After two missed years due to the pandemic, San Francisco Pride returned this weekend with their first in-person parade since 2019.

The jubilant event began on at the Embarcadero, with the SF Dykes on Bikes leading the way down Market Street. Reminiscent of the previous weekend’s Golden State Warriors championship parade, Market Street was flooded with San Franciscans ready to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ community. The crowds spilled out into the area surrounding Civic Center, where vendors and food stalls served the thousands of attendees.

Attendees at San Francisco Pride march down the parade route on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

This year’s grand marshals included musician Melanie DeMore, non-profit director Vinny Eng, public health educator Amber Gray, trans activist Andrea Horne, OaklandTransMarch co-founder Socorro “Cori” Moreland and pioneering hip-hop DJ Mellanique Robicheaux (also known as Black) . Martha Wash of the Weather Girls served as headliner, and “Jeopardy!” champion Amy Schneider also appeared on the main stage.

Participants take part in the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

A participant dressed in a Spider Man outfit presents to spin webs during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

A costumed participant shows their rainbow colors during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

A participant carrying a rainbow flag hi-fives spectators during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Participants take part in the 2022 San Francisco Pride Parade. (SFGATE / Douglas Zimmerman)
Participants take part in the 2022 San Francisco Pride Parade. (SFGATE / Douglas Zimmerman)

The leadup to this year’s Pride has been marked by controversy and concern. In late May, Mayor London Breed announced she would withdraw from the parade due to a rule for bidding police from attending in uniform. Pride eventually walked back the rule, allowing fewer than 10 individuals to attend in uniform. The parade also came shortly after an alleged Hate crime against local drag performer Panda Dulce at a Bay Area library.

California state Sen. Scott Wiener on his parade float at San Francisco Pride on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

On Sunday, Pride attendees draped in every type of rainbow-colored garb imaginable joyously cheered on the parade floats, but many homemade signs expressed distress and defiance of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Calf. The elements of activism amidst the celebration were a reminder of Pride’s roots as a powerful protest movement.

Participants hold a sign during the the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Attendees at San Francisco Pride march down the parade route on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Participants hold a large rainbow flag during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Scroll below to see our best photos from the event.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi on her parade float at San Francisco Pride on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Attendees at San Francisco Pride march down the parade route on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Attendees at San Francisco Pride march down the parade route on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Sean Kelly and Rachel Levine during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Attendees at San Francisco Pride watch the parade route down Market Street on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Verasphere attendees at San Francisco Pride march down the parade route on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Samba drummers and dancers take part in the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Leather Marshall Tammy LG Hatter is driven along during the the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Corgi wearing rainbow colors take part in the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Tyler Weisman from Denver, CO (center) cheers participants during the the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Sam Bass holds up a rainbow flag during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Flight attendants from Alaska Airlines perform during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Sheriff Claudia Gomez and her daughter Olivia wave rainbow flags during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Participants take part in the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

City and County of San Francisco sheriff Joseph Engler cheers on the crowd during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Members of the American Legion Alexander Hamilton Post march during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

(Left to right) Courtney, Baker, and Elizabeth McKeegan take part in the the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Grand Marshall Vinny Eng during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

A Verasphere participant during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Participants walk down Market Street during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

A spectator waves a flag during the San Francisco Pride parade in San Francisco, Calif. on June 26, 2022.Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

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Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–

By Sister Dana Van Iquity–

Sister Dana sez, “Happy LGBTQ PRIDE WEEKEND to everyone! I look forward to once again sitting atop the SF Bay Times open-top vehicle wearing rainbow nun habit to wave fervently, flash peace signs, and blow kisses to the crowd along the parade route! See you there!”

GAY PRIDE 1985 was the day I became a member of THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE, and I will forever treasure that beautiful day! This will be my 37th year happily serving with The San Francisco Order of SPI.

Devlin Shand, Fadi Salahand Erika Pappas have created QUEER AF (Queer Arts Featured) on the historic site of Harvey Milk’s former camera shop, 575 Castro Street—to serve the queer arts community in the SF Bay Area. As a gallery, boutique, and gathering space, Queer AF will feature art across all mediums, with a focus on the work of underrepresented, disenfranchised, and emerging local Queer artists and makers while minimizing financial barriers. They strive to keep The Castro Queer AF They held their grand opening party on June 10. I was particularly drawn (no pun intended) to the graphite works of Louis Felipe because of their erotic quality. https://www.queerartsfeatured.com/

Sister Dana sez, “The astonishing JANUARY 6th INSURRECTION HEARINGS were broadcast on every major news station but Fox-TV news. Great! So, the very viewers who really and truly should have seen that coverage were purposely deprived!”

Vice Chair Liz Cheney brilliantly exhorted at the beginning of the hearing: “I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone; but your dishonor will remain!”

LUNA RIENNE GALLERY held a stunning opening reception on June 11 to display SOWING SEEDSfeaturing originals and reproductions of selected works by urban contemporary artist Norm “Nomzee” Maxwell (1969-2016). Created between the years of 2002–2015, these works are among his most colorful and positive—reflecting his growing family, fond memories of his Philadelphia youth, and metaphysical aspirations. Despite his passing, his work remains not only relevant but also visionary. My fave is mos’ def’ “Pop On A Platter: Beyoncé Lisa (2010),” Maxwell’s Giclee print on canvas interpretation of the pop diva as the famous Mona Lisa. Maxell’s works, as well as many other artists’ pieces, are now on exhibition at 3318 22nd Street (@ Valencia). https://lunarienne.com/art/

President Joe Biden signed to EXECUTIVE ORDER on June 15 aimed at protecting LGBTQ people from a cascade of legislation in conservative states that increasingly targets the rights of gays, lesbians, transgender youth, and others. The order is designed to counter efforts by Republican politicians like Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who has pushed through a measure—the “Don’t Say Gay” law—banning teachers from providing instruction regarding gender identity or sexual orientation. Other laws passed in conservative states include prohibitions on transgender girls competing in high school sports and efforts to ban the provision of gender-affirming care. White House officials have called the new laws “un-American” and said they are designed to discriminate against families and children based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sister Dana sez, “Uvalde. Buffalo. El Paso. Dayton. Gilroy. pulses santa fe park land Sutherland Springs. Las Vegas. Sandy Hook. aurora. Virginia Tech. columbine Many others. How many more Americans must be massacred by assault rifles until Congress gets these weapons of war off our streets? Other countries have taken decisive action to ban assault rifles and have seen drastic reductions in gun violence. We MUST do the same!”

On June 11, more than 450 rallies were staged nationwide in the MARCH FOR OUR LIVES gun reforms demonstrations—including one in SF and another in Oakland.

President Joe Biden has officially declared JUNETEENTH as a federal holiday, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. “Juneteenth” was definitely observed joyously all over the Bay Area this year.

Mayor London N. Breed joined elected and city officials and community members on June 19 to kick off a series of community-led events to honor the Juneteenth holiday in San Francisco. Following President Joe Biden’s 2021 resolution declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday, Mayor Breed signed an order declaring June 19 an official holiday in San Francisco. “Juneteenth is a recognition of our culture and accomplishments, but it’s also a solemn reminder of the bonds of slavery and the struggle for equality that continues today,” said Mayor Breed. “For years, San Francisco’s Black community has commemorated this day through celebrations across our city, but this year is special as it is the first time we are coming together to celebrate Juneteenth as an official holiday. I want to thank the community and our city leaders who continue to put in the work to ensure that Black San Franciscans have an opportunity to thrive.”

Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet‘s PRIDE BRUNCH is back, in person! Marking its 24th year, this annual celebration of all things Pride during SF’s Pride Weekend returns to the beautiful Westin St. Francis Hotel, 355 Powell Street on Saturday, June 25, 11 am–2 pm—including a three-course meal, hosted bar , and a joyous commemoration of the PRIDE PARADE‘s Grand Marshals and a coming together three years in the making. All proceeds from this LOVE IS IN THE AIR fundraiser support PRC‘s lifesaving, integrated social, legal, and behavioral health services that help San Francisco’s most vulnerable populations struggling with HIV-AIDS, substance use, and mental health issues. Services help over 5,000 clients annually on their path toward stability and better health and financial outcomes. https://tinyurl.com/2bmndf95

THE SAN FRANCISCO TRANS MARCH —San Francisco’s largest transgender Pride event and one of the largest trans events in the entire world is always the Friday of Pride weekend, and thousands of people attend. It’s June 24, 6 pm in Dolores Park (Dolores and 18th Streets) for the street march, which is approximately a 45-minute walk. Bring signs, banners, posters, megaphones—you know the drill. Earlier activities begin at 10:30 am throughout the day. https://www.transmarch.org/

THE SAN FRANCISCO DYKE MARCH is marching at 5 pm on June 25 at the intersection of Dolores Street and 18th Street in San Francisco. No rally in Dolores Park is planned before hand. https://www.thedykemarch.org/

Congratulations go to “A STRANGE LOOP,” an irreverent, sexually frank work about Blackness and queerness winning Best New Musical at the TONY AWARDS onJune 12. Michael R Jackson‘s 2020 Pulitzer Prize drama winner is all about a black gay man writing a show about a black gay man. Jackson also won for best book. Sister Dana sez, “Oh, we GOTTA go catch this winner when it comes to the Bay Area—which it hopefully will do!”

THE VINE SING ALONG PRIDE MASS at Grace Cathedral was back! We belted out our favorite queer anthems in an utterly rainbow-covered cathedral. I was, of course, Sister Dana the rainbow nun, along with many other fellow SPI nuns. This year’s theme was “Family Values.” We decided the Religious Right shouldn’t have all the fun, so we leaned-in hard to celebrate the joy, resilience, and struggle of what it means for our LGBTQ community to be family. We heard an inspiring message from the Rev Dr Cameron Partridge—a justice warrior, theologian, and openly transgender man. He has taught at Harvard University, spoken at Why Christian, and currently serves as Rector to St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in SF. After the service, we all enjoyed rainbow cake!

Juanita MORE!‘s 18th annual PRIDE PARTY is June 26, noon to 7 pm, 620 Jones Street. Miss MORE! continues to raise the bar with this annual nonprofit Pride extravaganza. It focuses on supporting some of SF’s most impactful organizations. Over the years, Juanita’s efforts have raised over $1 million dollars for the LGBTQ community. With the donations raised through this year’s party, Q FOUNDATION will use those contributions to continue their important work throughout San Francisco and spearhead new initiatives which include acquiring residential real estate. Q Foundation is the home for homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing services for the LGBTQIA, and members of the HIV+ communities. They provide advocacy leadership at the national, state, and local levels and direct services to thousands of San Francisco residents. https://juanitamore.com/pride

SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE (Artistic Director Bill English; Producing Director Susi Damilano) announces FOLLIES by James Goldman other Stephen Sondheim. The musical will run on the San Francisco Playhouse main stage, 450 Post Street, from June 30 through September 10. Originally slated for the Playhouse’s 2019/20 Season and canceled due to COVID-19, the show marks the first fully staged professional production of Follies in San Francisco. The musical, which won seven Tony Awards in 1972 and has been heralded by The New York Times as “one of the greatest musicals ever written,” closed on Broadway after 522 performances and never went on a national tour. So, now’s our chance! https://tinyurl.com/yzdfkxpc

On Saturday, July 9, join the summer fun around the Eagle Plaza, on 12th Street, between Folsom and Harrison for the next SOMA SECOND SATURDAYS. The first weekly Eagle Plaza Farmers Market will be open from 9 am – 12:30 pm. SOMA Second Saturday brings out our local, community Artists and Craftspeople. https://tinyurl.com/2zaj7y57

Sister Dana sez, “As you march in the parade or are in the crowd cheering, be sure to look up and notice the gorgeous PINK TRIANGLE way up in Twin Peaks! And when the sun goes down, the pink triangle lights up in all its glory!”

Published on June 22, 2022

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San Francisco is expected to have not one but two parades Sunday, June 26, as the Pride event returns after a two-year hiatus and will be joined by the third people’s march.

And it’s not just San Francisco. As COVID-19 seems, once again, to be slipping into the background, numerous LGBTQ communities around the country are making plans to finally throw the in-person Pride parades they’ve had to put on hold for the past two years. Organizers are optimistic but, understandably, cautious.

Everyone, however, is ready for a party.

San Francisco celebrants will hit the street — Market Street, that is — the last Sunday in June as part of its traditional two-day 52nd San Francisco Pride festival. This year’s celebration, themed “Love Will Keep Us Together,” comes after significant changes in leadership at SF Pride. Former executive director Fred Lopez who, because of the pandemic, never got to oversee an in-parade in his two-year tenure, stepped down February 17. Succeeding him is interim Executive Director Suzanne Ford, the first transgender person in the leadership role.

For those looking for something a little more activist-focused, DJ and drag star Juanita MORE!, who just stepped down from her reign as Empress 56, is helping organize the third People’s March that is expected to take place the same Sunday. Following the Pride parade’s original route, the People’s March will begin on Polk Street, “led by Brown and Black and people of color,” MORE! said in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter.

With a stronger focus on local arts and performers, and a notably smaller budget, the people’s march arose during the first year of the pandemic. Unable to hold her usual Pride Day fundraiser party, as she had for the previous 16 years, MORE! and activist Alex U. Inn — a former SF Pride grand marshal and board member — organized the alternative event. Its start time and date isn’t finalized, as MORE! is in the process of securing permits, but MORE! expects the People’s March to take place the same day as its larger counterpart, as it has the past two years.

Plans in other cities
Farther south, there are big changes in store for Los Angeles Pride, scheduled for Sunday, June 12. After a two-year absence which, like San Francisco, meant not being able to mark its 50th anniversary, the parade is coming back in a new, old location. After years of marching through West Hollywood, the parade is returning to Hollywood itself, the site of the original route.

“LA Pride is thrilled to come together this year to commemorate the historic anniversary at the parade’s first and original location,” stated Gerald Garth, vice president of programs and initiatives for Christopher Street West Association Inc., in a news release. “As a mission-driven and community-centered nonprofit organization, [Christopher Street] recognizes that LGBTQ+ experiences of Los Angeles are broader than just one neighborhood. Considering feedback gathered since the pandemic began, we are committed to creating experiences and access to our entire community, including many of those who have been most underserved and underrepresented.”

With the LA Pride parade moving back to Los Angeles, West Hollywood will hold its inaugural Pride festival June 3-5, with activities centered in and around West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

In San Diego, organizers managed to keep events going throughout the year even if the pandemic forced them to cancel their bigger, annual parade in 2020. They did hold a smaller Pride march last July.

“We’re sort of interesting in that our pride organization is year-round and is also an arts and advocacy organization,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director Fernando Lopez Jr. That year-round focus enables the organization to run 35 different events throughout the year It also helped to keep its finances in good shape, they said.

This year’s parade, themed “Justice With Joy,” is scheduled for July 16, one month later than celebrations in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The parade will begin at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Avenue and Normal Street, and proceed for 1.5 miles until it wraps up at Quince Drive.

Heading north, Portland, Oregon will see an even larger event than the last one it held in 2019. Organizers had introduced plans to increase their annual festival’s footprint on the city’s waterfront only to see them dashed because of the pandemic. Now, they’re moving ahead with that expansion, said Debra Porta, executive director of Pride Northwest.

“Barring the world ending or something, we are planning to be back on the waterfront for the full two-day Pride waterfront festival,” said Porta in a telephone interview.

Like its sister events throughout the country, Pride Northwest had to refashion itself to continue its work through the pandemic. Like San Diego Pride, Pride Northwest isn’t just about the annual festival but also engages in community work throughout the year.

“Our community was hit hard in Portland,” said Porta, a lesbian. “We really sort of spun on a dime and our primary efforts were direct service.” The organization was also able to rely on a rainy-day fund they’d been building for the past 10 years. No small matter for an organization that raises 80 to 90% of its funding from its annual Pride celebration.

The parade will take place June 19 in downtown Portland; Portland Pride Waterfront Festival will run for two days, June 18-19.

As the BAR previously reported, new organizers in Oakland are planning for a PrideFest September 11. There will not be a parade, and the exact location of the street festival has not been determined, though organizers would like it to be in the vicinity of the previous Oakland Pride event.

Other Pride organizations contacted by the BAR did not respond to requests for comment.

Help keep the Bay Area Reporter going in these tough times. To support local, independent, LGBTQ journalism, consider becoming a BAR member.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) – San Francisco Pride announced this week it will return to in-person events this June for the first time since the pandemic as the nonprofit also prepares for a change in leadership this year.

“I think what stands out for me about my time here at San Francisco Pride is being really heartened by the resilience of our community of the ways we have consistently faced challenges with love and compassion,” said Outgoing Executive Director Fred Lopez.

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Lopez was in charge of the organization for the past two years, overseeing its journey through the COVID-19 pandemic. While the search for his successor continues, Suzanne Ford will take on that role in an interim basis.

“We’re going to step back into our greatness and we’re going to let the world know that the queer community is resilient in San Francisco and San Francisco Pride is at the center of that,” Ford told KPIX 5 on Thursday.

Community leaders say the return of a celebration in person will benefit the whole city. One estimate calculated that $357 million was generated for all of San Francisco over the two days of Pride weekend, according to the Castro Community Benefit District.

“Pride has always been a little bit like Christmas for the Castro as far as the small businesses go,” said Andrea Aiello, the executive director of the Castro CBD. “We’re back, we’re moving forward.”

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While the benefit for the city is clear, the Castro District expects to see a much needed bounce for businesses who have struggled during the pandemic. Those who are located in the neighborhood say they are eager to have a safe and successful Pride celebration in 2022.

“This I think is a necessary thing for the community, to remember what it’s like to live life, and to get through the pandemic, we’ve come along way in the past two years,” said Paul Perretta, one of the owners of hot cookie “I’m a firm believer that in person is always better when it comes to celebrating with others.”

Some question if this is the right move at this time, hoping it will be safe but wonder if more time is needed to assess the current state of the pandemic.

“Bringing hundreds of thousands of people together seems a little premature,” said Louis Knox, a San Francisco resident. “I say baby steps, I say baby steps and evaluation, baby steps and evaluation because you see we’ve been here before, this is not the first time we’ve had a ‘reopening’ only to find out it’s a ‘reclosing. ‘”

Pride Weekend will be June 25 – 26 with “Love Will Keep Us Together” as the 2022 theme. Organizers say they will have more specific details to announce in another month. They hope people will donate to the organization or become a member to help fund their work.

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“Everybody from the city who wants to say ‘Hey, San Francisco is open and we’re ready’ to accept people from all over the world who want to experience that sense of community and acceptance that San Francisco is known for,” Lopez said .

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Some major events are returning to San Francisco, including the Lunar New Year Parade and Pride.

Organizers are happy to hold events or parades again and believe it could be an emotional return for some.

“It’s just the general consensus that the way things look at this moment that we’re going to be out on Market Street,” said Suzanne Ford.

After the pandemic canceled big in-person events, the LGBTQ+ pride celebration and parade plans to return in June.

Ford is interim executive director of San Francisco Pride and said bringing visibility to the community is important.

“I think it’s going to be one of the emotional outpourings you’ve ever seen in the city of San Francisco,” said Ford. “I really think people have a deep hunger to be together on pride weekend.”

They’re working to safely shape the celebration.

“We will be working with the city and we will make sure that our community is safe and we’re working hand in hand with any city guidelines that they issue,” said Ford.

Lunar New Year celebrations are underground too. The parade will once again wind its way through the streets this weekend in San Francisco.

It’s happening as the omicron surge fades and after indoor mask rules have eased.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade also plans to return and so does Off The Grid’s weekly Fort Mason Food Truck Market.

“It signals to me that we’re getting through this pandemic because of our vaccination rates we are not seeing the number of fatalities that we have in the past and we’re definitely in a better place,” said Mayor London Breed. “I’m really excited about what this means for San Francisco.”

But does that mean the city can stay the course?

“Well I hope so and the more people that get vaccinated and boosted will help to put us in a situation that would ease even more restrictions I think for now I think we’re doing pretty good it doesn’t mean we won’t see another surge or more challenges in the future,” said Breed.

Meantime, plans for celebrations and some normalcy are moving ahead.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) – As San Francisco drops its indoor mask mandate, hope for returning to somewhat of a normal continues as large city events will return this year.

San Francisco Pride, which usually draws millions of people to the city, will finally return this year with in-person celebrations and the big parade for the first time since the pandemic began.

San Francisco Pride plans to come back bigger and better this year after cancellations of its large in-person events over the last two years.

KRON4 first reported on the return of the in-person pride parade and weekend celebrations in January but now businesses and city leaders are gearing up as COVID restrictions start to dwindle.

“For a lot of our community, Pride is bigger than any holiday of the year you know? It’s a time when we can be free,” Jolene Linsangan said.

Jolene Linsangan owns a queer bar, Jolene’s, in the Mission District. She says San Francisco Pride not only embraces its community but it also brings in business for queer spaces, something that’s desperately needed since the beginning of the pandemic.

“It’s really going to help us out. We lost a year and even without the pandemic, it’s really hard for our spaces to survive and so that one time of year which is the biggest celebration is where we get a lot of our income to stay afloat,” Linsangan said.

In addition to planning special events at Jolene’s over Pride weekend, Linsangan also wants to take on an even larger production this year as executive director of the women’s stage.

“That means the world to me. Knowing that I’ve been producing women’s events for 15+ years now I get to really showcase the people I’ve been working with,” Linsangan said.

The two-day celebration and rally will take place on June 25 and 26. While a full schedule of events isn’t out yet, city Supervisor Rafael Mandelman says the city will continue to adjust as needed, but he’s hopeful for the Pride show that San Francisco know-how to throw.

“We have to be adaptable and resilient as we’ve been these last couple of years. I don’t think we know exactly what COVID 19 holds in store for this year but if we are in fact moving into the endemic phase of COVID, we’re hoping it will feel a lot like pride did back before,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said.

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The month of June is filled with many things – the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation, Father’s Day and the anticipation of the vacation.

June is also Pride month for LGBTQ + communities in the US and other countries around the world.

Pride Month is a time to honor our country’s diversity in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The first Pride Parade took place in New York City in 1970. The annual event coincides with the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

One of the most iconic symbols of Pride Month is the rainbow flag, created by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The colors of the flag are associated with diversity.

Every year, LGBTQ + communities honor Pride Month with a variety of events and activities such as parades, festivals, screenings, and concerts.

While many in-person events were canceled due to the pandemic over the past year, communities across the state and across the country are planning a mix of in-person and virtual events to celebrate Pride Month.

Below are eight in-person events taking place in Colorado and Wyoming that celebrate Pride Month 2021.

1. Boulder County Pride is scheduled for Monday June 7th through June 13th with a jam-packed calendar of events including a motorcade, drive-in movie screening, name and gender change clinic, storytimes, and mixers. The free event is open to all ages. More information is available at www.outboulder.org.

2. The Pride Kickoff will be held on Friday, June 11th, 5pm to 10pm at Ellson Farms, 10450 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton. The event features live performances, vendors, food trucks, and more. All age groups are very welcome. Tickets cost between $ 10 and $ 60. Further information can be found at https://bit.ly/3i9GlNU.

3. The City of Avon is holding Pride in the Park at 1 W. Benchmark Road at noon on Saturday, June 12th. The event includes yoga, a fashion show, guest speakers, parade, dance party, and more. The free event is open to all ages. Further information can be found at https://bit.ly/3g8nccq.

4. Pride on the Rooftop is scheduled for Friday, June 25th at 6pm in the Desk Chair Workspace, 201 E. 4th St., Loveland. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, live entertainment, guest speakers, and award shows. Tickets are $ 50 per person and include a glass of beer or wine, tapas, desserts, and all activities. The event is aimed at adults aged 21 and over. Further information can be found at https://bit.ly/3z1zD2k.

5. Laramie PrideFest runs throughout June with a variety of events and activities. The grand finale of the events begins on the weekend of June 25th to 27th with a drag / burlesque show, Pride proclamation and parade, Pride in the Park and a candlelight vigil. The free event is open to all ages. Further information can be found at https://bit.ly/2TG0y3G.

6. Denver Pride starts on Saturday June 26th and runs through June 27th in downtown Denver. Festivities include a 5K, virtual Pride parade, family events, a film festival, and more. More information is available at www.Denverpride.org.

7. The Pride Ride will begin on Sunday June 27th at 9:00 am at Trek Bicycle Fort Collins South, 931 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins. Bring your bike, helmet, and water for a fun day of biking and socializing. All age groups are cordially invited to take part in the free event. Further information can be found at https://bit.ly/3za8pH4.

8. Colorado Springs is hosting its Pride Month events on July 11th and 12th from 11am to 6pm at America the Beautiful Park, 126 Cimino Drive. Festivities include a 5K, The People’s March, and more. Tickets cost 2 euros at the box office. The proceeds will be donated to the community. More information can be found at https://bit.ly/3uN5WPe.

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The San Francisco Giants will unveil special uniforms this week in honor of the LGBTQ + community, the team announced on Tuesday, the first day of Pride Month.

The move makes the Giants the first team in Major League Baseball to incorporate the 11 Pride colors into a jersey on the field.

“We take great pride in serving the LGBTQ + community as we launch one of the best annual celebrations in San Francisco by recognizing the countless accomplishments and contributions of those who identify as LGBTQ + and are allies of the LGBTQ + community.” President and CEO Larry Baer said in a statement.

The team’s jerseys will feature the Giants logo in the Pride colors on the sleeves and hat, starting with the game against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at Oracle Park – the third of their four game series with the Cubs.

The custom uniforms are similar to those of the Giants’ High-A daughter in 2019, making them the first MiLB team to wear Pride-themed uniforms.

More from Yahoo Sports:

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From Donna Sachet–

No Pride Parade? No celebration in the community center? How could we celebrate SF Pride? This community has once again proven that it can! The last week of June coincided with the modified opening of the city after over 14 months of COVID-related restrictions and our LGBTQ + community was ready to celebrate SF Pride!

On the evening of June 23, the Rainbow Honor Walk hosted the second of its Rainbow Reels series, highlighting people who have bronze plaques in their honor on the sidewalks of the Castro neighborhood by having a group at home watch relevant films. The first Rainbow Reels last December focused on Divine with the film I am divine. That evening two films were shown, No Secret Anymore and One Wedding and a Revolution, each offering unique insights into the life of. Offer Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Barbara Tannenbaum hosted a lively discussion Marcia Gallo, The films were followed by a rapid auction and thank you gifts were sent to donors. All in all, the Rainbow Honor Walk has paid well-deserved attention to Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin, and supportive donors have helped raise funds for future bronze plaques.

Don’t miss the Castro Walgreen Community Windows, now with the Rainbow Honor Walk and a big thank you to the longtime and ongoing donor Allan Baird. Without financial support like his, this project to honor LGBTQ + people could not continue.

The following night, June 24th, the San Francisco Bay Times and The Academy hosted the second Divas & Drinks event, this time live and in person at the Academy. This relatively new private club was founded by Nate Bourg and Paul Miller offers a well-appointed, intimate space for private gatherings, from book club reunions, wine tastings and cocktail parties to larger events like this one designed to highlight the women’s community at Castro. Two teams faced each other in a playful Name That Tune game, moderated by this columnist and with the help of DJ Rockaway, with Team Olivia taking home the award. Every luxurious and comfortable room at the Academy was filled with happy celebrations, suddenly stripped of masks and social distancing, stepping out onto the spacious deck with heated seating areas and fire pit and enjoying nibbles from Noe Valley Bakery, Extreme Pizza and Kokak Chocolates, and mixed cocktails a Bacardi representative Liz Thyken and curated by Bacardi VP Heide Freyer.

The show stopper of the night was Mayor’s appearance London breed! Obviously relaxed and comfortable in this club atmosphere, she stayed long after the official program and enjoyed conversations and cocktails. SF supervisors were also present Rafael Mandelmann, SF Pride Grand Marshals Melonia green, melora green, and Clair Farley, and Dion Lim from ABC-7 news. We met up with a variety of friends including Openhouse founder Dr. Marcy Adelmann, The creators of Pink Triangle Patrick & Hossein Carney, Derek Barnes, SF commissioners Debra Walker and Andrea Shorter, Kate Brown by Dykes on Bikes, Beth Schnitzer from spritz public relations and of course Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas the San Francisco Bay Times. The invitation to the Divas & Drinks of the evening was: “Where are all the women in the Castro?” Well, that evening they were in the academy and had a great time!

We happened to be back at the Academy for An Evening with Donna Sachet the next night. As COVID restrictions relaxed, it just seemed appropriate to have an intimate evening with friends, and so we did. The Academy provided and brought a blackjack table, cocktails, and nibbles Russell Deason to play the in-house piano. Needless to say, singing followed. Andrew Hirst began with his savvy voice applied to Broadway show tunes.

After some pleading, we put the crowd in the piano room and sang some of our favorite songs and shared personal stories. Were among the cozy crowd Cicero Braganca & Russ Fischella, Jeff Doney & Adam Their, David Hone, and too many others to name. In the end, it was the perfect, low-key evening with close friends and new acquaintances to share memories and create new ones.

Saturday, June 26th, was the long-awaited appointment of Gary Virginia & Donna Sachets 23rd Annual Pride Brunch! Although this was the second annual virtual event and we missed personal camaraderie, this year’s theme, “A Taste of SF Pride” took visitors on a fun tour of the San Francisco neighborhoods of special relevance to the LGBTQ + community, punctuated by video footage from SF Pride Grand Marshals and other special guests including Mayor London Breed and Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Musical entertainment from the SF Lesbian / Gay Freedom Band and Kippy brands, a moving tribute to longtime supporters Tom Taylor, and a photographic review of 22 previous Pride Brunches rounded off the program. After all was said and done, over $ 33,000 was raised for the People’s Republic of China and this popular tradition continued.

You may have had the opportunity to watch the program on Saturday, June 26th, or afterwards on YouTube. In fact, four generous sponsors bought a King Suite at The Palace Hotel one Friday night and watched the Pride Brunch from their room the next morning before checking out. She and other premium ticket holders received delivered gift bags and DoorDash delivered brunch of their choice while they participated in a lively silent auction for excursions, dinners, gourmet baskets, and other items.

We accompanied our co-host Gary Virginia to an official viewing party in a dear friend’s beautiful Castro house! The decor was over the top, the food plentiful and tasty, the drinks galore, and the company exceptional, including the former SF Pride President Michelle Meow & Tookta, current SF Pride President Carolyn Wysinger, Briggs Hawley, Don Ho Tse, Eric Bernier & Mike Proctor, Ernie Hong & Fred Siegel, Deana Dawn, Joe Mac, Khmera Rouge, Kevin Lisle, Tyler Nelson, and Ralph Hibbs. What a great way to see the end product of months of preparation and work surrounded by a diverse group of good friends!

We ended our SF Pride weekend as we had for many years Juanita MORE!“infamous Pride party on Sunday June 27th. Over the course of 10 hours or more, some sort of SF Pride Parade marched through this sprawling space, pumped up by great music and excellent camaraderie, including Sister Roma, Celso Dulay & CJ Knight, Julian Marshburn, Suzan Revah, Dulce de Leche, Mutha Chucka, Christopher Vasquez, Acting emperor Mr. David Glamamore, and much more. We later heard that the event raised significant funds again, this year over $ 110,000 for the Imperial Council and Queer Nightlife Fund. What a fitting way to underline that this is indeed a resilient, courageous gathering of like-minded people who refuse to be handicapped by cancellations, pandemics, or other adversity!

With all that behind us, we can only imagine what an incredible SF Pride Parade & Celebration awaits us next year! But not without your commitment! Think about getting more actively involved in the planning and running of SF Pride, volunteering to help your favorite organization find its place in the celebrations, and don’t even think about heading out to town next June because SF Pride 2022 is going to be phenomenal!

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist with over two decades of service to the San Francisco LGBTQ community. Contact them at empsachet@gmail.com

Calendar a / la sachet

Friday July 16
Investiture of the Imperial Court in San Francisco San
The incumbent Emperor Mr. David Glamamore & the incumbent Empress Juanita MORE! The establishment of the Court of More is MORE!
Coronation of the new Imperial Crown Prince & Imperial Crown Princess
Oasis, 298 11th Street
19:30 o’clock
$ 35-55
www.imperialcouncilsf.org

Friday 23rd July
Divas & drinks in the Academy: get gold
Hosted by the San Francisco Bay Times and the Academy
Japan Olympics opening ceremonies, beverage specials curated by Bacardi VP Heather Freyer, DJ Rockaway, former Olympians, Japanese food and culture, local women’s softball team celebrations, and more to be announced.
The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street
6 p.m.
$ 10
https://www.academy-sf.com/

Published on July 15, 2021

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That first year, the journal’s Pride Business Leadership Awards recognized more than a dozen people for their contribution to the Pride movement.

On June 2, the Journal honored these winners in a special virtual event hosted by Lisa Carreño, President and CEO of United Way of the Wine Country, and Laurie Lynn Hogan of Laurie Lynn Hogan Consulting. The Journal also honored Carreño for her commitment to supporting the Pride movement.

Click the links below to learn more about this year’s Pride Business Leadership Awards winners:

• Steve Branton, Advisor, Principal, Private Ocean, San Rafael
• Pina Carino, First Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch, Napa
• Theresa Heredia, winemaker, Gary Farrell Winery, Healdsburg
• Beck Kageyama, Human Resources Director, Keysight Technologies Inc., Santa Rosa
• Christopher Kren-Mora, President, Sonoma County Pride, Santa Rosa
• Paul-Louis Maillard, Medical Group Administrator, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center
• J. Mullineaux, executive director, Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation, Santa Rosa
• Erich Pearson, CEO, SPARC, Santa Rosa
• Helen Russell, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Equator Coffees LLC, San Rafael
• Gary Saperstein, owner, Out in the Vineyard, Sonoma
• Greg Sarris, Tribal Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Casino and Spa, Rohnert Park
• Dana Van Gorder, General Manager, The Spahr Center, Corte Madera
• Grace Villafuerte, Home Social Worker, Adult and Elderly Department, Sonoma County Social Services Department, Santa Rosa

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