Statement from SF Pride Board on Uniformed Police in Parade - 23 May 2022
"A Statement from the Interim Executive Director and Board of Directors of San Francisco Pride:
San Francisco Pride has been working for the past several months with law enforcement agencies, including the SFPD Pride Alliance, to come to an agreement that prioritizes marginalized communities to ensure they are safe, represented, and included during Pride month and beyond. One of the top priorities is that San Francisco Pride remains a positive, celebratory event for all, especially for our Black, Trans, and Lesbian/Gay/Queer+ family.
For the 2022 SF Pride Parade, SF Pride requested that those participating from law enforcement agencies do so out of uniform and in an alternative attire that still represents their organization. Unfortunately, we have not come to a solution that is mutually beneficial.
SF Pride remains committed to practicing radical inclusion, practicing harm reduction in our space, and supporting those who are marginalized within our community. We acknowledge and appreciate the steps that have been taken to heal decades of distrust between law enforcement agencies and the LGBTQ+ communities.
We look forward to working with Pride organizations and law enforcement agencies from around the world in finding a solution that is satisfactory to all.
Here is a discussion you can follow with SF Pride past Board President Michelle Meow on her show, and Interim ED at SF Pride - Tune in this Sunday night 1030pm KBCWtv for Suzanne Ford, interim executive director of San Francisco Pride.
Melanie Nathan from AHRC - nathan@africanHRC.org:
All I can add to this, is a thank you from African Human Rights Coalition as this takes cognizance of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees who so look forward to PRIDE for its celebration of PRIDE, platforming etc. are often severely traumatized by those in authority, many of whom are violent perpetrators in their escape or exile from their countries of origin. WHY cant' a COP be OUT and Proud out of uniform when marching in a Parade? In similar fashion to the lumberjack who will leave their ax at home, the doctor who will march without her stethoscope and white coat, and the judge without their gavel and robe! The list goes on....
Participation is showing up for the PRIDE and theme LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER! Lest we forget if a host asks you to dress a certain way - why would you thumb your nose at your host! As it happens SF Pride is the HOST. Let us hope that Mayor Breed will find a way to talk the Police group into marching for ALL!
