SF Pride focuses on the joy in resisting 

San Francisco Pride has been buffeted by declining sponsorships amid corporate retreats from diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. But the organization is leaning into its theme, “Queer Joy is Resistance,” as it prepares for the annual parade and celebration. The Pride parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 29, from Market and Beale streets, commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall riots that began the modern movement for LGBTQ civil rights in the United States.

The parade’s theme comes on the heels of nationwide protests against President Donald Trump and the backsliding of democracy that’s already leading to attacks on the civil rights of queer people, particularly the trans community. The parade – one of the largest in the world and San Francisco’s biggest annual march – also caps over a week of activities put on by the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration Committee.

"This year’s theme, ‘Queer Joy Is Resistance,’ is more than a slogan. It’s a call to action.” Suzanne Ford, a trans woman who is SF Pride’s executive director, told the Bay Area Reporter.

“At a time when our community is under attack from powerful political forces, simply showing up to Pride is an act of defiance,” Ford stated. “It’s about joy in the face of fear, unity in the face of division, and love in the face of hate. I’ve never seen this community more determined to stand together – and that’s exactly what we’re doing this year. We’re not backing down."

Joshua Smith, SF Pride’s board president, mentioned the backlash against LGBTQ rights and DEI efforts. These have led to some major corporate sponsors of Pride in prior years opting not to participate this go-around, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported.  

“Pride has always been about visibility, but this year it’s also about perseverance,” Smith stated. “As we celebrate SF Pride’s 55th anniversary, we’re honoring the power of community to come together, even in the face of political and social backlash. Our message is clear: we are still here, still proud, and we are not going anywhere.”

Every year there are a number of grand marshals. Community grand marshal Kenan Arun, a board choice, is the co-executive director of the Center for Immigrant Protection. He also is a volunteer with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and a board member at The Turkish American Gezi Platform.

“San Francisco means home, not just in geography but in spirit – a place where I could fully embrace every part of who I am,” Arun stated. “It was never just about moving to the United States; it was about choosing San Francisco. As both an immigrant and a queer person, this city represents the possibility of safety, expression, and community. … After more than 15 years of LGBTQ+ advocacy from Turkey to the U.S., I know the work is far from over. Representing Pride is how we ensure no one gets left behind – especially our trans siblings – whether in our birthlands or our chosen homes.”

Community grand marshal Jessy Ruiz, another board choice, is from Michoacan, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States in 1996. Ruiz plans to open a new nonprofit organization, Voces Trans Latinx, (Voices Trans Latinx) and currently works at the Mission Neighborhood Resource Center.

“When people see someone like me, a Latina transgender woman, in a leadership position, we give them a reference, proof that it is possible to live authentically, with dignity and without fear,” Ruiz stated. “Representation is a tool for empowerment because it helps us break down barriers, challenge prejudice and create a world in which we can all live freely.”

Community grand marshal Jahnel Butler is a public choice. Known as Jahnell Chanel in the Ballroom scene, she is associate director of trans services at the San Francisco Community Health Center.

“Representation at Pride matters because it tells our community, ‘You belong. You’re not alone. Love is transformative,” Butler stated. “It’s important to show up – because when we’re visible, we’re powerful. And that power creates positive change.”

"San Francisco Community Health Center is committed to providing comprehensive, culturally responsive, and gender affirming health care,” according to a statement from the nonprofit, which is this year’s organizational grand marshal. “In the time of rising attacks on our communities, SFCHC continues to be committed to centering those most impacted, particularly the transgender and gender non-conforming community whose bold existence forces us to rethink and reimagine what’s possible for us all. SFCHC works tirelessly to lift up the voices of our communities and shows the world that we are powerful.”

Tyler TerMeer, Ph.D., a member choice for grand marshal, is CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. TerMeer is queer, Black, and HIV-positive, and discussed these identities in his statement.

“It’s humbling to be named grand marshal at a time when our very existence is being legislated. I carry this honor not just for myself, but for every Black, queer, and HIV-positive person who’s ever been told they don’t belong,” TerMeer stated. “This honor isn’t just about me – it’s about the movement, the memory, and the mandate to keep showing up, louder and more unapologetically than ever.”

The lifetime achievement award went to longtime social activist Tita Aida, aka Nicky Calma, who also works at the San Francisco Community Health Center.

“To receive the lifetime achievement grand marshal is a great honor I will cherish and will linger during my lifetime and beyond. Very proud to be part of our growing LGBTQIA history,” Aida stated. “SF Pride is like family to me. The work SF Pride gives me that octane of humility, unconditional kindness and to grow to do what I do, to serve my community.”

Other events
SF Pride’s celebration, or festival, takes place Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, in Civic Center Plaza from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The June 28 headliner is trans actress Michaela Jaé of “Pose” fame, and the June 29 headliner is gay rapper Saucy Santana.

For those interested in something a little different, there’ll also be a Pride Rollerdisco at SVN West, 10 South Van Ness Avenue, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 29. It’s billed as “the ultimate rooftop roller skating party under the San Francisco sky,” according to SF Pride’s webpage, which has tickets available to this and the subsequently mentioned events at sfpride.org/events .

“This all-inclusive, disco-drenched celebration is taking over SVN West Rooftop for an afternoon of glitz, glam, and groove – all in honor of San Francisco Pride and Folsom Street,” the website states.

Also concurrently is the Pride party inside San Francisco City Hall from 1 to 5 p.m. featuring an art show and a hosted bar.

Thursday, June 26, will see a Pride block party at 5 p.m. outside 10 Annie Street in the Yerba Buena neighborhood, south of Market Street. Admission is free.

Earlier that day will be SF Pride’s third annual Human Rights Summit. The summit will be from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Commonwealth Club at 110 The Embarcadero, and will be hosted by Michelle Meow. Marsha Levine, the former longtime San Francisco Pride parade manager and the founder of InterPride, will moderate. Speakers include San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, a straight ally, and Evan Low, a gay former state Assemblymember who’s now president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

As the B.A.R. previously reported, after SF Pride opted not to make Andry Jose Hernández Romero, the Venezuelan asylum seeker who was sent by the Trump administration to an El Salvador megaprison without due process, an honorary grand marshal, Ford had stated, “We will also dedicate a significant portion of the Human Rights Summit on Thursday of Pride Week to highlight this important issue and center the voices of impacted communities.”  

There is a portion on the summit’s schedule, at 3 p.m., titled “At the Intersection of Immigrants, Trans, and People with Disabilities. Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), MIJENTE, SF PRIDE, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE),” but this is the only portion mentioning immigration-related matters.

Meow confirmed June 19 that the 3 p.m. item would address asylum and migration matters.

Meow stated to the B.A.R. that this is the “most important year” for the summit as “anti-LGBTQIA+ policies have continued to strip human decency away from our communities, including our most vulnerable and precious populations.”

“Queer joy is what we deserve,” Meow stated. “Resistance is our power to fight for our existence and humanity collectively.”

Finally, San Francisco Opera will hold a Pride concert Friday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue.

San Francisco Opera has been a proud participant in San Francisco Pride since the 1980s, SF Pride’s website stated. It will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with a very special evening of music, immersive projections, and post-show dance party. Sapphira Crystál is a superstar drag queen and trained opera singer who will host this celebratory evening. Tickets start at $30.