SAN FRANCISCO - Join Good Vibrations, the legendary Bay Area company that takes pride in providing educational materials and accurate information on sexuality and toys for grown-ups, in celebrating San Francisco LGBT Pride with Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal Theresa Sparks and Honorary Grand Marshal Carol Queen.
Unlike other Grand Marshal positions, the Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal is not necessarily an annual award and is only issued to uniquely deserving recipients. This award is given to an individual who has dedicated years of service and activism toward the LGBT community throughout the course of their lifetime.
Theresa Sparks is the President of Good Vibrations. She's also President of the San Francisco Police Commission, responsible for oversight of the San Francisco Police Department, and the first transgender person ever to serve in such a high-profile position in the State of California. In 2003, she was chosen as California State Legislature's Woman of the Year. Theresa has been a member of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and Transgender Civil Rights Implementation Task Force, founded the Transgender Political Caucus, served as a Director on the Board of the Horizons Foundation and as Co-chair of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club. She was also an Honorary Grand Marshal in the 2001 San Francisco Pride Parade.
"I am so proud to have been selected as Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration. These are historic times for LGBT civil rights in the State of California and the United States and, once again, San Francisco is at the forefront of the movement," remarked Theresa Sparks. "For over 30 years Good Vibrations has been part of the fabric of this City and I am equally proud that this company has been able to live the values of San Francisco and also push the envelope on issues such as sex education, employee rights and transgender inclusion."
Staff Sexologist Carol Queen, PhD. has worked with Good Vibrations since 1990. In 1975, Carol co-founded GAYouth, one of the first LGBT youth organizations in America. In 2000, she co-founded the Center for Sex & Culture, which provides sex-positive educational classes and workshops, as well as a sexuality library accessible to the public. An award-winning author, essayist and editor, Carol has been featured in magazines, television programs and documentary films. Carol was the Community Grand Marshal in the 2001 San Francisco Pride Parade.
"I'm so honored to once again be able to represent Good Vibrations and my other communities as part of SF Pride," said Carol Queen. "Being chosen as honorary Grand Marshal really demonstrates to me a commitment on SF Pride's part to sex-positivity, and acknowledging the importance of sexuality and erotic diversity to all of us."
Both Theresa Sparks, Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal, and Carol Queen, Honorary Grand Marshal, will speak at the Trans Rally before the Trans March on Friday, June 27th in Dolores Park (18th and Dolores) beginning at 3 pm. Following the Dyke March on Saturday, June 28th, Good Vibrations will be hosting the Pink Pleasure Party at their Mission District store (603 Valencia at 17th) from 8-10 pm. With drinks, snacks and sexy go-go dancers shaking it to DJ Justin Credible, Good Vibes will be celebrating Pride in grand style!
