Mr. Long Beach Pride Candidate Raises Money For LGBTQ+ Students

LONG BEACH, CA — This Pride season Mr. Long Beach Pride candidate Diego Villela is visiting local events and shows to help raise money to support LGBTQ+ and allied students living in Long Beach and the surrounding cities.

Villela has partnered with the United Waves Scholarship Fund which helps pay for local students to attend an accredited university or college. Each donation made through Villela's link will count as a vote for him.

"Whoever raises the most money for the title is the winner," Villela told Patch. "So every dollar that we raise about equals one vote."

Born in Riverside, Villela said he didn't feel a connection to his city or Northridge, where he finished school before becoming a registered nurse. When he moved down to Long Beach, Villela said he could feel the difference in the city and the vibe.

"I just fell in love with the people. The LGBTQ+ community here helped me find myself and gain more confidence in myself because everybody here is just so open," Villela said.

After his move, Villela said the community of Long Beach inspired him to push his boundaries. Recently, he performed at Hamburger Mary's doing lipsyncs of two songs, something he said he would have never dreamed of doing previously.

Villela said he relates to people who struggle with their confidence and feels like he represents the quiet person who has to slowly build themselves up and gain confidence.

"I think that's what a part of the LGBTQ+ community is all about is just finding yourself and I think a lot of people can relate to that," Villela said.

Through his campaign, Villela said he wants to inspire others to run for Mr. Long Beach Pride in the future even if they don't believe they are confident enough. Villela believes it shouldn't take much, all it takes is wanting to help their communities.

Villela and the others running with him can be recognized throughout Long Beach by their rainbow sashes. Anyone is welcome to donate to any one of the candidates and all the money will go to the United Wave Scholarship Fund for students.