- San Francisco Pride is back: Theme 2023 “Looking Back and Moving Forward”
By Mewati Sitaram
California has historically embraced and celebrated Pride on a grand scale with a vibrant tapestry of Pride parades, captivating street art, colorful festivals, and dazzling concerts. As a trailblazer, California took the lead in 2018 by becoming the first state in the nation to officially designate June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
The roots of LGBTQ+ activism run deep in California and are evident in its rich culture. It was in this state that the first LGBTQ+ business association took shape back in 1962. Laguna Beach proudly holds the distinction of being the first U.S. city to elect an openly gay mayor. Moreover, the iconic rainbow flag, symbolizing LGBTQ+ Pride worldwide, was conceived and designed in the vibrant city of San Francisco. California’s cities pay homage to this remarkable heritage, offering countless opportunities for everyone to partake in this celebration.
Carnaval San Francisco is an annual street parade and festival in San Francisco, California on the last weekend in May. The San Francisco Bay Area Carnaval season begins in February as the great Western hemisphere Carnaval celebrations are concluding. The four Carnaval Cities with the greatest influence and presence in the San Francisco Carnaval are the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador as well as Port of Spain, Havana, Cuba, Trinidad and Oruro, Bolivia. The Mission District, San Francisco, California since the 1950s, has been a metro center for the many different Spanish speaking populations of Latin America and these groups will often enter a group or Carnaval contingent in the parade.
Sonoma County Pride
Sonoma County Pride, now in its 38th year, celebrates the theme of “Community,” honouring the strength of diversity and inclusivity. You can attend the OutWatch Wine Country’s LGBTQI Film Festival in Sebastopol from June 9 to 11, in addition to special winemaker dinners and tours, a part of the Out in the Vineyard Gay Wine Weekend on July 14-16.
Pride parades for the LGBT community (also known as pride marches, gay pride parades, LGBT pride parades, pride events and pride festivals) are events celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) culture. The events also at times serve as demonstrations for legal rights such as same-sex marriage. Most pride events occur annually and many take place around June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in the modern LGBT rights movement. This image is the Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco in 2012.
San Francisco Pride
San Francisco Pride is back with the 2023 theme of “Looking Back and Moving Forward” for its renowned annual festival on June 24-25. The Civic Center Plaza will come alive with an array of live concerts, comedy acts, and captivating cabaret performances on the main stage. Join in the excitement of Sunday’s Pride Parade, beginning near the Embarcadero and culminating on the majestic steps of City Hall. As you explore, don’t miss the annual Pink Triangle installation on Twin Peaks, honouring the LGBTQ+ victims of the Holocaust and serving as a powerful symbol of progress. Discover more remarkable events throughout the Bay Area, such as the popular Fresh Meat Festival showcasing trans and queer artists in the vibrant Z Space in the Mission from June 14-18, and the much-anticipated Frameline47: The San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, running from June 14-24.
L.A. Pride
Los Angeles, the trailblazing city that hosted the world’s first permitted gay Pride parade, invites you to witness history in action at its 53rd annual event on June 9-10. Immerse yourself in the excitement as music icons Megan Thee Stallion (Friday) and Mariah Carey (Saturday) grace the stage at Pride in the Park, held in the enchanting Los Angeles State Historic Park. Join in the festivities along Hollywood Boulevard, where approximately 145,000 jubilant participants groove to the rhythm of fabulous floats during the dazzling parade.
Catalina Island Pride Month
Embark on an exciting journey from Dana Point, Newport Beach, Long Beach, or San Pedro as you hop on a boat and sail across the waters to the breathtaking Catalina Island for Catalina Pride on June 24. Make your way to Avalon, where a world of festivities awaits. Experience captivating live entertainment on the vibrant Wrigley Stage, join in the Pride March leading to Casino Point, and witness the illuminating rainbow lighting of the historic Catalina Casino. This picturesque island becomes a haven of celebration, offering an enchanting setting to honour and embrace LGBTQ+ Pride.
OC Pride
Experience the vibrant LGBTQ+ tourism scene in Orange County during OC Pride on June 25, taking place in downtown Santa Ana. Be enthralled by world-class performances and dazzling drag shows featuring stars like Ninel Conde, a Mexican singer, and Morgan Michaels from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Disney enthusiasts will also find joy in a nearby celebration as Disneyland Park presents Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite for the first time ever. On June 13 and 15, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests can revel in special after-hours access and entertainment. Dance the night away at the Rivers of America Dance Party, witness Minnie Mouse leading the Pride Cavalcade, and savour a variety of delightful themed culinary delights.
Palm Springs, Laguna Beach, Oakland, and San Diego—Later in 2023
Pride celebrations in California extend beyond June, with cities hosting vibrant festivities throughout the year. San Diego Pride has a fantastic lineup of events from July 8 to 16, including She Fest, Pride 5K, Spirit of Stonewall Rally, and a thrilling two-day festival in Balboa Park. Laguna Beach will bring the party to the sand on August 12-13 with the dedication of the new Rainbow Lifeguard Tower of Diversity. Meanwhile, Oakland will host a parade, along with the family-friendly Carnival and Fun Fair, on September 9-10. Mark your calendar for Greater Palm Springs Pride on November 3-5, featuring the energetic Arenas District Block Party with talented DJs and the iconic Pride Parade and Festival along Palm Canyon Drive. Get ready for year-round celebrations of diversity, inclusivity, and pride across the beautiful state of California.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
