While the San Francisco Pride Parade that typically occurs on the last Sunday of June was canceled for the second year in a row, LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies gathered on the city’s Polk Street on Sunday for the second annual People’s March and Rally. The march, seeking to return Pride to its roots in protest, incorporated the same route used for San Francisco’s first Gay Liberation March in 1970.

Focusing on racial injustice and transgender rights, attendees danced, held social justice-themed signs and chanted statements such as “Trans lives matter!” and “Indigenous lives matter!” as they proceeded down Polk. A post-march rally, featuring Alex U. Inn, Juanita MORE! and others, was held in front of City Hall.

Photos from the 2021 San Francisco People’s March and Rally

  • The bus that led march attendees down Polk Street on Sunday was a source of energetic music, courtesy of a DJ, and chant-leading from local “artivist” and SF LGBT Center co-founder Alex U. Inn. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • Sunday’s People’s March and Rally, with the theme of “Unite to Fight!”, spotlighted BIPOC communities. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • Joy was in the air among the crowd that gathered on Sunday morning. The march and rally were a means to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and insist on social justice for all. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • Many attendees wore LGBTQIA-themed attire and carried Pride flags at the People’s March and Rally held on Sunday. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • The chilly weather on Sunday morning did not deter a crowd from gathering and proudly walking together down Polk Street in San Francisco for the People’s March. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • A People’s March and Rally volunteer danced to music streaming from the lead bus as attendees made their way down Polk Street. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • Those participating in Sunday’s march carried signs that promoted equality, equity and inclusivity. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • Transgender rights were a particular focus at this year’s People’s March and Rally. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • Speakers at Sunday’s rally, held at San Francisco’s City Hall, included Juanita MORE!, renowned drag queen and LGBTQIA+ activist. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)
  • At the post-march rally, held in front of San Francisco’s City Hall, speakers told the crowd there is an ongoing need to support one another in the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and to continue to fight for equality. (Photo courtesy J.L. Odom)