June commemorates the first anniversary of not only national LGBT Pride Month, but also the landmark Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage. Events will be held across the country to honor LGBT Pride Month, as well as the Stonewall riots that took place in Manhattan in 1969.
Although local events are not as large as San Francisco’s Pride parade, San Jose’s LGBTQ community has grown by leaps and bounds. The first San Jose pride was held in 1971, and since then the parade has returned to its downtown home and attracts thousands of visitors every year. This year’s San Jose Pride will take place Aug. 27-28, later than most events.
A major focus of this year’s celebrations will no doubt focus on the June 12 shooting that targeted a gay nightclub in Orlando. It was the deadliest mass shooting in American history. On Monday, a vigil was held at San Jose City Hall and local government agencies lowered their flags to half-staff to honor the victims.
Earlier this year, Santa Clara County became the first county in the nation to open an Office of LGBTQ Affairs, which is dedicated to specifically serving the needs of the LGBTQ community. The office aims to not only provide support for LGBTQ residents, but also provides education to the county and employee training for LGBTQ issues.
Last year, Santa Clara County’s first openly gay public official Ken Yeager, served as the Pride parade’s grand marshal.
Major companies like Google and Adobe regularly show their support in the Pride parade. The San Jose Sharks also show their support through the “You Can Play” movement, which encourages LBGTQ athletes.
Below is a list of local events.
Celebrations of Pride Month
SJ Q&A: Daniel Harris, Program Director/San Jose, Knight Foundation 
Stone Stew an Oasis on Stevens Creek 
