Folsom Street Fair, World’s Largest Leather & Fetish Event, Goes Online
Folsom Street Events (FSE) has announced that this year’s Up Your Alley, Folsom Street Fair, and related events will be held virtually.
The board of directors and staff will produce virtual events to celebrate the historic fair weekends by staying socially connected while physically distant. The new events will be on the weekends of July 26, 2020 and September 27, 2020. For more information, visit www.folsomstreetevents.org.
Race Bannon: “We’ll be back. Our community will rise like a phoenix, more beautiful and vibrant than ever.”
In making the decision, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health and the response needed from Folsom Street Events was clear. Interim Executive Director Angel Adeyoha commented, “We feel it is the ethical and the responsible choice to make before fair planning and production proceeds any further.The safety and wellbeing of our attendees and community members are our top priority. It was a hard decision to cancel our in-person events this year, but we hold ourselves and our events to the highest safety standards. Our team of staff and board members take their responsibility to our communities incredibly seriously.”
Folsom Street Events has observed a standard of care for LGBTQ2S+ community members since its roots in the AIDS crisis. This decision upholds that legacy by choosing to gather virtually until it is once again safe to proudly take to the streets.
“We know that our events are a beacon of self-expression and visibility for so many,” Adeyoha added, “and we look forward to remaining a vibrant San Francisco tradition this year and for years to come.”
“Folsom Street Events is demonstrating true leadership by making the tough decision to cancel their 2020 events,” said Race Bannon, writer, organizer, and activist. “While these cancellations are a sad outcome of the pandemic, our city can take pride knowing that we also care deeply about the health and safety of our fellow citizens and those who visit our amazing city. We’ll be back. Our community will rise like a phoenix, more beautiful and vibrant than ever.”
Folsom Street Events will continue to support its community of partners, including local beneficiary non-profits, sponsors, exhibitors, and artists. The board of directors and staff look forward to providing connection and service to the entire FSE family during this crisis. Folsom Street Events urges all those they serve to stay safe, stay inspired, and take care of each other.
For more information, visit www.folsomstreetevents.org.
