Oakland, CA had its first pride in 6 years last weekend.  Those of us accustomed to the big city breeze sometimes forget that pride happens elsewhere.  We spend months in preparation for SF pride (A.K.A. Gay Christmas*) but were surprised to learn that there was such a thing as an Oakland Pride Event.  When we realized that it hadn’t taken place in 6 years, our surprise turned to humility.  We had taken for granted that San Francisco hosts such a huge celebration of progress and openness, and can furthermore finance it.

Needless to say, the idea of a part deux, or Oakland contingent to gay Christmas was hard to pass up.  It was like being the kid that gets to celebrate Christmas shortly after Chanukah. We got a booth to feature LGBabyT gear, for our first public appearance, and with the assistance of one very willing Angelina Jolie cardboard cutout hoped to join Oakland in this landmark event.

Not only did Oakland bring it, and furnish it’s inhabitants and visitors an event to …well, be proud of.. but we’re pleased to say..we brought it too.  Everyone we met was fantastic, curious, and best of all, they laughed at our shirt slogans and took many of them home.  We had a fantastic street team of friends and family roaming the festival decked in Top Gay aprons and I Heart Harvey Milk shirts gently forcing flyers into the hands of every baby mama, baby daddy, and probably anyone else they passed…and we even got a little appearance on Channel 2 News that night.

Enjoy some of our pics below, and toss in your two cents.

*by gay we mean, lgbtqqia and every one else who feels inclined toward inclusion and by Christmas we mean anything under the sun that makes you smile)