Be part of Me at San Francisco Pleasure 2023 – San Francisco Bay Occasions

From Congregation Member Phil Ting–
Happy Pride Month! There is much to celebrate as we achieve greater equality and inclusivity.
It’s hard to believe that six years have passed since my landmark AB 1732 California law went into effect. In most locations, single toilets are now gender neutral, increasing safety, fairness and convenience for all. Transgender and non-binary people have particularly benefited from this policy. However, there is still much work to be done on this topic.
Due to compliance failures across the state, I am passing legislation this year to strengthen the Equal Toilet Access Act. AB 783 requires cities to provide written notice to anyone applying for a business license that all single washrooms must be single gender. I’m disappointed that we need this new bill, and enforcement is one way to get companies to comply with the law.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen other efforts across the country trying to thwart advances in LGBTQ+ rights. Whether it’s preventing drag performers from reading to children or imposing restrictions on people who identify as transgender, the naysayers are imposing their will on us.
Even in our progressive state, the Los Angeles Dodgers have yielded to pressure from religious organizations to exclude our beloved Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from honoring them during Pride Night. The nonprofit organization has served many communities and touched countless lives. The honor is well deserved. Although the baseball team eventually changed their mind and apologized, the incident makes it clear that the fight for inclusivity is not over.
One way to spread our message is to join me in this year’s San Francisco Pride Parade. Marching together is a way to openly stand alongside members of our community and celebrate our diversity. With this year’s theme of “Looking Back and Moving Forward”, we can be proud of what we have achieved while embracing hope that we will achieve even more.
The parade will take place on Sunday 25 June 2023. The route begins south of Market Street (near the Embarcadero MUNI/BART station) and leads to the San Francisco Civic Center. My group meets at 10am in the financial district. As soon as the Pride Parade organizers let me know the exact meeting point, I will send the information to those who register. Everyone who marches with us will receive a commemorative t-shirt and make great memories.
If you would like to join in the fun, please register on my website (https://a19.asmdc.org/events) by June 15 to join us in the parade. Invite your friends and family to join us! Lunch will be served at an outdoor reception co-hosted by your delegation from San Francisco: myself, Senator Scott Wiener and Rep. Matt Haney. The location will be announced to the protesters at the end of the parade.
I look forward to seeing you all on June 25th!
Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes Westside San Francisco and portions of South San Francisco, and the communities of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City.
Assembly member Phil Ting
Published on June 8, 2023