The 50th anniversary of Santa Cruz Pride in 2025 is a milestone in history for the visibility and celebration of the vibrant LGBTQ+ community across Santa Cruz County. The city and county of Santa Cruz have passed resolutions to illuminate their buildings with rainbow-colored lights and fly rainbow flags the week of May 26 leading up to the Pride Parade and Festival on June 1 and through June in celebration of the 50th anniversary. We invite all businesses, schools and households across Santa Cruz County to do the same.

Santa Cruz Pride is the oldest smaller city Pride in the nation and the third oldest in California. The event commemorates the Stonewall Riots that took place in New York in 1969. The first Santa Cruz event took place in 1975 in San Lorenzo Park.

Santa Cruz County has thrived because of the contributions of queer and trans people and at the same time, the queer and trans community have thrived because of the broader Santa Cruz County community. This is part of what we are celebrating with our 50th anniversary, as well as the rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ history that exists across the county.

The theme of the 50th anniversary is “Riding the Wave of Progress, No Going Back.” Much progress has been made, but it is important for all people to stand together and show up to ensure that Santa Cruz County and the state of California remain a safe and supportive place where everyone belongs and is affirmed for who they are.

How can you show up?

• Show up and volunteer.

• Show up and learn more, by listening to the local Pride queer history podcasts by students or viewing the artist decorated utility boxes around Santa Cruz.

• Show up for the Dyke/Trans March on May 31.

• Show up and be in the parade or have a booth in our festival June 1.

• Show up and donate money.

• Show up to ensure that there is no going back.

Since the Pride parade and festival in 2024, the volunteer Pride Board have planned over 50 activities in 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary including Pride Thursdays in partnership with many businesses, LGBTQ+ history podcasts, utility box art sharing the stories of the LGBTQ+ community, a radio show, music concerts, a dinner and dance at the MAH celebrating our six decades, and the third annual Queerlantis.

There is still time to sign up to be in the parade or have a booth at our festival in downtown Santa Cruz. More information about all of these free and ticketed events can be found on our website at: SantaCruzPride.org.

A study about the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and law enforcement in Santa Cruz County was initiated by the Pride Board in 2024. As a result, the board voted to welcome law enforcement to join our parade and festival. UCSC student researchers will soon share a survey for queer and trans people to complete regarding their thoughts about their relationship with law enforcement in Santa Cruz County. Once this survey is completed and analyzed, it will be shared with the community in the fall.

This year, more than ever, is a time to show up and celebrate the contributions of queer and trans people across Santa Cruz County. Get involved, volunteer and show up!

Rob Darrow is chair of Santa Cruz Pride.