Legacy of Pride
Honoring Our Visionaries, Organizers, and Leaders
In Memoriam
San Francisco Pride stands on the shoulders of giants. We honor the memory of those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, on our stages, and in our boardrooms to build the community we celebrate today. Their passion, dedication, and spirit continue to inspire us as we carry their legacy forward.
Andrea Shorter
2009 Grand Marshal, Advocate & Public Servant • 1965–2026
Andrea Shorter was an outstanding Bay Area leader, political strategist, and public servant who dedicated her life to civil rights and intersectional justice. She was honored as an SF Pride Community Grand Marshal in 2009. A co-founder of the Bayard Rustin Coalition, director of the 'And Marriage For All' marriage equality campaign, and a 20-year Commissioner and President of the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, her fierce advocacy and collaborative spirit left a profound, lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ and African American communities.
Michael Robello
Main Stage Production • Many years
Michael Robello was a dedicated member of the SF Pride Main Stage production team for many years. His commitment, expertise, and passion were instrumental in the success of SF Pride's main stage operations. He is remembered for his tireless work behind the scenes and his enduring love for the Pride community.
Ken Jones
Former Board President & Activist
Ken Jones was a longtime Pride Board president, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and a prominent leader in the Bay Area's LGBTQ+ communities. His lifelong activism and leadership left an indelible mark on San Francisco Pride and the broader movement for equality. The 'Ken Jones Awards' were established in his honor to celebrate community leaders.
Dave Nee
Former Safety Co-Chair • 1953–2026
Dave Nee was a cornerstone of San Francisco Pride's operations, serving for many years as Safety Co-Chair to safeguard the Parade and Celebration. A Bay Area native, UC Berkeley alumnus, and co-founder of the legendary science fiction bookstore The Other Change of Hobbit, Dave was renowned for his tactical problem-solving, broad intellect, and steadfast commitment to community organizing and LGBTQ+ pride.
William 'Bill' Beasley
Former Board Member, 2009 Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal & Activist • 1938–2026
William 'Bill' Beasley was a pioneering civil rights veteran, bisexual activist, and longtime leader within the LGBTQ+ movement. A core organizer of the Gay Liberation Front and the 1972 Los Angeles Gay Pride March, he later served on the San Francisco Pride Board of Directors and was honored as an SF Pride Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal in 2009. His decades of courageous activism and dedication to intersectional liberation left an enduring legacy on Pride and the broader struggle for human rights.
Share a Memory
Do you have a memory of a Pride organizer or leader you'd like to share? We invite the community to help us expand this legacy page.
Contact Us