Organizers say the occasion brings in practically 1,000,000 individuals yearly, making it one of many largest Satisfaction celebrations on the earth.
The theme of this 12 months’s competition – which spans the entire weekend – is “Queer Pleasure is Resistance,” which resonated with many in attendance, who mentioned it not solely tapped into Satisfaction’s roots within the Stonewall riots in 1969 but in addition the continued assaults on the LGBTQ neighborhood from President Trump and his followers.
“It’s so vital to be seen, to be out, to be loud, to push again [and] to not let what’s occurring in Washington get you down,” mentioned Lara Starr, a member of Free Mother Hugs, a nationwide group that focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ neighborhood. “It’s exhausting, however we acquired to maintain turning out.”
Jessy Ruiz, one of many Neighborhood Grand Marshals chosen by the SF Satisfaction Board of Administrators, mentioned he needed to come back out to assist the Latinx neighborhood.
“It is vitally vital [for] everybody to assist one another,” mentioned Ruiz. “I inform everybody, ‘Don’t be scared in these laborious occasions’ and [to] come and revel in Satisfaction.”
“Our administration will not be recognizing us equally like the remainder of the inhabitants,” mentioned Jesse Crosslin, a 63-year-old San Francisco resident who has attended Satisfaction together with his associates for many years. “We have fun by way of love and unity and simply present a optimistic resistance by way of peace.”
Additionally in attendance on Sunday was San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who marched within the parade and spoke to attendees on the Civic Middle afterward.
