the skills, talents and vision of our diverse community to produce the annual Greater Los Angeles LGBT Pride Celebration hosted by the independent City of West Hollywood.
CSW's funding comes mainly from Pride Festival fees, beverage and admission charges, corporate sponsorship and parade entry fees. The City of West Hollywood, where the parade has been held since 1979, waives all permit fees and has consistently been supportive of the Celebration. In addition the city has paid for the sheriff's deputies needed to police the parade route. Any surplus funds accumulated by CSW are returned to the community through various programs. Please visit the Community Benefit page for more information.
CSW is a member and supporter of the LA Lesbian and Gay Chamber of COmmerce, Consolidated Associations of Pride, Inc. (CAPI), the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, InterPride, the International Festival and Events Association, the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the International Lesbian and Gay Association and the Los Angeles Leather Coalition.