By Donna Sachet—
We’ve been to our share of Pride events this month and over the course of the past 30-some years, but one stands out as a triumph in every way: Built This City, produced by Peaches Christ on June 10, 2026, at The Castro Theatre. We left this cavalcade of talent and treasure trove of memories with more Pride than we’ve felt in quite some time. We don’t stop often enough to look back and look around at what’s happening within our beautiful LGBTQ+ community, especially here in San Francisco, where so many things started and so many things continue to lead the nation and the world.
The evening started with a VIP reception complete with a step-and-repeat backdrop out front and complimentary cocktails and light refreshments in the upstairs lobby. Yes, it was crowded and hot, but this was a historic gathering of so many friends and faces that have dominated the SF scene for decades, including Mark Leno, Tom Horn, Reigning Emperor John Brett and Regent Empress Queen Cougar, Alexis Miranda, J.P. Soto, Tom LeNoble, and Lisa Williams. Once inside the theatre, which provided another jaw-dropping visual feast of historic and artistic elements so beautifully restored, we joined Gary Virginia and Moxie Penn on the third row, anxious with anticipation. Some of us had expressed concerns when reviewing the long list of performers. Would this be an overly long evening, packed with performances, testing the stamina of even the heartiest? But this show was beautifully organized, segmenting various kinds of entertainment, giving us a glimpse at different contributors to all that is the SF community and those who truly “built this city.” Peaches was joined by Honey Mahogany as co-emcee, both looking gorgeous and proudly guiding us through the program.
With excellent visual images projected on the backdrop, various groups were recognized and performed on stage, including the Imperial Court, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Trannyshack, the Cockettes, Baloney, members of the cast of Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, Rice Rockettes, and more. Solo performances included Elvis Herselvis, BeBe Sweetbriar with a salute to Sylvester, Breanna Sinclairé, Jason Brock, and a moving appearance by Pippi Lovestocking, truly a manifestation of positive energy and humor conquering adversity.Performances by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and Dear San Francisco added to the professionalism of the entire night. There was something for everyone on stage from comedy to music to beefcake to nostalgia.
Speeches were kept to a minimum, but included San Francisco Pride’s Executive Director Suzanne Ford, GLBT Historical Society’s Roberto Ordeñana, and the introduction of several of this year’s San Francisco Pride Parade Grand Marshals, including John Weber, Marcel Pardo Ariza, Imani Rupert-Gordon, Ms. Bob Davis, and Roger Doughty.
As you celebrate Pride in your own way this weekend, we remind you of three things. First, realize that you live in a place where so much is possible that is frowned upon or downright illegal elsewhere. Never forget it! Secondly, even in San Francisco, there are those who will be unable, for whatever reason, to join the celebration. Call them, wish them well, and share some of your joy with them. Thirdly, please continue to read the San Francisco Bay Times and this column for the most up to date information on your community and the people who are making a difference. Your patronage is greatly appreciated and every personal compliment encourages us all. Happy Pride!
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Thursday, June 25
Bay Times 6th Annual
Pride Weekend
Kickoff Party
Emcee Donna Sachet
Russell Deason and
Martuni’s singers
Co-hosted with
The Academy SF on
Co-owner Nate Bourg’s birthday!
With additional co-hosts
Golden Gate Business Association,
Bayard Rustin Coalition,
and Soul of Pride
The Academy SF,
2166 Market Street
6–10 pm
$20
https://bit.ly/3QtD7Zd
Friday, June 26
SF Opera Pride Concert
Robert Mollicone,
Melody Moore, Nikola Printz, Reginald Smith, Jr.
Hosted by Sapphira Cristál
Rainbow flag décor
Post-show dance
with Juanita MORE!
6:30 pm: Outside exhibit
7 pm: Pre-show happy hour
8 pm: Concert
9:30 pm: Dance
$30–$229
https://www.sfopera.com/
Saturday, June 27
San Francisco Pride Celebration
Civic Center
https://sfpride.org/
Sunday June 28
San Francisco Pride Parade
Market Street
https://sfpride.org/
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on June 25, 2026
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