Parade is off, but S.F. Pride still a huge celebration
Here are live and streaming events, from music to a ballgame
The Pride celebration will still look much different in 2021 than what people are used to in the Bay Area.
Notably, for the second year in a row, there will be no big Pride parade and celebration event in downtown San Francisco.
But #SFPride51 won’t be strictly a virtual affair, like the one we had in 2020 when COVID-19 precautions called for strict social distancing measures. Instead, expect a mix of in-person gatherings and online events as people around the Bay Area celebrate Pride in 2021.
“This year is obviously different from all other years, but one crucial feature remains the same, and that is our commitment to celebrating the hard work and achievements of LGBTQ+ people and organizations,” says Fred Lopez, San Francisco Pride’s executive director. “Above all, Pride 2021 is by and for locals, and our grand marshals reflect this. Our theme this year, chosen by our membership, is ‘All in This Together,’ and this group of incredible activists and leaders embody that spirit perfectly.”
The following is a look at some of the upcoming Pride events. We’re including both official SF Pride events as well as other community celebrations. For more information, go to sfpride.org.
Pride movie nights
It’s a two-day outdoor cinema event set for Friday and Saturday at the home of the San Francisco Giants — Oracle Park in San Francisco — and presented by the Frameline film festival and San Francisco Pride.
Director Jon M. Chu’s eagerly anticipated film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights” will be shown on the first night. “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” director Jonathan Butterell’s adaptation of Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae’s musical, follows on the second night.
Tickets for this socially distanced and ticketed event — where masks are to be worn at all times, except when drinking or eating — are priced $24.99-$44.99 per film; www.frameline.org. There is also
the On-Field Experience package, including tickets for up to 12 guests, priced at $2,499.96.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and movies start at 8 p.m.
Black liberation event with AAACC
The event at the African American Art & Culture Complex in San Francisco on June 18 — the eve of Juneteenth — “demonstrates the connection between the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and the struggle for racial justice,” according to a news release.
“The African American Art & Culture Complex is proud to partner with San Francisco Pride, as we create space to celebrate and honor the collective freedom of our Black LGBTQIA sisters, brothers and sibs,” said Melonie Green and Melorra Green, co-executive directors of AAACC, who were named SF Pride 2021 community grand marshals.
More information at sfpride.org.
‘Wired’
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Wired,” an all-virtual showcase celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride month, at 6 p.m. June 24. The program will include a homage to RuPaul, renditions of Todrick Hall’s “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels” and “28 Barbary Lane” from Julian Hornik’s 12-movement musical, “@QueerZ,” and more. It’s free to watch. Register at www.sfgmc.org/ pride-2021.
Inside/OUT
The inaugural celebration by Oakland Black Pride, in collaboration with the city of Oakland, features four days of live and virtual workshops, panel discussions and events, including a Queer Expo, a kickball tournament, Skate for Pride Party hosted by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr and much more. Most events are free, but advance registration is required. For more information,
as well as a complete schedule of events, go to oaklandblackpride.org.
Porch Pride
Bluegrass Pride, the nonprofit that strives to uplift LGBTQ+ artists in roots music, is hosting the monthlong celebration and virtual festival Porch Pride. Featured acts include Lavender Country, Rainbow Girls, Gangstagrass, Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Jake Blount and Sunny War. All events are free to watch. A full schedule can be found at bluegrasspride.net.
Pride at the ballpark
The Oakland A’s have their Pride Night on Friday, when the team hosts the Kansas City Royals beginning at 6:40 p.m. at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland. The giveaway that evening will be a Pride rally towel (while supplies last), www.mlb.com/ athletics/tickets/specials.
Thirst Trap Thursday
It’s a weekly series, happening from 5 to 10 p.m. each Thursday in June at the Dirty Habit bar and restaurant on the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos in San Francisco. There will be DJ music, craft cocktails, a specialty menu and an “adult photobooth.” A portion of the proceeds raised benefits the SF Queer Nightlife Fund, a nonprofit network providing relief to LGBTQ nightlife workers and entertainers impacted by the coronavirus. Go to www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/zelos/dirty-habit.