The annual San Francisco Pride Celebration commemorates the rebellion of LGBT patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village in response to a routine police raid on June 27, 1969.
The following year, a "Gay-In" that took place on June 27, 1970 that was the early progenitor of the current Pride Celebration. Since 1972, the event has been held every year, though under various names: "Christopher Street West" in 1972, "Gay Freedom Day" from 1973 to 1980, then "International Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Parade" from 1981 to 1994, and finally, its present appellation, San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration.
Since its modest beginnings, San Francisco Pride has grown to be one the largest and most well-known Pride events in the world. Pride has come to symbolize several things: the long history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer dignity, the freedom of all people to meaningfully and proudly express their sexual and gender identities, and the commitment of LGBT people to combating oppression. From this history of rebellion grew the mission of San Francisco LGBT Pride: to educate the World, celebrate our culture, commemorate our heritage, and liberate our people.
The Pink Brick Award
The Pink Brick is a symbol of the first brick hurled at the Stonewall Riots in 1969. This faux award is an opportunity to highlight an individual or organization that has done significant harm to the LGBT community. It is also an opportunity to educate the community and the Pink Brick recipient about relevant issues.
The following were the Pink Brick recipients for in years past:
2013: Boy Scouts of America
2012: Peter La Barbera
2011: Lou Engle
2010: California Senator Roy Ashburn
2009: Carrie Prejean Runner-up: Archbishop George Niederauer
2008: Bill O'Reilly
2007: George W. Bush
2006: Arnold Schwarzenegger
2005: Senator Diane Feinstein
The Main Stage
The Main Stage is the largest stage at the SF Pride Celebration and is located in Civic Center Plaza next to City Hall.
On Pride Saturday, June 28, 2014, the Main Stage brings the best of local musical talent and cultural performances to the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza. Spread out on the Plaza and take in the sounds and sights of these great acts.
On Pride Sunday, June 29, 2014, SF Pride offers exciting, up-and-coming cutting-edge talent, world-renowned performers, and the best of local entertainment from the Bay Area.
SF Pride Main Stage has been host to Karmin, Sandra Bernhard, Kerli, The Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, BoA, Fey, The Cliks, Kat Deluna, Inaya Day, Crystal Waters, Me'shell Ndegeocello, leaders from the frontlines of the same-sex marriage fight, and many others.
SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE
28 - 29 JUNE 2014
