Press Releases
Title: SF Pride Parts Ways with Dee Snider
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — 02 May 2023
Author: Suzanne Ford
San Francisco Pride was on the cusp of announcing Twisted Sister’s “We’re not gonna take it” as the unofficial rallying cry of this year’s SF Pride Parade & Celebration, with the band’s frontman Dee Snider performing the song on our center stage. Dee has always been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.
However, when we were notified about the tweet in which Dee expressed support for Kiss’s Paul Stanley’s transphobic statement, we were heartbroken and angry. The message perpetuated by that tweet casts doubt on young trans people’s ability to self-identify their gender.
Transgender people, particularly transgender women and children of color, are disproportionately affected by hate and violence. And with transphobia proliferating and becoming more and more enshrined in law throughout the country — we have to stand up for the most impacted among us.
We have mutually agreed to part ways, but appreciate Dee seeing this as a teachable moment and a reminder that even allies need to be educated to ensure that they are not casually promoting transphobia.
To all our allies — we want to call you in — not call you out.
Stand with SF Pride (@SFPride) in supporting our LGBTQ+ and trans communities - donate here: sfpride.org/donate
2023/05/05 UPDATE
"Don’t get it ‘twisted,’ Dee Snider was not dropped from this year’s San Francisco Pride celebration; it was a mutual decision after a productive, educational conversation with him."
"Like any ally, we’re glad that Dee wants to continue learning about the issues that affect the transgender community. As a trans woman, I can tell you that no two stories are alike – this isn’t a black and white conversation, which is why educating the public is so critical. By donating to SF Pride, you’re creating a safer space for that scared trans child who was brave enough to stand up and tell the world who they really are - receiving the support they need from their parents, a medical professional, and their community.”
About San Francisco Pride
The San Francisco Pride Celebration Committee is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded to produce the SF Pride Celebration and Parade. The mission of the organization is to educate the world on LGBTQ+ issues, as well as commemorate the heritage, celebrate the culture and liberate the people of all LGBTQ+ communities. A world leader in the Pride movement, SF Pride is also a grant-giving organization through its Community Partners Program. Since 1997, SF Pride has granted over $3 million dollars in proceeds to local non-profit LGBTQ+ organizations and organizations working on issues related to HIV/AIDS, cancer, homelessness, housing rights and animal welfare.
Media Contact
prforsfpride@bospar.com
###
Press Releases
-
SF Pride Parts Ways with Dee Snider
02 May 2023 - Suzanne Ford -
SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE ANNOUNCES 2023 COMMUNITY GRAND MARSHALS
14 Apr 2023 - Marsha H. Levine -
Suzanne Ford Hired as Executive Director
07 Feb 2023 - BOSPAR -
SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE TO FEATURE MUSIC LEGEND AND TWO-TIME GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE MARTHA WASH AS MAIN STAGE HEADLINER AT THE IN-PERSON RETURN OF SAN FRANCISCO LGBT PRIDE PARADE AND CELEBRATION
02 Jun 2022 - -
San Francisco Pride Announces Return to in-person Celebration for the 52nd Annual San Francisco Lgbt Pride Parade and Celebration
04 Apr 2022 - -
San Francisco Pride Announces Change of Leadership in Advance of 2022 Events
16 Feb 2022 - -
SF Pride Elects First Majority-Trans Board
15 Sep 2021 - Astrid Kane -
SF Pride and Frameline present first-ever SF Pride Movie Nights at Oracle Park
11 May 2021 - Astrid Kane -
San Francisco Pride Announces 2021 Community Grand Marshals and Awardees
07 May 2021 - Astrid Kane -
SF Pride Announces Modified Plans for Pride Throughout June 2021
24 Mar 2021 - Astrid Kane