Happy Pride Month
What is Pride Month All About?
Pride month honors the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan, a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. It commemorates and recognizes the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally and globally.
Be An Ally For Those That Identify as LGBTQ+
- Terminology: understanding the specific language we use and its implications are important first steps in being an LGBTQ Ally. Be thoughtful and intentional with language when talking with and about individuals who identify as LGBTQ.
- Pronouns: the decision to share one’s self-identify is a personal choice. Practice using preferred gender pronouns and respect individuals’ self-identification.
- Learn more here
What Does Pride Look Like At The Y?
No matter who you are, you are seen, appreciated and celebrated at the Y.
Driven by a commitment to ensuring all people are treated with dignity and respect, the Y makes every effort to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity. This June we are dedicated to honoring all of those who are living life as their authentic selves and also those who are on the path to that discovery.
Erika Kincaid, Point Bonita YMCA
Pride month reminds me that I have the privilege to be myself. I don’t have to hide my identity. I am loved and accepted for who I am without consequence. There are people all over that are not afforded that same privilege.
My hope is that during Pride month people feel the love and support from the community and take the leap to be their true selves.
Adam-Michael Royston, YMCA of San Francisco Association Office
Pride to me means being unapologetic about who you are. It is believing in your true self and never allowing anyone to let you doubt yourself. It is about being an advocate for others who cannot express their true self- especially youth.
Ultimately, it is a fierceness that bubbles inside you, filling the world with your true colors.
Grace Toyomura, Stonestown Family YMCA
Pride month is especially important to me as a queer woman as I moved to San Francisco to find a safe haven. I have been afforded so many opportunities because of those that came before me in fighting for the equity of the LGBTQ+ community.
I am humbled to celebrate the love I have for my partner in safety and I can only hope that I may pass that opportunity and more to future generations.
Matt Calderon, Stonestown Family YMCA
Pride month to me is important because it is a time to celebrate my community with my chosen family.
Pride month is important because it allows the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate our accomplishments and how far we have come; all the while reflecting on the journey ahead.
Sean Dries, Point Bonita YMCA
Pride is a great season for me and my family.
I remember moving to San Francisco just after coming out to family and friends and experiencing for the first time a celebration of something I had felt the need to hide up to that point.
The greatest part of Pride now is marching with my husband and children in the family contingent of the parade. I love being able to show my children how many people celebrate a person being themselves and that being true to who you are is fundamental to living a happy, full life.
Ricardo Patron, Point Bonita YMCA
Pride to me is to remember all the people who gave up their live’s so that I can be the person I am. Without their hard work and sacrifice none of this would be possible today. They might not have gotten the chance to shine but because of them we do.
I believe we need to keep on showing pride so the next generation can keep on shining.
Get Involved!
There are plenty of events to join in on this month. Get excited, get involved and show your PRIDE.
Pride NightLife
Performance by Heklina & Friends and music by Hella Gay Dance Party & Swagger Like Us. Get into the groove for this celebration of equality, self-expression, and San Francisco Pride! Join drag queen extraordinaire Heklina, host of the weekly “Mother” party at The Oasis, for “Got To Be (Sur)Real!”, a drag show of fabulously unparalleled proportions.
Fresh Meat Festival
Three days of trans and queer performance featuring a transgender superhero rock opera, world champion gay ballroom, award-winning queer disabled dance pioneers, gender-bending dance-theater, trans comedy and more. 8 p.m. Thurs. through Sat., June 14-16. $15. Z Space, 450 Florida St., S.F. www.freshmeatproductions.org/fresh-meat-festival-2018
CockTails: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and REAF
The hit New York City benefit Broadway Bares comes to San Francisco and features Broadway and reality stars performing dances to accompany their signature cocktails. Proceeds benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and REAF. 8 p.m. Sun., June 17. $45-$100. DNA Lounge, 375 11th St., S.F. www.reaf-sf.org/broadway-bares-sf-strips-iii.html
LGBT Night at AT&T Park
Celebrate diversity while the Giants take on the Padres. 7:15 p.m. Thurs., June 21. $15 and up. AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, S.F. www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials#lgbt
Trans March
Celebrate community, diversity and free expression. 11 a.m. brunch and Good Vibrations kickoff; 2-6 p.m. festival with speakers, information, family area and more; 6 p.m. march; 8 p.m. after-party. See website for full schedule. 11-2 a.m. Fri., June 22. Dolores Park, Dolores St. and 19th St., S.F. www.transmarch.org/trans-march-2018
S.F. Pride Celebration
A celebration of diversity, freedom, self-expression and solidarity with live entertainment, food, exhibits and more. Noon-6 p.m. Sat., June 23; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., June 24. $1 donation encouraged. Civic Center Plaza, 355 McAllister St., S.F. www.sfpride.org
Juanita More! Pride Party 2018
Live music and performances. Proceeds benefit TransYouth. 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Sat., June 23. SVN West, 1595 Market St., S.F.; Noon-7 p.m. Sun., June 24. Jones, 620 Jones St., S.F. 10 p.m. June 23. $45-$80. www.juanitamore. com/events/jmpride2018
Dyke March
Celebrate community, diversity and free expression. March begins at 5 p.m. at Dolores Park; Rally programming begins at 11 a.m. 5 p.m. Sat., June 23. Dolores Park, Dolores St. and 19th St., S.F. www.thedykemarch.org
S.F. Pride Run
5k and 10k courses. 9 a.m. Sat., June 23. $30. Golden Gate Park, S.F. www.sffr.org/priderun
Pride Brunch
The 20th annual brunch honoring the grand marshals of the Pride Parade with live music, silent auction, special guests and more. 11 a.m. Sat., June 23. $75-$10,000. Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market St., S.F. www.eventbrite.com/e/gary-virginia-and-donna-sachets-20th-annual-pride-brunch-tickets-44127004057
