SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Downtown San Jose is the hub of LGBTQ+ celebration and inclusion this Labor Day weekend as Silicon Valley Pride 2025 celebrates 50 years.
Organizers say this year’s parade and festival has been downsized due to a reduction in sponsorships and funding, but that’s not stopping the theme for 2025: “Unstoppable.”
A giant celebration of equality, love and inclusion took over the streets in downtown San Jose Sunday. This parade marks 50 years of Silicon Valley Pride.
“Freedom to love who we want, human rights and free love,” said Cat Archambault from Sunnyvale.
“To me this weekend is about what makes San Jose strong, which is our diversity, embracing everybody for who they are, empowering our people to do their best, to be creative and innovative,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
MORE: 50th anniversary of Silicon Valley Pride kicks off this weekend in San Jose
The theme of this year’s Pride is “Unstoppable.”
“Our theme was picked specifically because of how unstoppable our community is. We see the rollback of our rights, gender affirming care being stripped, we see marriage equality being challenged,” said Silicon Valley Pride CEO Nicole Denson.
Denson said this festival is facing the same funding challenges affecting other Pride events nationwide, partly due to a reduction in corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives since the Trump Administration took office.
“Our sponsorships were about 50% this year of what they had been in the past,” Denson said.
It means a smaller footprint for this year’s celebration, but many say the feeling of solidarity can’t be downsized.
VIDEO: Here’s the best of 2025 San Francisco Pride Parade
If you missed any of the excitement from Sunday’s 2025 SF Pride Parade, here are some of the highlights.
“We’ve always been here. Nothing is ever going to change that, no matter what, we’re going to be okay,” said Caitlin Morrison from Sunnyvale.
It was hot, the mercury pushing 90+ degrees on the parade route, so keeping cool was important. Pride fans gave some relief.
“I’m staying hydrated with my water and will keep less clothing on,” said Mike Adair.
Still, the heat can’t melt this big milestone, with 50 years of LGBTQ + love, legacy and belonging.
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