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Reflecting on Pride Month!
We hope you all had a good Pride Month. The San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commission would like to remind you that Pride was born out of protest, and the rights we have today are the result of generations who chose to resist, organize, and dream for a better future.
Pride Month takes place each June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of June 28, 1969, when LGBTQIA+ community members in New York City rose against injustice and unfair treatment. But long before Stonewall, the San Francisco Bay Area was already a site of LGBTQIA+ activism and resistance. At that time, routine police raids commonly targeted LGBTQIA+ spaces, queer life and love were outlawed and being out meant potential discrimination.
The community was fed up and began organizing. By 1970, Christopher Street West was founded in Los Angeles to advocate for gay rights and public demonstrations of pride.
One of their first events was the Christopher Street Liberation Day march in L.A., a political protest and a march for justice. That same day, people in San Francisco took to the streets and gathered for a “gay-in” at Golden Gate Park.
We honor that legacy and encourage you to keep building a world where everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community can live freely, safely, and fully.
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Legislative Updates: Pride Month Proclamations
Throughout June, cities and counties across the Bay Area raised their flags high and reaffirmed their commitment to recognizing LGBTQIA+ rights by issuing official proclamations in support of Pride Month. These proclamations are more than symbolic, as they serve as public commitments to equity, inclusion, and belonging.
These proclamations also reflect a growing movement across local governments to not only celebrate Pride but also stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Thank you to the leaders, advocates, and community members who showed up, spoke out, and made these proclamations possible.
Check out the San Mateo County Pride Month Proclamation
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San Mateo County Pride Celebration
On June 14th, the 13th Annual San Mateo County Pride Celebration took place in San Mateo Central Park. From the colorful and lively Parade that kicked off the celebration to the live performances, food trucks, resource booths, and family-friendly activities, the park was full of joy and community spirit.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, marched, volunteered, shared resources, or simply showed up as their full, authentic selves. Events like this are only possible because of the community that continues to support one another.
Furthermore, we encourage you to mark your calendars for next year’s Pride Celebration, scheduled for June 13, 2026!
Support the 2026 San Mateo County Pride Celebration
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San Mateo Pride Center Updates
The San Mateo County Pride Center is facing an uncertain future as its fiscal sponsor, StarVista, has announced it will cease operations. While the Pride Center’s current location will need to change, Center leaders have reassured the community that they will continue operating, even as some programs may need to be scaled back during this transition.
The Pride Center is seeking assistance from the community to support its operations and its next chapter. Here's how you can get involved:
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Join the Packing Party Come help pack up the Center on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 12–6 PM.
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Donate Packing Supplies Drop off boxes, packing tape, or materials at the Pride Center (1021 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402) on Wednesday, July 23 or Thursday, July 24 (between 1 PM - 6:30 PM), or bring them to the packing party.
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Help The Pride Center find a New Home Do you know of an office or community space available that could serve as the Pride Center’s new location? The main requirements are that the space should have a drop-in area, and 1–2+ admin offices.
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Donate (One-Time or Monthly) With reduced funding, the Center urgently needs financial support to continue providing essential LGBTQ+ services. Donate via their website, or drop off checks by July 31 at their current location.
Have Another Way to Help?
Reach out directly at info@sanmateopride.org to share ideas or connections.
Support the San Mateo County Pride Center
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Community Alert: ICE activity in the Bay Area
We want to raise awareness about an urgent issue affecting many in our LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has been reported across the Bay Area, and we must stay informed, safe, and prepared to support one another.
We encourage community members, especially those who may be impacted or want to stand in solidarity, to connect with Faith in Action Bay Area, a local organization dedicated to advocating for the most vulnerable, and during these times, to uphold immigrant justice.
- If you witness ICE activity or are impacted, call their hotline to report and request support.
- ICE San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline: (203) 666-4472
- Website: org
Faith in Action also organizes rapid response efforts and guides on your rights, emergency planning, and community mobilization.
Learn more about Faith In Action SMC Rapid Response
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Spotlight: Inclusion Community Campaign
The Inclusion Community Campaign (ICC) is a grassroots initiative to make San Mateo County a safer, more welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ individuals year-round. With the growing challenges that our community faces, now is the time to show up, speak up, and take action.
We’re calling on community members across San Mateo County to join us in advocating for inclusion at city councils, school boards, libraries, workplaces, and beyond.
Want to help but not sure where to start? We got you covered! We offer bimonthly training sessions to support both new and seasoned advocates. You’ll learn how to:
- Connect with local leaders and institutions
- Craft effective messages that resonate
- Follow up to drive meaningful change
Our first training was held on May 8, and we’re just getting started. Whether you’re passionate about policy, education, or simply showing up for your community, there’s a place for you in this campaign.
Join the Inclusion Community Campaign (ICC)
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In Solidarity,
LGBTQIA+ Commission of San Mateo County
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