San Francisco's Pride Parade had message of love, peace, resistance
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There was a noticeable difference in Sunday's pride parade as many more people in the LGBT community marched in protest.
The message of love and peace flowed through the parade, but there was also a message to resist.
"We want to make sure we make a statement, and that statement is that we are queer and we are not intimidated," one protester said.
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Despite the leaps and bounds the LGBT community has made in the last decades many here say more work needs to be done.
"We all need to have rights in this country that's what this country was founded on that's what it looks like they're eroding these rights," Jim Touchstone said.
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A heavy contingent of trump protesters marched with signs. They're against the policies he's brought to the forefront like the travel ban to Muslim countries. Activists worry LGBT refugees will be turned away by the government.
"They are suffering extreme persecution in the 34 African countries that criminalize them, and for that reason that they should be treated with respect and be allowed to come into the United States," Melanie Nathan with the African Human Rights Coalition said.
It wasn't just about fighting for LGBT rights. People were also marching for various issues ranging from affordable health care to stopping deportation.
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"They're deporting immigrant families, there's the rise of racism we have to resist all that, that's what being queer and gay is all about it's about celebrating people and who we are and that's why have to celebrate families being together not being torn apart," San Francisco resident Jane Martin said.
The political statements resonated with many in the crowd drawing cheers. It was a show of solidarity on this pride weekend.
Click here for full coverage on the SF Pride celebrations.
