San Mateo County celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community

Organizing the event is Kalimah Salahuddin, who a few years ago felt it was time the county had its own Pride parade, even if it may be “small but mighty.” Salahuddin works with staff from county organizations and committed volunteers. 

“Having a space within our own county where we can do all things around Pride and not have to leave the place we call home to celebrate ourselves,” Salahuddin said. “To be able to stay here is important.”

The parade and celebration is a free, sober event with live entertainment, a DJ, resource and vendor booths, food trucks and activities for all ages. 

“That’s the thing that lifts me up, to see how many people are there with their families, and their kids are waving the flags,” Salahuddin said. 

There is a different political weight felt this year, under a federal administration that has directed its attention to making life harder for already marginalized communities, Salahuddin said. While the Bay Area feels like a safe, welcoming place, the threat to queer rights is still felt and seen by impressionable people, Salahuddin said. 

“They found a way to hurt, no matter what state you’re in,” Salahuddin said. 

While the LGBTQIA+ community pushes back against threats to their rights, Pride is a chance to lean into the joy, Salahuddin said. 

“This is a celebration of beauty, strength and honors the courage and resilience of the community,” Salahuddin said. “We spend a lot of time fighting, but on the 14th, you just have to pause and celebrate so we don’t burn out.” 

Cities and organizations throughout the county will be celebrating all month. 

Belmont officials raised the Pride flag at City Hall June 3. The evening of June 4, Redwood City is hosting a proclamation ceremony to raise the Progress Pride flag at Courthouse Square. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and feature guest speakers.

San Mateo County will be hosting its own ceremony to raise the Progress Pride Flag at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 5. The ceremony will take place in the courtyard of County Center and will feature speakers including Supervisor Noelia Corzo, Susan Takalo, Dana TherActivist and poet Toni Mirosevich. 

On Saturday, June 7,  San Carlos will host its Pride in the Park celebration at Burton Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate with music, community resources and art projects. 

The coastside has a full slate of programming as well.

In Half Moon Bay June 5, a “Make it Main Street” event will feature an evening filled with a flag unveiling at City Hall, queer music, poetry readings and crafts. The event will be held from 3-7 p.m. 

The city will host its own pride parade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 22. Celebrations will include a parade down Main Street, a festival, live performances and themed activities. 

In Pacifica, the fourth annual Pacifica Pride parade and festival returns June 7 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Those wishing to participate in the parade can decorate their car the evening before at various parking lots along Palmetto Avenue from 5-8 p.m. June 6. After the parade, everyone is invited to celebrate at the festival for music and food. The celebration will take place at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School at 1427 Palmetto Ave.