The best photos from San Francisco Pride 2022

After two years missed due to the pandemic, San Francisco Pride returned this weekend with its first in-person parade since 2019.

The jubilant event began at the Embarcadero, with the SF Dykes on Bikes topping Market Street. Reminiscent of the Golden State Warriors championship parade the previous weekend, Market Street was flooded with San Franciscans ready to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Crowds spread to the area around the Civic Center, where vendors and food stalls served the thousands of attendees.

San Francisco Pride participants march down the parade route on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

This year’s Grand Marshals included musician Melanie DeMore, nonprofit director Vinny Eng, public health educator Amber Gray, trans activist Andrea Horne, OaklandTransMarch co-founder Socorro “Cori” Moreland, and DJ hip-hop pioneer Mellanique Robicheaux (also known as Black). Martha Wash of the Weather Girls served as the headliner and “Jeopardy!” champion Amy Schneider also appeared on the main stage.

Participants take part in the San Francisco Pride Parade in San Francisco, California on June 26, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

A participant dressed in a Spider Man outfit shows up to weave webs during the San Francisco Pride Parade in San Francisco, California on June 26, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

A costumed participant shows off their rainbow colors during the San Francisco Pride Parade in San Francisco, California on June 26, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

A participant carrying a rainbow flag waves to spectators during the San Francisco Pride Parade in San Francisco, California on June 26, 2022.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Participants take part in the 2022 San Francisco Pride Parade. (SFGATE/Douglas Zimmerman)
Participants take part in the 2022 San Francisco Pride Parade. (SFGATE/Douglas Zimmerman)

The preparation for this year’s Pride has been marked by controversy and concern. At the end of May, the Mayor of London Breed announced that she would withdraw from the parade due to a rule prohibiting police from showing up in uniform. Pride eventually reneged on the rule, allowing fewer than 10 people to attend in uniform. The parade also took place shortly after an alleged hate crime against local drag performer Panda Dulce at a Bay Area library.

California State Senator Scott Wiener on his parade float at San Francisco Pride on June 26, 2022.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

On Sunday, Pride attendees dressed in every type of rainbow outfit imaginable happily cheered the parade floats, but many homemade signs expressed their distress and defiance at the Supreme Court’s annulment of Roe v. Wade. Elements of activism amidst the celebration recalled Pride’s roots as a powerful protest movement.