Broncos Bring Pride to Celebrate Silicon Valley’s Half-Century Pride Parade Anniversary
University community members gathered in Bannan Alumni House on Thursday to create posters for the parade. Photo by Elaine Zhang
Downtown San Jose will be awash in rainbow this weekend as Silicon Valley Pride marks its 50th anniversary with a festival and parade celebrating the region’s LGBTQ+ community. The two-day celebration begins Saturday evening at Plaza de Cesar Chavez with a music festival headlined by Latin Grammy-nominated rapper Snow Tha Product, and will continue Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The main event, Sunday’s parade, kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at Market and Julian streets before winding down Market Street to Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
This year’s theme, “Unstoppable: 50 Years of Love, Legacy & Liberation,” aims to reflect both the history and resilience of the South Bay’s LGBTQ+ community. Pride in San Jose traces its origins to a 1975 gay rights rally at San Jose State University, followed by the first Pride festival at St. James Park in 1976.
Santa Clara University staff, students and alumni will once again march as part of the University’s delegation. For many, the parade is more than just a celebration—it’s a chance to stand in solidarity. “It just continues to show some bravery and some want to continue to be who you are,” said Alejandra Ruiz, the assistant director of finance and administration for the University’s marketing and communication department and an organizer for the University’s delegation. “For me, it’s something I look forward to in the summers, a little space that I can carve out and hang out with people.”
Chris Harris, director of the University’s Office for Multicultural Learning, emphasized the significance of the event’s local character: “Walking down downtown San Jose, with the streets shut down and the city showing its support—it’s a powerful sight. This parade is family-friendly and deeply rooted in community.”
Behind the scenes, the volunteer-led Pride board has worked to balance anniversary ambitions with practical constraints. Marqus Koranteng, the University’s assistant director of marketing and programming for the LEAD Scholars program helped serve as Silicon Valley Pride’s Chief Entertainment Officer. He noted that while national political currents have reduced corporate sponsorships, the spirit of the event remains strong. “Our theme this year is ‘unstoppable’ to show that despite everything happening politically, celebration and joy is an act of resistance,” Koranteng said. “We want to show the South Bay that you don’t have to drive to San Francisco to feel seen—we have community and home right here”.
The parade will feature floats, music, and a specially designed Valley Transportation Authority bus wrap honoring LGBTQ+ icons including Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, and San Jose activist Billy DeFrank. Family-friendly activities, including a kids’ garden with story times and face painting, will add to the inclusive atmosphere. As thousands prepare to line Market Street, Ruiz offered a simple piece of advice for newcomers: “Bring a friend. What you put in is what you get out. It’s a chance to just be in community—and that’s what makes it so special.”