San Francisco Pride Band is the first openly-gay musical organization in the world, inspiring the formation of LGBTQ+ bands, choruses, and performing groups around the globe.

Founded in 1978 by Jon Sims at the height of Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade, the Band has played a pivotal role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility. Notable moments include marching up Market Street with Harvey Milk in the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. The Band continues to perform at a variety of events in the Bay Area and internationally, advocating for equality through music.

Our community has been incredibly supportive, helping us to fundraise and awarding us numerous accolades, including being named by city ordinance as “The Official Band of the City and County of San Francisco”. For over 40 years, the Band has continued to play with pride and build on Jon’s vision of a world where music bridges communities, and where one’s sexual orientation or identity is immaterial. In the words of our founder Jon Sims, “Our Message is Music!”

The Band had advocated for equality by supporting local and national organizations and rallies, including the Trans March, the Women’s March, AIDS Walk, and Pride events all around California and beyond. Through our Cable Car Award-winning Community Concert Series, we showcase the creative talents of our community and share the wonder of both classical and modern music. We continually strive to celebrate and elevate music composed by women, minority, and LGBTQ+ composers. Our year of outreach culminates in Dance-Along Nutcracker®, our own zany twist on the holiday classic, which thousands of Bay Area families have made a part of their holiday tradition. We imbue each year’s show with the values we hold highest: hope, kindness, and equality.