Activists march for ‘Full LGBT rights now’

On June 22-24, San Francisco hosted some of the largest LGBT Pride events in the country.

Photos: Bill Hackwell

The weekend began with the 4th annual Trans March on June 22. The opening rally took place at Dolores Park. It featured a variety of speakers and performances, followed by a march that passed by Market and Castro Streets, ending up back at Dolores park. ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) activists and Party for Socialism and Liberation members participated, distributing literature and flyers. The march was very militant and proud, helping to raise awareness and visibility of the transgender community

The Dyke march and rally took place the following day. It was the 15th annual Dyke March in San Francisco. The march adopted a platform demanding “Health care for all!”

The rally started in Dolores Park with bands, dancers and spoken-word performers. The march was led by the group Dykes on Bikes, followed by various supporters and contingents.

ANSWER also participated in the 37th LGBT Pride March, joining the Pride at Work contingent. ANSWER’s main banner

read: “Full LGBT rights now! Jobs, education and liberation, not war and occupation!” It received a very positive response. The crowd also was very responsive to anti-war chants that demanded equal rights for all. The PSL distributed about 150 newspapers to the crowd. The headline of “Liberation” newspaper, “Socialism will win,” excited march participants.

Many people attending San Francisco’s pride activities understood the links between oppression, lack of equality and U.S. war and occupation. The support and participation of ANSWER and the PSL in pride events encouraged unity and common struggle.