SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The Pride Parade is one of the highlights of San Francisco’s Pride Weekend, but the festivities continue throughout the entire weekend.
The official Dyke March may have been canceled, but the march made its way through San Francisco’s Castro District.
Barbara Morton and her wife, Erwin Johnson, said they have been marching for the past 25 years.
“That’s all changed over the years. I’ve won some battles, I’ve felt more protected in this country. And then, yes, I feel like I could lose. Does that worry me? Absolutely,” Morton said.
Tune in Sunday: ABC7’s exclusive coverage of the 2024 San Francisco Pride Parade
Morton worries that the political climate in the US is shifting to the right, threatening women’s rights and control over their bodies, so the couple say coming out this year is especially important – it sends a strong political message.
“It’s important to take a step back and say ‘separation of church and state.’ We are all human beings. Where there is love, there is God. There is much to celebrate and much to respond to in a positive way,” Johnson said.
Crowds poured into the Castro with the usual fanfare and rainbow-themed costumes, and Tony Harris set up a sidewalk store selling Pride-themed dog clothing.
“There’s a spirit here that you can feel. And the connections between people. And hearing the word ‘love’ and talking to strangers. It’s here and it’s real,” Harris said.
Related: San Francisco Pride Weekend heats up with Civic Center Festival
Cliff’s Variety Store is a Castro staple, having been in business for over 80 years, and this time of year wigs and fabrics are in high demand.
“This is our busiest day of the year. One of the busiest days of the year,” said Lefever, who works at Cliff’s.
He said there has been a significant increase in international tourists this year, as well as an increase in pedestrian traffic, and added that San Francisco offers a safe space for people to feel safe, making the Pride event a big draw.
“This has always been a home for free thinkers and people who have expressed their opinions in a variety of ways, and that’s always been tolerated here,” LeFebvre said.
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