South San Francisco, CA June 7, 2015 SMC Press Release 
The PRIDE Initiative and the LGBTQ Commission of San Mateo County announced today their co-sponsorship of the San Mateo County LGBTQQI2S Pride Celebration in San Mateo’s Central Park on Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Now in its third year, the event is quickly becoming a County institution, offering a family friendly alternative for San Mateo County LGBTQ residents and allies who desire a local opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ communities on the Peninsula.
“Our 2015 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Two-Spirited (LGBTQQI2S) Pride Celebration theme, “Beyond the Binary – Celebrate the Diversity of Our Community,” highlights the importance of recognizing gender identity and sexual orientation as part of a spectrum rather than a male, female gay, straight binary that is not reflective of people’s true identity,” said Dr. Jei Africa, Director of San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Service’s Office of Diversity and Equity.
This year’s Pride Celebration will also acknowledge the resilience of the racially and ethnically diverse communities who continue to confront multiple forms of discrimination in their daily lives.
“The LGBTQ Commission is proud to be a co-sponsor of this countywide celebration and welcomes everyone to join in the festivities. Expect fun for all ages including crafts, music, poetry, performances, great food, and an opportunity to be filmed for an LGBTQ oral history project,” said Jenny Walter, San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission Co-Chair.
Marga Gomez, comedian, playwright, Off Broadway and television performer, and triple winner of S.F. Bay Guardian’s “Best Comedian” award will emcee this year’s event. Her television credits include HBO’s “Comic Relief’s Showtime’s “Latino Laugh Festival” and LOGO’s “One Night Stand Up.”
Entertainment will include:
- Lady Char will DJ the event
- Hip Hop, Bluegrass, Alternative Rock, Rap and Folk Music
- Family Friendly Activities
- Resource Booths and Vendors
- Comedy Performance
- Queer Fashion Show
- Reception with the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission
- Youth Poster Contest sponsored by Outlet
- LGBTQ Oral History Film Project
The PRIDE Initiative was established in 2007 through San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Service’s Office of Diversity and Equity with the mission of being an inclusive environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and two-spirit communities of San Mateo County. The Initiative has a diverse and growing number of members.
The LGBTQ Commission of San Mateo County was founded by the Board of Supervisors in June 2014 to improve the quality of life and well-being of LGBTQ County residents, further the cause of inclusiveness, and advocate for policies affecting the LGBTQ community. Its 11 Commissioners have been hard at work since September.
Individuals or businesses wishing to make a tax deductible contribution to the Pride Celebration may go to http://community.pflag.org. Click on donate, select type, choose “in honor of” and add Pride Celebration.
The San Mateo County Pride Celebration is free and open to all. Additional information about becoming a contributor or to volunteer at the Pride Celebration can be found at www.smchealth.org/bhrs/ode/pride or at http://lgbtq.smcgov.org