SF Pride: it’s a BIG DEAL.
San Francisco’s Pride Parade, one of the oldest and largest in the world, is this weekend, and as always it’s going to be an incredible time!
What’s Pride all about?
According to the SF Pride website, “SF Pride is dedicated to education, to the commemoration of LGBT heritage and to the celebration of LGBT culture and liberation.” In 1974, it was still legal to lobotomize a gay man in the state of California, and queer people weren’t allowed to gather publicly. While we’ve certainly come a long way, many people are misunderstood simply for being who they and still suffer discrimination.
Pride parades celebrate all those who have fought for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, for the vibrant culture of people who make up this community, and for a place to gather for fun, expression, and acknowledgment.
Why isn’t there a “straight pride” parade?
Consider this: every day is “straight pride” day in America. Most straight white people have been able to move through life without being sneered at or called names for holding their partner’s hand and walking down the street. They haven’t been denied jobs, housing, parental rights or hospital visits because of who they are. In many countries, being LGBTQ is a still death sentence and while we still have a long way to go, Pride celebrates the struggle, the joy, and the beauty of how far we’ve come in creating a culture of tolerance.
I’m coming out!
Lots of people find self-acceptance and courage through pride celebration. People travel from hundreds, even thousands of miles, to attend. It can be an incredibly motivating and supportive environment for many. Thousands travel to Pride every year to “come out” in a place where they know they will be safely held and accepted for who they are. So even if you aren’t LGBT, you do need to come as an ally and understand that this is, for many, one of the few places where they can be and express themselves and may be a rare or first-time opportunity to do so. Be supportive.
What else do I need to know?
Come prepared to shine! But also come prepared. No denying it, a lot of sex happens during Pride celebration. Please stay safe, sane, consensual (here’s a fantastic guide to safe queer sex).
You don’t have to be LGBTQ to attend the SF Pride Parade, but you do need to come with an open mind. Prepare to see people in full expression and in everything from military uniforms to leather hot pants and dog collars. There will be somber moments that address the struggles of the LGBT community, and also incredible art and floats, dance troupes, motorcycle brigades and a full representation of the LGBTQIA spectrum. Pride celebrates diversity and inclusion, and it’s important to understand that if you plan to attend. It’s not just a spectacle.
SF Pride gives back, too: money raised from the parade and celebration are donated to local non-profit LGBT organizations and those organizations working on issues related to HIV/AIDS, cancer, homelessness, and animal welfare
The parade is scheduled for Sunday, June 30 at 10:30 a.m. and will run along Market Street from Embarcadero to Civic Center.