SAN FRANCISCO – Thousands of people gathered in downtown San Francisco on Sunday to celebrate the annual Pride Parade in support of the LGBTQ community.
Crowds gathered along Market Street to view the colorful floats. Some participants climbed trees and lampposts to get a better view of the parade above the sea of people.
Many attendees wore their most striking clothing and showed off their joyful personalities. In every direction was a vibrant symphony of color as people danced and waved their LGBTQ flags.
The annual event is one of the largest pride parades in the world. The city’s outspoken support for the LGBTQ community and history of advocating for LGBTQ rights make San Francisco a prime destination to participate in the celebration.
“We didn’t know this was happening, but we’re glad we can see this parade on our last day in San Francisco,” said Lukas Schiffel, a tourist from Germany visiting with his wife. “It really represents San Francisco.”
Melanie Wood, who marched on Sunday with the Human Rights Campaign, the world’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, said it’s especially important to attend Pride as anti-LGBTQ legislation in the United States continues to tighten.
“I’m running because I know this fight is not over and our transgender family is under attack across the country. Last year, a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in the U.S.,” Wood said.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, 510 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in the US in 2023. So far in 2024, 524 bills have been introduced in state legislatures that the ACLU says are anti-LGBTQ. Most bills have been rejected this year, while 41 have been passed.
While the rest of the country is seeing an increase in anti-LGBTQ legislation, San Francisco is seen as a safe place for people in the community.
“I moved to San Francisco from Florida almost five years ago after coming out to surround myself with like-minded people. It’s so healing to live here and I know San Francisco is a safe haven for gay people,” Wood said .
The parade is the grand finale to a month of pro-LGBTQ celebrations in the city.
“I’m running for my peers who are not as safe all over the world,” Wood said.
