SF launches Pride Month with celebration, reflection, and protest

San Francisco leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates officially launched Pride Month with a series of events celebrating community and activism. The day included the raising of the Pride flag at City Hall, where Mayor Daniel Lurie reaffirmed the city's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ veterans protested against the Trump administration's decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, expressing their heartbreak over perceived slights to the community. Volunteers laid out a pink triangle on Twin Peaks, a historically significant symbol used during the Holocaust, to educate others about its dark past. This year, advocates noted a heightened sense of urgency due to increasing attacks on the transgender community.

The mix of celebration and protest underscored the dual nature of Pride as both a joyous occasion and a call to action. Organizers affirmed that this Pride Month will continue to honor identity while confronting ongoing challenges. Events throughout June aim to unify and empower the LGBTQ+ community amidst a backdrop of resistance.