The untold story of how LGBTQ+ park rangers started marching in Pride

On a Sunday in June 1972, spectators gathered in celebration to watch “gay horseback riders, marching bands, and drag queens throwing kisses” during the first ever “official” San Francisco Pride Parade. Twenty years later, when the Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) was established in the National Park Service, members were eager to join the city’s festivities. They walked proudly in their normal clothes and "Out in the Park" T-shirts because marching in uniform wasn't permitted. By 1995, GALA received permission to march in uniform, according to Bob Holloway, former NPS interpreter and Vice President of the GALA Board.

Since then, NPS rangers and staff, marching together with the Parks Conservancy, the Presidio Trust and other partner staff, have been a parade favorite in San Francisco, even taking home the “Outstanding Marching Group” at the 2024 celebration! Find more stories of LGBTQ+ history in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and resources for all parkgoers >>