Since the first Pride march in New York City in 1970, rhythm, music, and dance have provided an energetic thrum for celebrations of queer identity. Although the San Francisco Pride Parade has been canceled for the second year of the pandemic, there is no shortage of events around the Bay Area spotlighting queer musicians and identity during the month of June. Here is a selection virtual and in-person events to get you started.
Porch Pride 2021: Through June 30
Bluegrass Pride continues its virtual festival and fundraising event Porch Pride into its second year, with events from June 6 through June 27. Throughout the month of June, Porch Pride will feature bluegrass scholar Jake Blount; bluegrass musical group Lavender Country, which released one of the earliest-known albums in country music featuring gay themes in its lyrics; and a concert celebrating Juneteenth.
#ThriveWithPride Concert: 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 10
Los Angeles has its share of Pride events this year, too, and this event can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. Charli XCX headlines a live streamed concert on TikTok hosted by LA Pride 2021. Other musicians in the lineup include Gia Woods, Love Bailey and Vincint.
Pride Movie Night at Oracle Park: 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 11, and Saturday, June 12
San Francisco Pride partners up with Frameline: The San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival to deliver two nights of film screenings at Oracle Park. On Friday night, Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s breakout Broadway musical In the Heights will be screened. In the Heights comes out on June 11th, and follows the lives of a predominantly Dominican community in Washington Heights. The musical features hip-hop and salsa and pays homage to both the vivacity and struggle of immigrant life in New York City.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, another musical adaptation, will be playing on Saturday night. Adolescent Jamie New aspires to be a drag queen and, supported by his family and friends, overcomes prejudice and his own fears. On both nights, gates open at 6:30 p.m.; organizers promise a “surprise-filled pre-show” including “live music, drag performances, greetings from elected officials, and surprise guests” before the films begin. Frameline — whose theme this year is “All Kinds of Queer” — will feature many smaller events through the month of June as well.
“Wired”: 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 24
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is among the world’s first openly gay choruses and ignited a movement of LGBTQIA+ choruses worldwide. Established in 1978 with the goal of bringing more music to Pride parades, they have since embarked on countless tours and commissioned important new music. On June 24, they will premiere pieces like “Message from the Gay Community” and “28 Barbary Lane” from the musical @queerz, while also singing songs by RuPaul, Todrick Hall, Brandi Carlile, and LeAnn Rimes on Zoom.
Loud and Proud: 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 26
Founded by Jon Sims — who also founded SFGMC — the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band is the official band of the city and county of San Francisco. This year, the Band hosts Loud and Proud, which brings together 13 LGBTQIA+ bands of diverse genres from across the country for a free livestreamed concert.
Skate for Pride: 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 26
American singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr — who contributed vocals for the Grammy award-winning album Bubba — hosts this fundraiser party as part of Oakland Black Pride. Oakland-based DJ and musician Nina Sol will curate music for the evening.
