Latest news with #PatrickCarney


Axios
13 hours ago
- Axios
San Francisco's Pink Triangle is more than a Pride symbol
What began as a mark of hate now stands tall above San Francisco as a beacon of pride. State of play: For three decades, the Pink Triangle has adorned Twin Peaks every June in recognition of the persecution of LGBTQ+ people under the Nazi regime. The big picture: During World War II, the symbol was used to label gay prisoners in concentration camps — one of several color-coded patches sewn onto uniforms to publicly mark and shame inmates. Flashback: Activists reclaimed the marking as an emblem of pride and protest amid the AIDS crisis, most famously with ACT UP's " Silence = Death" posters challenging stigma and government inaction. The symbol first appeared on Twin Peaks in 1996, installed at night at just 60 feet wide. Today, it spans 240 feet. What they're saying: Patrick Carney, who co-founded the Friends of the Pink Triangle, told Axios it serves as a "warning and a reminder" and a "giant in-your-face educational tool to teach people where hatred can lead." The latest: Earlier this month, police arrested a 19-year-old on suspicion of vandalizing the installation, which Carney said would not be repaired. The bottom line: "Leaving it as it is sends a powerful message… we will wear this scar as a badge of resilience, courage and our continuing struggle for equality," he said.


San Francisco Chronicle
6 days ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: S.F.'s Pink Triangle symbolizes LGBTQ+ empowerment. Why vandalism won't change that
Regarding 'Man arrested in vandalism to S.F.'s Pink Triangle celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month' (Crime, June 19): The vandalism of the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks this week is an example of the struggles our community has faced throughout time. The damage should remain because it sends a powerful message. We will wear this scar as a badge of resilience, courage and our continuing struggle for equality for the rest of Pride Month. For the past three decades, the Pink Triangle has been a symbol of what can happen if hatred is allowed to go unchecked. The graffiti and defaced panels of the Pink Triangle remind us of the ongoing discrimination and hatred experienced by many in the community. If this can happen here in LGBTQ+ friendly San Francisco, think what might happen in other less accepting places in the U.S. and around the world. This hate empowers us. We will remain our true selves, speak up and keep living our lives as joyfully as possible. There is no going back in the closet as some would like us to do. Patrick Carney, co-founder, Pink Triangle, San Francisco Don't wait I'm not a green card holder nor an undocumented immigrant. I'm not attending a university on a student visa. I'm not a corporate executive fearing my political views will bar me from federal contracts. I'm not a lawyer who's been coerced into performing pro bono work to undo diversity, equity and inclusion. I'm not connected to any university, museum or nonprofit organization that had its tax-exempt status and/or funding canceled for promoting policies inimical to government ones. I'm not employed by any federal, state or local government. I'm not a university professor, teacher or student. I'm not personally affected by rising consumer prices. I don't live near oil or gas drilling. I'm not worried about the financial stability of Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the Veterans Affairs Department. I'm not affected by dictates issued on and after Jan. 20. In 1946, German Pastor Martin Niemöller berated himself for failing to oppose Nazi attacks on Communists, Socialists, trade unionists and Jews, until he, too, was attacked and no one remained to speak on his behalf. I'm not waiting. Paul L. Newman, Merion Station, Pa. Trump keeps promise Nearly 80 million Americans voted for Donald Trump, including eight counties in California that were blue in 2020. President Trump is keeping to his promise to all Americans, even if you didn't vote for him. Trump is president of the United States, and that makes him accountable to U.S. citizens, not those who are here illegally. Christine Larson, Castro Valley


San Francisco Chronicle
17-06-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Man arrested on suspicion of defacing S.F.'s iconic Pink Triangle installation
San Francisco police said that officers arrested a 19-year-old on suspicion of defacing the Pink Triangle memorial art installation on Twin Peaks on Tuesday. Officers said they responded to the unit block of Christmas Tree Point just before 12:30 p.m., where they observed a man 'actively defacing' the installation. After the suspect ran, police pursued him on foot and detained him, officials said. Officers arrested Lester Bamacajeronimo of San Francisco in the incident. Officials said they seized evidence of vandalism tools. Charges against the suspect are pending, officials said. 'This vandalism is unacceptable in our city and the San Francisco Police department condemns this act,' spokespersons said. 'San Francisco's Pink Triangle is a powerful tool of our city's commitment to supporting LGBT rights and commemorates to (sic) victims of the past.' The installation of the city's famous Pink Triangle is one of the many events that mark the beginning of San Francisco's Pride month. Hundreds of volunteers show up each year to help setup the triangle, which makes up nearly an acre in size and this year, was made up of 175 pink tarps. The San Francisco tradition, which began as a renegade crafts project, was established in 1995, according to a historical website for the Pink Triangle. The symbol of the pink triangle is a reclaiming of the pink triangle patch that gay men were forced to wear in Nazi Germany's concentration camps alongside Jews, Roma, political dissidents and other 'undesirables.' Even after the Allies defeated the Nazis and freed many concentration camp survivors, those marked with pink triangles were imprisoned under a law barring homosexuality. Germany did not recognize gay men as victims of the Nazi regime and worthy of compensation until 2002, the Pink Triangle founder, Patrick Carney, told the Chronicle earlier this year. San Francisco Chronicle reporter St. John Barned-Smith contributed to this report.


CBS News
17-06-2025
- CBS News
The Pink Triangle, a San Francisco Pride Month symbol, vandalized
The Pink Triangle that goes up during San Francisco Pride Month was vandalized on Tuesday, San Francisco Police said. Police said that around 12:30 p.m., police responded to Christmas Tree Point Road for a report of vandalism. When officers arrived, they found a man who was defacing the memorial. Police said he tried to run away but was arrested not long after. Police identified the suspect as 19-year-old Lester Bamacajeronimo. The Pink Triangle returns doing Pride Month and represents the insignia that Nazis gave to people they suspected were homosexuals. "With the Pink Triangle, we're just trying to remember what happened and how it ties into Pride," said founder Patrick Carney in a previous interview with KPIX. "Part of celebrating and appreciating any Pride is knowing where you've been. And this is it, this Pink Triangle. So, we have to have it here for Pride. Especially with what's happening in Washington. It really is more important than ever this year." San Francisco Police said they found evidence of vandalism tools and seized them, and that charges are pending. "San Francisco's Pink Triangle is a powerful symbol of our city's commitment to supporting LGBT rights and commemorates to victims of the past. We stand united with our LGBT community for this month and every month as we continue the fight for equality."


San Francisco Chronicle
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Your guide to Pride 2025: S.F. and Bay Area parades and festivities
Ships might get renamed, but rest assured that San Francisco's giant rainbow flag, waving proudly above the Castro's Harvey Milk Plaza, retains its official landmark status. Stand in solidarity and advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community — as San Francisco Pride's 2025 theme, 'Resistance,' emphasizes the importance of showing up for the right to freedom of expression and love for all. Check out the Chronicle's guide to regional parades and events celebrating the Bay Area's diverse queer community throughout the month of June. San Francisco Pink Triangle Installation June welcomes the monthlong exhibition of Patrick Carney's large-scale outdoor artwork composed of bright pink canvas. There will be volunteer work parties on June 27, 29-30 and July 11 to help remove the highly visible hillside installation and clean-up the site. S.F. installation on view June 7-June 29. Twin Peaks, Christmas Tree Point, viewable around the Castro district, Twin Peaks and adjacent areas in S.F. SF Pride — Tenderloin Museum Kick-Off Party Start San Francisco Pride Week by celebrating queer legacy and joy at a fundraising event set to include live drag performances from Donna Sachet, Shane Zal-Diva, Collette LeGrande and others. The festive party centers around the Tenderloin Museum's current, immersive theater production, 'The Compton's Cafeteria Riot!' Tickets include wine and small bites. Proceeds benefit SFPride and the Tenderloin Museum. 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. $25. Tenderloin Museum, 398 Eddy St., S.F. 415-351-1912. Castro Night Market: Pride Edition The monthly night market gets an extra boost with Pride month activations including an expanded footprint, a vending marketplace, three stages with live entertainment hosted by Sister Roma and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and official entertainment zone status, allowing visitors to purchase and consume to-go alcoholic beverages while at the event. People's March and Rally: 'Unite to Fight' Activists and community leaders Alex U. Inn and Juanita More have announced details for their sixth annual Pride event. While in past years the event was held on Pride Sunday, this year it will take place one week earlier. It is set to begin with a rally featuring speakers and live entertainment, followed by a march down Polk Street, following the same route as the first Gay Liberation Protest, which occurred in June 1970. The march culminates at Civic Center where there will be a celebration of culture and community with live DJ sets, performers, vending and community group booths. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 22. Free. Corner of Washington and Polk Streets, S.F. Bi-BQ Bi+ Pride Potluck Picnic Bring a main dish, salad or beverages to a casual neighborhood potluck at Mission Dolores Park. Look for the bi flags and friendly faces and join a mellow afternoon party in Dolores park. After the picnic, adults can walk over and check out the BiConic Film Festival's screening event scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Eclectic Box Theater (446 Valencia St.). 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. Free. Mission Dolores Park, 19th and Dolores streets, S.F. S.F. Pride Human Rights Summit Get fired up for the weekend with a daylong event featuring keynote speakers, breakout sessions with Michelle Meow and others, panel discussions, lectures and presentations, live entertainment and more. 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, June 26. Free, donations encouraged; reservations required. Commonwealth Club, 110 The Embarcadero, S.F. 415-597-6705. Pride NightLife The Cal Academy's weekly adults-only, after-hours event celebrates love, equality, self-expression and San Francisco Pride weekend with performers from the Oaklash Festival, Verasphere, and Jax ('RuPaul's Drag Race'), local organizations and merch vendors, zine-making, food and beverages, cocktails and more. 6-10 p.m. Thursday, June 26. $25; 21 and older. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, S.F. 415-379-8000. After Dark: 'Pride — Queer Science' Celebrate LGBTQ+ heritage and culture at the hands-on science museum. Enjoy live music from Tory and the Teasers, learn about a historical secret society for queer and trans naturalists, explore the variety of forms family can take, get creative with explainer-led activities, have a drink and more. 6-10 p.m. Thursday, June 26. $22.95; 18 and older. Exploratorium, Pier 15, S.F. 415-528-4444. Women and Non-Binary Friday Morning Bike Ride The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition presents an easy-paced ride through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach. Bring a thermos and snack for a short break at the beach before biking back to the lodge. 7:15 a.m. Friday, June 27. Free. Meet at Golden Gate Park, McLaren Lodge, 501 Stanyan St., S.F. 415-431-2453. San Francisco Trans March: 'Living History, Building Futures' Join a celebration and march in support of transgender and gender nonconforming people. A celebration and rally in the park with live entertainment and community groups is scheduled to occur after the march. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, June 27. Free. Mission Dolores Park, 19th and Dolores streets, S.F. San Francisco 2025 Pride Run San Francisco Front Runners' annual, sponsored Pride run course includes a 5K loop in Golden Gate Park, done twice for the 10K race. Engage with the community while raising money for the 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic. There will be a pre-race Kids' Dash as well as snacks, entertainment and awards after the run. 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, June 28. $50 to run, registration required; free to watch. S.F. Pride Parade and Celebration: 'Queer Joy is Resistance' The city's official celebration will include a parade with less corporate and more community and cause-focused contingents, and a weekend-long outdoor festival. The Sunday morning parade, starting at Beale and Market streets, will be kicked off by Dykes on Bikes and followed up by more than 200 parade participant groups. A large festival at the Civic Center will feature live entertainment on a main stage and multiple community-run stages, more than 300 exhibitors and community organization booths, a marketplace, food and drinks vendors and more. Civic Center festival noon-6 p.m. Saturday, June 28; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, June 29. Free-$75, VIP area tickets available. Parade 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 29. Free-$70, grandstand seating tickets available. Civic Center Plaza, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, S.F. 415-864-0831. Pride in Yerba Buena Celebrate queer artistic expression with LGBTQ+ community during an afternoon picnic with live DJ sets, followed by a variety show featuring drag artists, circus arts and live music. Performers scheduled include host Rahni NothingMore, vibrant drag kings and queens, daring aerialists and others. 1:30-4 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Free. Yerba Buena Gardens Great Lawn, Mission St. between Third and Fourth streets, S.F. 415-543-1718. San Francisco Dyke March This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the Dolores Park event. As a call to action for equality, visibility and respect, lesbians are invited to join the march and/or sign up to volunteer. Allies are warmly welcomed to cheer on the procession from the sidelines and take part in a post-march celebration and rally in Mission Dolores park. 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Free. Meet at Dolores and 18th streets, S.F. East Bay Walnut Creek Pride Art Fest Celebrate Pride in community with art-making activities, a local vending marketplace, live entertainment, community organization booths, food and drinks. 6-8 p.m. June 25. Free admission. Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. 925-295-1490. Friday Night Pride at the Oakland Museum of California The Pride- themed evening event will include live music from King Isis, DJ sets from Ignacia, vogue dance lessons with Jocquese 'Sir JoQ' Whitfield, gallery talks, food trucks and more. 5-9 p.m. Thursday, June 27. Free-$19. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. 510-318-8400. Oakland Pride Parade and Festival: 'In Unity, We Thrive' Join the 15th anniversary family-friendly Oakland Pride celebration. Dive into East Bay LGBTQ+ culture, identity and enjoy a community space where everyone feels seen, safe and celebrated. The event will include food vendors, live entertainment on multiple stages, more than 200 exhibitors, and a whole lot of pride. The parade is free to attend, but modestly priced tickets are needed to enter the festival grounds. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Free-$15. Broadway and Thomas L. Berkley Way at 20th St., Oakland. North Bay Sausalito Pride Jazz and Blues by the Bay LGBTQ+ neighbors and allies are invited to a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance featuring live music from Pascal Bokar AfroBlueGrazz Band, Pride giveaways, drinks, food vendors and more. 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, June 20. Free. Gabrielson Park, Anchor St & Humboldt Streets, Sausalito. Pride in the Park Celebrate Pride and inclusiveness at an evening event set to include live music, kids activities, a family dance party, community info booths, local food trucks, wine and beer. 3-6 p.m. Sunday, June 22. Free. Yountville Veterans Memorial Park, 6465 Washington St., Yountville. 707-944-0904. Marin City Pride: Our Celebration Celebrate diversity and positivity at an afternoon event set to include live music, food and family-friendly activities. 2-4 p.m. June 27. $25-$100. Marin City CDC, 441 Drake Ave., Sausalito. 415-339-2837. South Bay Pride Celebration at Filoli With live performances all weekend, the event is set to include Drag Bingo and Storytime, as well as Pride-themed cocktails and food truck vendors. Enjoy a walk in the redwoods and a sound bath with Banyan Tree Women's Collective. Flower crown-making activity available with an additional cost. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, June 14-15. Included with garden admission. Filoli Gardens, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. 650-364-8300. San Mateo County Pride: Breaking Boundaries, Shaping Futures This year's celebration is set to feature a downtown parade followed by an outdoor festival with live entertainment, a community resource fair, food and wares vending area, a children's area and more. Parade 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14. Starts at Second and B streets, San Mateo. Festival from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Free. San Mateo Central Park, 50 E. Fifth Ave., San Mateo. Half Moon Bay Pride Celebration and Parade Enjoy a noontime parade along the main drag, from Filbert to Mill streets in downtown Half Moon Bay, and a Pride celebration with live entertainment, vendors, food, drinks and a children's fun area. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 22. Free. Mac Dutra Square, 500 Main St., Half Moon Bay. 650-726-8380. This late summer Pride parade and celebration has announced that Snow tha Product will be a headline artist set to perform. The organization is still solidifying the lineup for its celebration, scheduled to happen over the last weekend in August.