Alumni

USF Goes All Out With Joy for Pride 2025

by Indi Katz, Office of Development Communications

People gathered at the Pride parade
Group of people holding the University of San Francisco banner and marching in the Pride parade
People marching and waving in the Pride parade, one person holds a sign that says "respect the individual change the world"
Two people holding rainbow paper fans and smiling at the Pride parade
People marching in the Pride parade, one person is smiling and holding a sign that says "love is love"

The San Francisco Pride Parade is one of the largest Pride celebrations across the country, with this year's estimated attendance close to 50,000 people. This year's theme “Queer Joy is Resistance” serves as a powerful reminder of the community's ongoing resilience and its bold vision for a more just and radiant future.

Over 80 members of the University of San Francisco community marched this weekend in the 55th Annual San Francisco Pride Parade from the Embarcadero to the Civic Center. 

Among the marchers, USF’s Pride Alumni group stood out as a colorful and welcoming presence. Wearing bright USF T-shirts, they marched with rainbow fans, pride, and a strong sense of togetherness. 
 

As a student who was largely at USF during the pandemic, being part of the Pride parade allows me to be a part of the USF community in a way that I wasn't able to as a student. I enjoy being in community with fellow alumni who are also part of the queer community. It inspired me to join the Pride Alumni Board, which has given me a chance to participate in events with queer alumni year round.”

 

Matty Benson’21 (they/she)

Benson’s story is one of many that reflects the heart of USF’s Pride Alumni Group—a community born from isolation, but rooted in connection. 

Launched in 2021 to foster advocacy, celebration, and solidarity among LGBTQ+ graduates, the group first took shape during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, offering queer alumni a much-needed space to support one another and champion the journeys of current students.

At SF Pride, alumni, faculty, staff, and students showed up loud and proud, bringing school spirit to a city that’s long been a beacon of queer joy and resistance.

  • 50+ rainbow fans waved and fanned across Market Street.
  • USF community members rocked fuzzy cowboy hats, pride flag capes, and Mardi Gras beads.
  • From toddlers to members of Generation X, four generations of the USF community came together to show their support in the contingent.

 

All members of the USF community are invited to learn more about the University of San Francisco's Pride Alumni Group and join the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Caucus to get involved. 

 

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