Rob Darrow

Former Cabrillo choral director Cheryl Anderson brings Considering Matthew Shepard to Peace United Church, reviving a powerful musical response to Matthew Shepard’s life and death for a Santa Cruz Pride benefit.

Santa Cruz Pride 2026 honors Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin, Dinah Phillips and Gail Groves, linking this year’s Grand Marshals to a landmark 2008 same-sex marriage.

Irene the Alien, the sci-fi drag persona of Ian Hill, comes to Santa Cruz Pride’s Queerlantis after turning childhood difference, theater training and RuPaul’s Drag Race into a bold outer-space performance career.

Since 1975, Santa Cruz Pride has convened an annual event, parade or festival that brings nearly 5,000 people to downtown Santa Cruz.

Artistic creations have emerged around Santa Cruz during March and April on painted utility boxes, depicting stories of the Santa Cruz LGBTQ+ community..

Many LGBTQ+ residents are fearful and avoiding the news, talking with people in their networks, and gathering with friends and family.

Santa Cruz Pride festivities occurring on June 1 and 2 celebrate the diverse LGBTQ+ community across Santa Cruz County.