Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

On Saturday, June 10th San Mateo County celebrated its 11th PRIDE event with a fresh, new twist! This year San Mateo County had its first PRIDE parade. Starting at B street in downtown San Mateo and ending at Central Park, LGBTQIA+ community members were able to march and show their authentic selves with the likes of community organizations like the El Camino Reelers as well as a community-led marching band. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Free to be me in 2023”; which is important with the current climate. DJ China G and MC Jeremy Jones kept the crowd entertained with dance tunes and various activities including dance parties, raffles, and walking the runway. And you can’t forget the amazing community vendors that came out to feed our attendees some amazing food; including Tacos El Flamingo, Eats Meets West, Empanada King, and Mr. Softee!

Thousands of San Mateo County residents came out to celebrate, show support, and express themselves in their authentic skin. Older adults, younger generations, and everyone in between showed up and showed out for this cherished safe space. The County of San Mateo is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and the support from our residents was beautiful to see. Behavioral Health Recovery Services (i.e. Heart & Soul/ Voices of Recovery/ San Mateo Pride Center/ Etc..) were out in full effect to provide mental health and equity resources to anyone in need. San Mateo County is proud to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and are proud to have seen such a turnout at the PRIDE celebration.

Written by Kai Thornton (he/she/they), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity