Speaker Of The House To Address Nation's Largest Gay Pride Celebration

SAN FRANCISCO, -- For the first time in history, a United States Speaker of the House of Representatives will make a video address to a Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) Pride Celebration.  On Sunday, June 27, 2010, Speaker Nancy Pelosi's pre-taped message will be broadcast on a giant JumboTron in San Francisco's Civic Center at the nation's largest annual LGBT event.

"This is the first time such a high-ranking legislator from the United States Congress will be participating in an LGBT Pride celebration. This is San Francisco Pride's 40th Anniversary, and we are extremely honored that Speaker Pelosi will be a part of this historic event," said Amy Andre, Executive Director of SF Pride.  "She is dedicated to achieving equality for every American.  As a respected and esteemed ally of our community, she's a champion for all Americans who believe in equal rights."

Speaker Pelosi represents California's Eighth District in the U.S. House of Representatives.  First elected to Congress in 1987, in 2002 she became the first woman in history to lead a major party in the House.  In 2007, she made history once again when she was elected as the first female Speaker of the House, making her the highest-ranking female politician in American history.

In addition to Speaker Pelosi's video address, an official letter from her "to honor San Francisco's proud history of advocacy for equal rights and to honor the contributions of the LGBT community to our city, our state, and our nation" will be distributed through SF Pride's annual Inside Pride Guide magazine and will be posted on its website, www.sfpride.org  on June 7th.

Since 1970, the San Francisco Pride Celebration has been recognized around the world as one of the most influential events that commemorates LGBT heritage and diversity, and that celebrates LGBT culture and liberation.  With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and over 20 community stages, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of LGBT people and allies in the nation. The two-day celebration June 26-27 is free and open to all.  Since 1997, SF Pride has granted over $1.6 million to support LGBT, HIV/AIDS, and breast cancer organizations.  Additional information is available at www.sfpride.org.

SOURCE San Francisco Pride