CARS ARE AN IMPACTFUL PLATFORM FOR PRIDE

 

CARS ARE AN IMPACTFUL PLATFORM FOR PRIDE

The focus of Pride marches are without a doubt the people who show up in full force to display their support of the LGBTQIA+ community. That being said, cars and other vehicles play an important role in all Pride Parades to enable and enhance the parade experience.

2024 marked the 54th anniversary of the first Pride march held in New York City on June 28, 1970. In its first year, it was called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, for the street on which the now iconic Stonewall Inn is located.

Organized by activists Craig Rodwell, Fred Sergeant, Ellen Brody, Linda Rhodes and Brenda Howard, the annual march was proposed to be held on the last Sunday of June to commemorate the night at the Stonewall Inn in where members of the community began fighting back against police violence.

Since then, there have been fleets of iconic vehicles that have showcased noted dignitaries, entertainers and others, bringing attention to the Pride movement.  Vehicles are a diverse as imaginable, with blazingly colorful wraps that scream support for the community, to heavily tricked-out specialty vehicles demonstrating particular aspects of the LGBTQIA+ experience, to shiny luxury convertibles chauffeuring local politicians, to police cruisers specially wrapped with pro-Pride colors and imagery.

As a member of the automotive community, I understand how cars can be a compelling platform for the Pride movement, especially during Pride month. They project the community’s message in a unique and impactful manner. Jake Markle goes into this concept in an article written in 2020 for Jalopnik which you can read by Clicking Here.

So, when you watch the SF Pride Parade this year, take note of the cars and other vehicles that “drive” the parade forward.  You’ll see that they play an important part in helping to spread the message.