SF Pride confuses, upsets with statements about not having an Israeli float

A statement from San Francisco Pride over the presence of an Israeli float in the upcoming June 30 parade caused confusion and concern among members of the Jewish community earlier this week, forcing the organization to clarify its position two days later. 

On June 4, the nonprofit that organizes the Pride Parade and other events during Pride Month issued a statement to address “comments and misinformation about our current policies and practices.” In addition to saying that it had not called for more police presence at the parade and that it welcomes pro-Palestinian contingents to the event, the group said there will be no Israeli float. 

“SF Pride values the contributions of Jewish queer individuals in advocating for peace and acknowledge their enduring efforts,” the statement read. “SF Pride is carefull not to conflate Jewish groups and Jewish people living in America with the state of Israel.”

Following the statement, the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area took to social media, asking SF Pride to issue a statement clarifying that Israeli individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are welcome at pride. 

Tyler Gregory, CEO of the JCRC, described SF Pride’s initial statement as “deeply flawed.”

Gregory wrote on X, “This statement was published with a lot of critical missing context, and LGBTQ+ Jewish readers are rightfully viewing it as biased, especially Israelis, who no longer feel welcome at Pride. I asked (SF Pride executive director Suzanne Ford) to revise or delete this statement, and/or issue a new one.”

Then on June 6, SF Pride posted a new statement on Instagram, part of which addressed “the misconception that some groups were denied entry.” 

In part, the statement read, “We have always welcomed ALL faith communities to participate: all Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Pagans and more ... all LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome at San Francisco Pride, and that includes Israelis and Jewish people just as it does Palestinians and Muslims.”

Madeline Coe, a representative at a PR firm contracted by SF Pride, provided a statement from the organization to SFGATE. SF Pride's first social media post was posted in response to questions about whether an Israeli float had been registered for the parade, Coe said. There will be several Jewish contingents in the event, but no Israeli float, and registration for floats is now closed, she added.

“It is an understatement to say it is regretful that the statement came across as a denial or ban,” SF Pride said in its statement to SFGATE. “… We approve floats on a case-by-case basis and practice radical inclusion as a core value.”

In a statement to SFGATE, the JCRC said it “appreciates” SF Pride clarifying its statement.

“All LGBTQ+ people, regardless of religion, nationality, race, ability, or creed, should belong in San Francisco. We look forward to marching in Pride as our full authentic Jewish selves on June 30th.”

The statements come amid the war in Gaza, after a surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 killed 1,200 people and 250 were taken hostage. The Israeli military has since reportedly killed more than 36,000 Palestinians in Gaza. In February, SF Pride released a statement in support of a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. 

This isn’t the first time that SF Pride has adapted its program to a changing social climate. 

Organizers banned police from wearing uniforms in 2022 as some vulnerable groups saw the uniforms as a symbol of harassment. In response, San Francisco police officers refused to participate in the parade, though the SF Police Officers Pride Alliance eventually reached an agreement with the organizers. First responders would march together in one contingent with police and fire department command staff in their class uniforms and other officers in casual dress.