On Sunday, June 30, 2024, the air buzzed with excitement at San Francisco’s Pride celebration as Billy Porter, the headlining performer, brought a special guest onto the stage.
Midway through his electrifying show, the crowd’s murmurs rose into a crescendo of surprise and admiration: “Oh my God, it’s Nancy Pelosi.” This exclamation echoed among the audience, who were adorned in rainbows and sparkles, as Porter introduced the esteemed guest between City Hall and the Civic Center Plaza.
“For over six decades, this person has been an ally to our community long before it was fashionable and before it was politically in vogue,” Porter announced, lauding Pelosi’s long-standing support for the LGBTQ community. “She made history in 2007 when she was elected the first female speaker of the House. Y’all know who I’m talking about. Welcome to the stage, the inimitable Nancy Pelosi!”
Pelosi appeared in a bright yellow pantsuit and a large orange necklace — the same ensemble she wore during her Season 7 appearance on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” She greeted the crowd with a wave and said, “I’m honored to be able to join all of you in welcoming [Porter] to San Francisco.” Acknowledging the vibrant energy of the event, she quipped, “I saw some drag queens out here earlier, and I was so glad I wore my suit from the ‘RuPaul Drag Race.’”
Her surprise appearance carried a powerful message. Addressing both the audience and Porter, Pelosi declared, “We want Billy to know that we in San Francisco are a community, an LGBTQ community. And right now, we have a message for the world – that we stand behind our trans brothers and sisters.”
Porter, known for his roles in “Pose” and “Kinky Boots,” dazzled the crowd in a sparkling black jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and a statement diamond necklace. His performance included his original songs as well as “Raise You Up/Just Be” from the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots.” The night was filled with more surprises, including appearances from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni and members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
A skywriter drew hearts in the sky, embodying the celebration’s theme: “Beacon of Love,” which perfectly reflected Porter’s own message. “I walk around this country and I see love, all I see is love,” Porter passionately told the crowd. “It’s not what you see in the news, turn that s—t off. We have work to do. There’s no time to be afraid, there’s no time to be scared. I’ve got a Bible too, and in second Timothy, first and seven, it says: ‘For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’ All of our minds are sound, baby, you hear me?”
Porter’s powerful words and Pelosi’s heartfelt support underscored the unity and resilience of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco. The night was a vibrant reminder of love, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for equality.
