Bay Area kicks off Pride celebrations with bike ride and telethon fundraisers

The Bay Area celebrates the start of Pride month with the AIDS LifeCycle, where participants pedal 545 miles to Los Angeles, raising millions for the LGBTQ+ community. The event features food, entertainment, and performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere amid political challenges. Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence expressed the heightened importance of fundraising due to confusion and fear in the community. Oasis Arts contributed by hosting a 10-hour telethon, with drag queen Coco Peru highlighting the venue's role as a safe space for performers. SF Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford called for a message of resistance against political attacks, urging supporters to affirm their values.

According to SafeHome. org, California ranks as the second safest state for LGBTQ+ individuals, following Rhode Island. However, the organization also reports a rise in LGBTQ+ hate crimes for the fourth consecutive year. Ford emphasized that participating in Pride events this year represents a revolutionary act.