By Sister Dana Van Iquity—
Sister Dana sez, “Welcome to the 56th annual SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE Parade and Celebration 2026! You don’t have to be QUEER to love it—but it sure helps!”
The yearly San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration will take place on the weekend of June 27 and June 28, with the main parade kicking off at 10:30 am on Sunday, June 28. Anchored by the theme “Resistance in Action!,” the weekend will feature a vibrant street festival and multiple stages.
On June 9, Fabulosa Books, 489 Castro Street, presented “Mighty Real” by awesome author Barry Walters—the history of LGBTQ music from Stonewall to RuPaul, and its impact on culture and American life, with a Q&A following an incisive interview by 48 Hills publisher and arts editor Marke Bieschke. From the Seventies to the Nineties, veteran journalist Walters chronicled LGBTQ history as he honored the artists who redefined gender, defied tradition, and dared to challenge sexual norms. Drawing on his decades as a New York- and San Francisco-based music critic, Walters examined how LGBTQ musicians, music industry executives, and fans reshaped the mainstream. He examined David Bowie’s dazzling reinventions, Grace Jones’s androgynous glamor, Prince’s boundary-shattering sexuality, and the radical candor of the Indigo Girls to prove they’re all doing the same thing: fighting oppression. With exuberance, insight, and encyclopedic knowledge, Walters brought to life the songs and society that filled dance floors, bedrooms, and streets as he illustrated how yesteryear’s coded LGBTQ messages paved the way for today’s unabashedly queer hits. Mighty Real is a powerful love letter to the music that liberated generations. This is the rare and revolutionary music history told to help you laugh, cry, and then rally against lingering inequality. It is so perfect for Pride Month!
Did you enjoy Roman Emperor Trump’s 80th birthday Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 14 where a cruel cage-fight enthusiastic crowd paid big bucks to watch people violently beating each other up in gladiatorial martial arts? I did not—mostly because this costly (to us taxpayers) $60 million performance was just another grift for dastardly Donald, who holds major stock in UFC. Sister Dana sez, “This was hardly a celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary! Nope, more like a mockery of it!”
Meanwhile, on that very same June 14, THE COMMITTEE FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT presented a joyful protest concert in NYC against UFC, “Rise Up! Sing Out!” featuring such stars as Bette Midler, Patti Smith, Rufus Wainwright, Peppermint, Wilson Cruz, Jane Fonda, and more.
Trump’s own Department of Labor has shown that prices since May have risen to a three-year high; energy costs are up 24% from a year ago; and wholesale inflation is its highest since 2022. And what is Trump’s response to these frightening statistics? Trump says, “Affordability is a hoax started by the Democrats”; “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation”; and “I love the inflation.” Sister Dana sez, “This is what we get from a malignant narcissist!”
THE GOLDEN GATE PARK BAND (GGPB) is San Francisco’s Oldest Musical Organization—founded in 1882. It has been designated as an official Legacy Organization by the City of San Francisco. The Band features over 30 professional musicians, and performs a wide variety of wind-band music that reflects the culture, traditions, and values of San Francisco and the Bay Area while delighting audiences of all ages and interests. There are FREE weekly concerts at the Spreckels Temple of Music aka “the Bandshell” in Golden Gate Park. Everyone is welcome. All concerts start at 1 pm Sundays. https://goldengateparkband.org/
The Justice Department’s public integrity section has been investigating for months potential crimes involving the tax filings of our California Governor Gavin Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and had teamed up with the U.S. attorney’s office in the Eastern District of California, based in Sacramento. Governor Newsom responded on June 15, “If they really want to find corruption, look no further than 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.” Newsom continued, “Donald Trump is selling the presidency. He’s running the largest cash heist in American political history, trading foreign tariff relief for approval of his golf courses, day trading reaping hundreds of millions of dollars in personal profit. And he’s doing it openly, on camera. He did it last night on the White House lawn.” Senator of California, Adam Schiff, and member of the Judiciary Committee, remarked that this was yet another in the series of Donzo’s retribution campaign. He said, “Governor Newsom was just the latest on the enemies list, and is part of what has just destroyed any semblance of the rule of law in the Department of Justice.” Schiff added, “You can’t tell me this was a pure coincidence that they decided to go after a likely Democratic candidate for president and his family. The President makes it clear that this was deliberate, and I think people are growing numb to this extraordinary abuse of the Justice Department. All of this is unthinkable that the President would be directing prosecutions from the White House!”
On June 21 at 470 Castro Street, we honored and celebrated ten years of STRUT, San Francisco’s home for queer healthcare, culture, and community. This free community open house was hosted by Honey Mahogany with Nikki Jizz. It featured live performances, DJs, queer art vendors, and more. Sister Dana sez, “Congratulations to Strut, and let’s see another couple decades MORE from the SF AIDS Foundation and Strut!”
HUNKY JESUS is a feature documentary and Frameline Film Festival’s perfect Pride kickoff by famed filmmaker and former Bay Times columnist Jennifer M. Kroot that explores the legacy of the San Francisco chapter of us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence—we queer nuns who combat guilt, shame, and exclusion through joy, humor, activism, and irreverence, serving our communities while challenging bigotry and redefining spirituality. Blending footage from “Hunky Jesus 2023” with sit-down interviews, highlights include a 1987 “exorcism” at Union Square during Pope John Paul II’s visit to San Francisco, shortly after he declared homosexuality an “intrinsic evil.” The SF opening of this Frameline favorite is showing at The Castro Theatre on June 26. Featuring a dulcet voiceover by the legendary George Takei and a haunting rendition of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” performed by the incomparable John Cameron Mitchell, this delightful documentary is a Pride Month necessity! https://www.hunkyjesusfilm.com
Circus Bella has returned for its 19th year of FREE Circus in the Parks!Step into the splendid silliness of AH HA!, a high-spirited romp bursting with hijinks, hilarity, and heart. This fast-paced, 60-minute performance puts a fresh spin on the classic one-ring circus, blending daring feats with playful mischief and Circus Bella’s signature sparkle. Audiences of all ages will be swept up in the magic as a vibrant troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and clowns take the ring. Underscored by the LIVE music of the Circus Bella All-Star Band, “Ah Ha!” is a joyful, high-flying celebration of community, connection, and pure circus delight. And, best of all, it’s completely FREE. Attendees are urged to bring a blanket or folding chair, because there is no seating on the grass in the parks. It is happening now through July 26. Check which Bay Area park is available at https://www.circusbella.org/
Sister Dana sez, “Happy FOURTH OF JULY, and remember that we are celebrating 250 years of Independence—and that we do NOT have to bow down to a corrupt, would-be emperor! We are proud AmeriCANs!”
Sister Dana Sez
Published on June 25, 2026
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