As June concludes, it marks the end of Pride Month, a time of both celebration and activism for LGBTQ+ culture across the United States. This year, various communities celebrated with Pride festivals and parades, bringing together queer individuals for a vibrant display of unity and joy.
San Francisco is wrapping up Pride Month with a lively two-day festival themed “Queer Joy is Resistance.” Festivities begin early on Saturday, June 28, with a breakfast at the San Francisco Civic Center, followed by a full day packed with live entertainment. The highlight of the weekend, the 55th annual San Francisco Pride Parade, will take place on Sunday, June 29, a cherished tradition in both the city and the LGBTQ+ community.
Here’s what attendees and viewers can expect from the parade:
– **Timing**: The San Francisco Pride Parade is set to kick off at 10:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 29.
– **Route**: The parade will start at Embarcadero Plaza and wind its way along Market Street to the Civic Center, covering approximately 1.5 miles.
– **Cost**: Attendance at the San Francisco Pride Parade is free for everyone.
This year’s parade will honor five Grand Marshals who have made significant contributions to the community:
1. **Jessy Ruiz**: A Hispanic trans woman active with El/La Para TransLatinas, which supports domestic abuse survivors.
2. **Jahnell Butler**: Associate director of trans services at San Francisco’s Community Health Center and a key figure in the ballroom community.
3. **Dr. Tyler TerMeer**: CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and co-chair of the AIDS United Public Policy Council.
4. **Tita Alda (Nicky Calma)**: An advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness within the Asian Pacific Islander and transgender communities.
5. **Kenan Arun**: Director at the LGBT Asylum Project and member of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir.
For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be broadcasted and streamed by ABC7 San Francisco, ensuring everyone can participate in this vibrant celebration from home.
This year’s Pride festivities continue to highlight the resilience and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a hopeful reminder of progress and the ongoing fight for equality. As attendees gather to celebrate, they are also reminded of the work ahead in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.