Trans March organizers said they entered the meeting with city leaders carrying a list of demands aimed at protecting their community. After the meeting, organizers said no commitments had been made by the city, except a commitment to another meeting. The rally comes more than two weeks after an altercation at the end of the annual march on June 26.
Organizers, including Rosa Astra, accused police of using excessive force. They said officers were in riot gear, pointed their guns at people, shoved them to the ground and used pepper spray against a peaceful crowd.
"These events shocked our community. They were appalling to see. People were rightfully outraged by this display of police brutality," Astra said.
Video that ABC7 is working to verify appears to show some of the confrontation.
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At Monday's rally, protesters called for three actions: dropping all charges against those arrested during the march, investing in community safety rather than policing, and replacing police presence with civilian traffic management.
"Anyone who claims to support trans and LGBTQ people must accept what we are demanding. No compromises," organizer Mar said.
San Francisco Police Chief Derrick Lew offered a different account of what led to the confrontation. He said officers were tracking two people using drones suspected of spraypainting buildings, cars and security cameras before attempting to blend into the march.
"When officers moved in to detain the suspects, a crowd immediately approached SFPD uniformed personnel. Some linked arms, chanted, let them go, and threw glass bottles," Lew said during a commission meeting.
Lew also said others jumped onto a police vehicle and attempted to open its door. Six people were arrested on charges ranging from vandalism to releasing a prisoner from custody.
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Astra disputed that the police response matched the alleged crime.
"I cannot imagine the mentality of someone who positions themselves as being responsible for public safety deciding that an appropriate response to spray paint is to drive vehicles into a crowd full of people and point guns at them," Astra said.
In a statement about Monday's meeting, the mayor's office said city leaders and departments are committed to working with the transgender community to improve safety during public events.
Mayor Lurie and our city departments are deeply invested in the safety of trans San Franciscans, and we are committed to cooperative efforts to ensure our LGBTQ+ community members can safely participate in Trans March and other Pride celebrations. That's why we invited trans community leaders and city leaders to City Hall today to initiate a series of conversations that will take us towards safety and visibility for our transgender community in San Francisco.