San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed joined LGBTQ elected and community leaders, including State Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisors Rafael Mandelman, Matt Dorsey, and Joel Engardio, SF Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford, Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger, and newly appointed Director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI) Honey Mahogany to kick off San Francisco’s 53rd annual Pride Month celebration.

The annual flag raising at City Hall marks the beginning of Pride Month, during which people from all over the world come to San Francisco to participate in many events dedicated to celebrating the city’s diversity and commitment to the LGBTQ community throughout June. The festivities will culminate in the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30. This year’s theme for SF Pride is “Beacon of Love.”

This year’s Pride will bring a renewed level of excitement for San Francisco as the community officially welcomes Honey Mahogany as the newly appointed Director of OTI. Mayor Breed announced her selection last month.

“San Francisco has and will always be a beacon of love and hope for the LGBTQ community,” said Mayor London Breed. “It is my honor to continue this tradition by investing in critical services and programs that lift up this community and honor its history. Even during a difficult budget year, San Francisco will ensure our budget represents our values including investing in LGBTQ community health care and our organizations that serve LGBTQ youth.”

“Each June we celebrate a core part of what it means to be San Franciscans: The freedom to live proudly and authentically as who we are,” said Senator Scott Wiener. “With the LGBTQ community under attack by extremists in so many parts of our country and world, Pride month is a critical time to celebrate our city’s role as a haven for LGBTQ people and recommit ourselves to fight for our community’s future.”

"As right-wing legislators and activists around the country attack the rights and basic dignity of LGBTQ+ people, San Francisco shines as a beacon of hope, progress, and inclusion for the queer community,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “The Mayor’s flag-raising ceremony at City Hall symbolizes the city’s pride in our queer history and commitment to a brighter future for LGBTQ+ people in San Francisco and beyond."

"As a proud member of San Francisco's LGBTQ+ community, I’m honored to join my fellow colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to help kickoff and celebrate Pride Month in our vibrant city,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “San Francisco has always been a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for those seeking acceptance and equality. This month we honor our history, celebrate our progress, and recommit to the ongoing fight for justice and inclusivity for all. Together we embody the spirit of pride—resilient, diverse, and unapologetically authentic."

“The pride flag gives hope to LGBTQ people everywhere that they are deserving of safe and joyful lives,” said District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio. “It’s also a call to action to establish and defend the rights of every LGBTQ person. Raising this flag in San Francisco is a symbol of our city celebrating the value of LGBTQ people."

San Francisco celebrates Pride Month by recognizing its strength through continued investments supporting this community despite significant budget deficits. Mayor Breed's proposed budget prioritizes LGTBQ programs such as HIV services while backfilling funds like those from Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.

Mayor Breed's proposed budget also added new operating funds for SF Pride while restoring funding towards flagship transitional age youth support programs like LYRIC & Larkin Street along with continued investment into SF LGBT Center's initiatives.

In May Mayor Breed alongside Supervisors Mandelman Ronen Stefani Melgar Dorsey & Engardio introduced $390 million bond initiative set forth on November ballot aimed towards maintaining healthy vibrant public spaces among other improvements within key areas around health infrastructure etc.,

As part thereof she advocated $25 million redesign Harvey Milk Plaza Castro district alongside another $27 million acquisition new site City Clinic renowned source sexual-health services/ information known experienced professionals delivering compassionate high-quality care spanning over century,

"The world looks upon us here demonstrating how cities can go beyond mere tolerance instead actively celebrating LGTBQIA communities," remarked Suzanne Ford Executive Director SF PRIDE "We shall do so again this year"

"Pride something strived throughout entire year" added nation first Drag Laureate Darcy Drollinger "During June however extra rhinestones sparkle reminding everyone contributions made society culture large"

“Across country State legislatures considering bills forcing back closet erasing history but here remain proud rich legacy queer trans excellence activism” noted Honey Mahogany OTI director continuing mission equity locally globally amidst celebrations accomplishments rededicating ongoing work ahead”

The livestream link provided below allows viewers access mayoral event online.

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