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I came out when I was 16 years old and it’s been a long journey to come to where I am today. Even though the world is becoming more accepting, the day-to-day struggle is still there. Pride is a time we can all gather and put our struggles behind us. I came out 15 years ago and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of a community that is so accepting and free. I believe we should all represent love and respect for all. “The LGBT community is important to me for many reasons. I can’t wait to see people’s reactions to my rainbow car.” We’ve been together for six years now and I’m beyond happy. I met my current partner in New York, we decided to come to San Francisco to be openly gay together. It took them many years to wrap their head around it. When I was 28 years old I came out to both my parents and told them that I was gay. I first got married to a woman because that was expected, but I wasn’t happy, and we eventually split up. “I grew up in the Netherlands, and homosexuality was not something that was ever discussed with my parents. I’m looking forward to giving them a ride in my rainbow car and sharing my own story with them. We get people from all over the world that are here to see our Pride parade. I came to San Francisco at age 25 the same way every gay person comes here, saying “Hell yes, San Francisco!” Pride has really evolved into this great celebration. When you feel like no one accepts you or loves you, San Francisco Pride reminds you it’s actually the exact opposite.” This year Pride has an extra special meaning for me: not only is it my first year participating, but it’s also my first time in my life where I feel safe. I was so nervous, but it was well-received and I am happy I can finally be myself. I’m 23 now, and I just came out to my family a few weeks ago. So I finally packed my bags at age 21 and flew across the country, with hardly anything and no job. My entire time growing up, San Francisco was that safe landing place of acceptance. The atmosphere was very conservative, I felt like I couldn’t be myself and acceptance of the LGBT community was practically non-existent.
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“Growing up in a small town on the East Coast was hard. You may just find yourself sitting in the back sharing your own love letter to San Francisco!
San francisco gay pride parade 2017 drivers#
Read below to learn more about these passionate drivers and how San Francisco and the Pride community has impacted their lives. Larkin Street’s Castro Youth Housing Initiative provides 32 housing units to youth experiencing homelessness who identify as LGBTQ+ for up to 24 months, with extensive support services. Uber will match fares from these rainbow rides and then donate that matched fare to Larkin Street Youth Services, a local non-profit provider of services for young people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco – 50% of whom identify as LGBTQ+. When you select an uberPOOL, UberX, or UberSELECT ride starting June 19 – and continuing the week leading up to the Pride Parade on Sunday June 25 – you may randomly get one of these rainbow wrapped cars. To celebrate San Francisco Pride, Uber engaged a handful of drivers who are passionate about LGBTQ+ issues and “rainbow wrapped” their cars. Whether it’s a search for a new opportunity or a more open perspective, San Francisco accepts all with open arms. Uber is proud to call this beautifully diverse city home, and even more proud to call so many of its inhabitants’ partners. San Francisco has long been an epicenter for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.