‘Resistance Contingents’ will lead Pride Parades on both coasts

For the first time, the beginning of the New York Pride march will not include floats, elected officials or corporate sponsors. Instead, it will be led by local activist groups advocating for social justice – a special resistance contingent. San Francisco Pride has also announced a protest contingent will lead off the Pride Parade.

via SF Gate & TimeOut New York

The statement on SF Pride’s website reads: “Encouraging all participants to send a strong message against the regression and exclusion demonstrated by the current administration in Washington D.C., this year’s SF Pride Parade/March will be led by a large collection of resistance groups displeased with the lack of LGBT acceptance and support, and the imminent threats to destroy recent human rights gains.”

It continues: “Eschewing the usual floats and music, representatives from about 20 diverse organizations will lead the Parade with an all-on-foot March down Market Street. Highlighting concerns ranging from women’s rights to immigration policies and the profiling persecution of African Americans, these voices will lead the normally celebratory event with a political statement reminiscent of the very milestone it commemorates — The Stonewall Rebellion.”

The Los Angeles Pride Parade on June 11 went even further by rebranding itself as the Resist March.

photo via Samira Baird & Sophie Passacantando