CLAYTON, CA (June 1, 2025) — What an incredible day it was at the Fourth Annual Clayton Pride Parade and Celebration! The community kicked off Pride Month with the theme “Now More Than Ever, Love Matters,” emphasizing inclusion, community, and love.

The day began with a beautiful ecumenical church service, followed by the raising of the Pride Flag in the Grove. Clayton councilmember and Pride President Holly Tillman read a proclamation recognizing Pride Month. Standing alongside Tillman were Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer and Concord councilmembers Laura Nakamura, Pablo Benavente, and Dominic Aliano.

County Supervisor Ken Carlson, the first openly gay man elected to the Board of Supervisors, shared a few motivating words alongside Master of Ceremonies and CBCA president CW Wolfe. Carlson, returning for another year as Grand Marshal, said, “We live in very challenging times right now…. The LGBTQ+ community has fought for years to get where we are today…. Now, more than ever, we need bold love, brave inclusion, and unshakable solidarity — real lived commitment to the LGBTQ+ family. Now more than ever, we need to build bridges — not burn them down — because the movement needs many voices…. And not everyone moves at the same speed. But what matters is, we are moving in the same direction: toward equity and full inclusion.”

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Pride Board Member Jack Galeotti bravely recounted his journey of coming out after a 40-year marriage. Galeotti said, “The first time I said I was gay, my primary feeling was relief. I had never allowed myself to say it…. Since then, I have experienced things that confirm for me that I am just fine the way I am. And now I believe I will continue to evolve and grow.”

The parade featured 53 colorful entries, delighting the spectators who lined Main Street. Festivities continued all afternoon at The Grove, with kids’ activities, booths, games, and several local food trucks.

Clayton Pride photo gallery