Pride week marches marked by diversity

Jamel Prodigy stands for a portrait during the Pride Parade in San Francisco in 2017.Photo: Nicole Boliaux / The Chronicle 2017

San Francisco is about to embark on the 49th edition of one of its signature annual events: the LGBT Pride Parade. Not coincidentally, the colorful extravaganza — often imitated but never quite matched anywhere — is one of the world’s largest celebrations of diversity.

This year, parade organizers are giving a nod not only to the generation that began the struggle for LGBTQ rights, but also to the younger generations that are bringing ever-richer diversity to the movement. This diversity encompasses race, gender identity, sexual persuasion and a broad spectrum of queerness, including queer-friendliness.

“Our parade and celebration site is intended to highlight every color of the rainbow and every corner of culture,” said JacqueleneBishop, president of SF Pride’s board of directors. “We’re so proud of having the honor to set the stage, but it is our beautiful community who show up and make the event theirs.”

That beautiful community is expected to number more than 100,000 when the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 30. The celebration will attract both the straight and not-so-straight from all over the globe — indeed, the parade has transformed from a fringe demonstration in its initial years to a major event with grandstands, corporate backing and flocks of tourists eager to get a glimpse of the revelry.

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Parade participants march down Market Street carrying the rainbow flag during the 2013 Pride Parade.Photo: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times 2013

Most of the weekend-long festivities will take place at Civic Center Plaza, where numerous stages and venues will be set up for much of Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30 — including the post-parade entertainment.

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Another important center of activity will be Dolores Park, the staging point on Friday, June 28, for the Trans March and on Saturday for the Dyke March. These events are some of the most substantial of their kind in the world.

按照传统的做法,一个巨大的粉红色三角will again be installed on Twin Peaks — a reminder of past persecution that remains relevant today in the polarized political climate of this country, which has seen an alarming spike in violence against trans people.

The theme of this year’s parade, “Generations of Resistance,” acknowledges that much more work needs to be done in the arena of LGBTQ rights. The parade has made its name by offering a safe haven and a day of unity — all wrapped in a zany package full of costumes, floats and people from all walks of life.

“我们骄傲是多样化的,包容,intersectional, and we share love here,” Bishop said. “There are so many different beautiful voices here celebrating love in San Francisco. We welcome all to join us.”

So with that in mind, here is The Chronicle’s guide to the parade, the parties, the commemorations, the food, the transportation — to help you partake proudly in a celebration that has endured as one of the city’s trademarks.

Joe Wadlington raises a fist in support of the 15th annual Trans March in San Francisco in 2018.Photo: Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle 2018

The Trans March

When:6 p.m. Friday, June 28 (preceded by rally activities at the park that start at 11 a.m.)

Where:Begins at Dolores Park (at Dolores and 19th streets), S.F.

For more information:www.transmarch.org

The Pink Triangle is a remembrance of the years of discrimination and physical attacks on the LGBT community.Photo: Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle 2017

The Pink Triangle

Visitors are welcome to attend the commemoration of the Pink Triangle, and volunteers are urged to help put it up and take it down. Volunteers are asked to bring a hammer and gloves.

Installation:7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29.

Commemoration ceremony:10:30 a.m., June 29.

De-installation:4:30-8 p.m., Sunday, June 30 (after the parade)

Where:Twin Peaks parking area, 100 Christmas Tree Point Road, S.F.

For more information:www.thepinktriangle.com

The Dykes on Bikes motorcycle group leads the 26th annual Dyke March in 2018.Photo: Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle 2018

The Dyke March

When:5 p.m. Saturday, June 29 (preceded by rally activities at the park that start at 11 a.m.)

Where:Begins at Dolores Park

For more information:www.thedykemarch.org

Members of the Levi’s contingent celebrate during the San Francisco Pride Parade in 2018.Photo: Mason Trinca / Special to The Chronicle 2018

San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade:10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 30. The parade follows Market Street from Beale to Eighth Street.

Civic Center celebrations:Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, June 29; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, June 30.

For more information, go towww.sfpride.org

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  • David Lewis
    David LewisDavid Lewis is a Bay Area freelance writer