When we look at Pride parades these days, we often take them for granted, debating body image, twinks, muscles, married gay couples with children… but back in the 80’s and 90’s, gay men and women who took part in Pride were breaking new ground.

Pride 1987-1995
Photos: Alan Light

A series of photos uploaded to Wikimedia, of Pride in Los Angeles from 1987 to 1995, show the amazing progression of the LGBT community.

The photos were all taken by Alan Light, and published under the Creative Commons license, due to their educational and historical nature.

Thinking about those years, and the state of the HIV epidemic back then, there’s a sad chance some of these faces are no longer with us. Take a look at these marching pioneers, and stroll down memory lane…

1987 – The Year of The Mustache

Los Angeles Pride June 1987
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride June 1987
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride June 1987
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride June 1987
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride June 1987
Photo: Alan Light

1988 – The Year of The Feather

Los Angeles Pride, June 1988
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1988
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1988
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1988
Photo: Alan Light

1990 – The Year of Muscle

Los Angeles Pride, June 1990
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1990
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1990
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1990
Photo: Alan Light

1991 – Year of The Hairy Chest

Los Angeles Pride, June 1991
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1991
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1991
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1991
Photo: Alan Light

1993 – Year of The Smooth Chest

Los Angeles Pride, June 1993
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1993
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1993
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1993
Photo: Alan Light

1995 – Marching onward

Los Angeles Pride, June 1995
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1995
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1995
Photo: Alan Light
Los Angeles Pride, June 1995
Photo: Alan Light
Mr man Taron