Grace Cathedral
Article | May 22, 2023
Pride Month at Grace Cathedral – Pride on the Hill
Blog|Eva Woo Slavitt
Pride Day is celebrated in many cities around the world, and it’s no different here in San Francisco.
One would think every day is Pride Day in our lovely city by the Bay. So true for us at Grace Cathedral. The flags may only be flying sometimes and are our #pridesteps up throughout the year (we would if we could). You will find support for our LGBTQ+ community throughout the year, whether it is a sermon on belonging, a space for all to worship, or advocacy for gender justice. We declared our commitment to our LGBTQ+ identity and allyship by hanging a bold banner with the words/the identities of people whom many legislators around the country seem to be trying to erase but whom we affirm God loves without exception.
We are not the lone voice here at the top of Nob Hill San Francisco! Our neighborhood comprises Nob Hill residents, along with local businesses that employ people from the SF Bay Area. It warms our hearts to see us all unite to promote Pride on the Hill. We start the celebration of Pride month on the first weekend of June, kicking it off with our Pride Mass 2023 on June 4 at 6 pm, and we invite everyone to take a trip up to the top of Nob Hill and feel the love for our LGBTQ+ community. Let’s call it… Pride on the Hill!
I had a moment to catch a few of our local Nob Hill representatives and hear from them what Pride Month means to them and how they will celebrate with the rest of San Francisco:
Allan Casalou, Grand Secretary Free Masons of California:
The Masons of California are thrilled to celebrate Pride on the Hill this month and every day alongside our neighbors on Nob Hill. Our Auditorium will be lit in the glory of LGBTQ+ colors, and we’re especially excited to be the cake sponsor for the party at Grace!
Markus Treppenhauer, General Manager Fairmont San Francisco:
Throughout the entire month of June, a special rainbow flag presentation will fly above the Fairmont San Francisco’s grand entrance. (The rainbow flags will replace the international flags of the original signatories of the United Nations Charter). The Fairmont, in support of the city’s LGBTQ+ communities, has a calendar of events and activities to encompass the whole month, including a Fairmont PRIDE Drag Brunch, Saturday, June 17, 2023. Reservations and further information are HERE. A percentage of sales to benefit our philanthropic partners at SF Pride. Why not stay the weekend? Guests will be tickled the colors of the rainbow with all the fun that awaits with the Pride of Nob Hill Package, which includes a 10% discounted rate, 1 pm late checkout, and a $10.00 donation per stay to SF Pride.
Jennifer Dunn, Director of Sales and Marketing:
On behalf of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, we are thrilled to join in the exuberant celebration of Pride Month! We enthusiastically unite with our vibrant Nob Hill community to proclaim the first weekend of June as a festive extravaganza called Pride on the Hill. Prepare for a lively and joyful experience as our flags soar high, radiating an atmosphere of celebration and togetherness. Come join the fun, and let’s paint the town with pride.
Here is a brief listing of activities at Grace Cathedral for Pride Month
June 4 @ 9:30 am The Forum with Nguyen Pham – Join the conversation with the first Vietnamese President of SF Pride
June 4 @ 6 pm Pride Mass 2023 – Guest preacher Marvin K White, Minister of Celebration of Glide Memorial, Glide Ensemble, Blessing of the Pride Steps, and a Party!
June 9 @ 6 pm The Candlelight Labyrinth Walk –Special intentions for our LGBTQ+ community.
June 26 @ 7 pm Pride Soundbath – Experience a deep meditation like no other. Our cathedral will be lit in pride splendor.