Organizers say the event brings in nearly a million people every year, making it one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.
The theme of this year’s festival – which spans the whole weekend – is “Queer Joy is Resistance,” which resonated with many in attendance, who said it not only tapped into Pride’s roots in the Stonewall riots in 1969 but also the continued attacks on the LGBTQ community from President Trump and his followers.
“It is so important to be visible, to be out, to be loud, to push back [and] to not let what’s happening in Washington get you down,” said Lara Starr, a member of Free Mom Hugs, a nationwide organization that focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ community. “It is exhausting, but we got to keep turning out.”
Jessy Ruiz, one of the Community Grand Marshals selected by the SF Pride Board of Directors, said he wanted to come out to support the Latinx community.
“It is very important [for] everyone to support each other,” said Ruiz. “I tell everyone, ‘Don’t be scared in these hard times’ and [to] come and enjoy Pride.”
“Our administration is not recognizing us equally like the rest of the population,” said Jesse Crosslin, a 63-year-old San Francisco resident who has attended Pride with his friends for decades. “We celebrate through love and unity and just show a positive resistance through peace.”
Also in attendance on Sunday was San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who marched in the parade and spoke to attendees at the Civic Center afterward.
