June 6, 2022
  • Still Here Still Proud

     

    To champion inclusion and wellness for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies, San Mateo County’s 10th Annual Pride Celebration will be held in person on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Central Park in downtown San Mateo (5th Avenue and El Camino Real).

    From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., this free, family friendly, sober event will include live entertainment, a DJ, food trucks, resource and vendor booths, a youth area, and more.

    The 2022 theme “Still Here, Still Proud!” recognizes the event’s 10th anniversary as well as the return to an in-person celebration. The San Mateo Pride Initiative, a project of San Mateo County Health’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services division, joins community partners – including the San Mateo County Pride Center, San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission, and many others – to create a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ communities living and working in San Mateo County.

    “It was 11 years ago that the San Mateo County Pride Initiative marched in the San Francisco Pride Parade, which provided the inspiration to create the local commemoration,” said Dana Johnson, Pride Initiative co-chair and County LGBTQ commissioner.

    “After two years of virtual events due to the pandemic, we are excited to be able to celebrate in person, which is critical for the emotional support of the community and to remind them that we are all still here, together,” said Scott Gruendl, Pride Initiative co-chair and assistant director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.

    This year’s event will be smaller than previous in-person celebrations, spread out, and all outdoors. Face masks will be available to address any additional COVID concerns, and a vaccination/booster booth is planned. “We have identified fun activities and entertainment that can be enjoyed safely,” Johnson said.

    For up-to-date event information, to become a sponsor, or to apply for a booth (limited availability), visit smcpridecelebration.com.

    Media Contact

    Scott Gruendl
    Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
    (650) 573-2491
    (530) 624-0756 (Cell)
    sgruendl@smcgov.org