The San Francisco Pride parade is ready to return in full force this year after a brief COVID hiatus. However, it will have one thing missing when it runs later this summer – a police presence.
The parade organizers recently cited a rule to the city’s police department, along with the San Francisco Fire Department, that states they cannot wear their uniforms. They showed concerns about the level of “intimidation” they could have on other attendees in the parade, given controversy surrounding certain police divisions as of late.
As a result, mayor London Breed, along with the members of the police and fire divisions, will not be taking part in the parade.
“While we may not be able to march with our communities, we will still be here, working to keep you safe because that is what we have sworn to do,” the San Francisco Police Officers Pride alliance noted in a statement. “By bringing this to the public’s attention, we are hopeful that the SF Pride committee will reverse its decision and allow the LGBTQ+ and ally members of the San Francisco public safety agencies to proudly march in uniform with our community in the San Francisco Pride Parade.”
Joining us now to discuss the topic is Michael Letts, who serves as founder and CEO of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to officers across the country, using various sponsorship-based programs and charitable groups.
Q&A
- Do you think the Pride group is going too far with this rule? It doesn’t sound like they have any other limitations for people participating in the parade.
- What does this say to feelings towards police as a whole, with them making a decision to observe the uniform, rather than who’s wearing it?
- What do you think about the mayor’s decision to not attend the parade as she stands aside her officers? Do you fear she’ll face some sort of backlash from the public?
- At a time when mass shootings seem to take place regularly nowadays, wouldn’t some people feel more comfortable having officer presence nearby? What do you think makes a certain few out there nervous about them?
- What do you suggest to those that want to show support to their police officers in a situation such as this?
- Where can we learn more about In-Vest USA?
- You can visit the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
