Allies of the transgender community marched from the Embarcadero to Civic Center, turning the annual celebration into a powerful show of solidarity.
Demonstrators say this year's Pride carries added urgency, as lawmakers across the country consider hundreds of measures affecting LGBTQ+ rights. According to the ACLU, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ bills are currently pending nationwide, many of them targeting transgender people. Activists say events like Pride are critical in pushing back against those efforts.
"So we need to bring a message that says we are human, we are here, and we need to be respected," said Alex U. Inn, an activist participating in the march.
While protests filled the streets, Civic Center Plaza transformed into the heart of celebration. The city's largest Pride party features five stages with live music, performers and community programming throughout the weekend.
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SF Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford encouraged attendees to come prepared and look out for one another.
"Bring sunscreen, be safe, come with your friends," Ford said. "Take public transportation -- it's going to be a big day and crowded -- so be loving to your neighbors."
For many, the event is also deeply personal.
Mackenzie Mooring, who recently moved to San Francisco, is attending Pride for the first time and said the experience has been unforgettable.
"It's my first Pride. I've never been in an environment like this," Mooring said. "It's just really special -- the LGBTQ+ community being celebrated -- it's amazing."
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Others say they're making up for lost time.
Michael Garrahan of Pleasant Hill said it took decades before he felt comfortable celebrating publicly.
"Because it took me 50 years to come out of the closet, and I'm not going back," Garrahan said. "I come every year to make up for the years I didn't come to Pride."
From marches to music, Pride Weekend in San Francisco is once again blending protest with celebration -- highlighting both the progress made and the work still ahead.