A colorful new mural on the pavement of the Castro’s Jane Warner Plaza was unveiled in a ceremony at the plaza on the afternoon of June 20, 2025. The project, led by long-term HIV/AIDS survivor Harry Breaux, features the intersex-inclusive Progress Pride Flag along with an image of the Yellow Brick Road made famous in the film The Wizard of Oz and symbolizing the path to self-discovery, personal growth, and the fulfillment of one’s desires.
Breaux, who is now 80 years old, spoke at the ceremony, which also included words from Andrea Aiello, who is the Executive Director of the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District (Castro CBD). LGBTQ+ activist Michael Petrelis, another long-term HIV/AIDS survivor and friend of Breaux, attended, as did Michael Merrigan, former San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin, activist Alex U. Inn, and numerous others. The mural was preceded by another one at the same location that was painted just before June Pride 2024 by Breaux, Petrelis, Daniel Huggy Bear, and Merrigan.
At the end of the ceremony, Breux was seen skipping down the Yellow Brick Road with volunteers and supporters. (Video of one such moment is at https://bit.ly/447F3ZZ) Creation of the mural took place in phases over several weeks. Partnering with the Castro CBD, Breaux fundraised $3,861, which helped pay for the paint, supplies, and SF Public Works-issued permits.
The mural can be seen via Cam 4 of the 24/7 live-streaming Castro Street Cam: https://sfbaytimes.com/castro-street-cam/
Arts & Entertainment
Published on June 26, 2025
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