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Couples wed in SF to commemorate 20 years since 'Winter of Love' same-sex marriages

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Couples wed in SF to commemorate 20 years since 'Winter of Love' same-sex marriages


SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — San Francisco is not only celebrating Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, but this week the city is celebrating 20 years since the “Winter of Love.”

That monumental time when the city challenged state law and began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Walking through the hallways of City Hall, Steve Gilman and Matthew Belmont hold on to each other tight knowing that many fought for what they decided to do Wednesday.

“I do,” said Gilman and Belmont as they held each other’s hands.

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It was 20 years ago this week that then Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered the city to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in what became known as “The Winter of Love.”

On Wednesday, Mayor London Breed commemorated the historic move with many of the key players that led the battle for marriage equality.

VIDEO: Same-sex couple reflects on 20 years of marriage equality in San Francisco

One of the couples who took part on the historic day of first same-sex marriages in San Francisco reflects on the past 20 years.

“We are celebrating the advocacy of so many of those same-sex couples who showed up to San Francisco year after year asking for the right to do what anyone else deserves the right to do. That is to marry the person they love,” said Mayor Breed.

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Among them, then city attorney Dennis Herrera who took the case to the Supreme Court.

“This is a terrific reminder of the battle that we fought 20 years ago and to see so many couples here, opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples. It’s what San Francisco is all about,” said Herrera, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission general manager.

Sitting up front was John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney. One of the first couples to marry in San Francisco. They renewed their vows on Wednesday.

An inspiration to many like Steve and Matthew who’ve been together for 28 years and took this step.

“To be part of something that is so important and so meaningful not just for us but really for history,” said Steve Gilman.

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“We had two days to plan so we have rings. Something borrowed, something new and something blue. Oh my goodness,” said Matthew Belmont.

MORE: This singles event lets friends use PowerPoint presentations to ‘pitch’ their single friends

That something borrowed are the rings given to them by Matthews parents.

“They were married 51 years. My mom came to visit us couple years ago and she said I want you guys to have these,” said Belmont.

A full circle moment also for the one marrying them, Carmen Chu the current San Francisco City Administrator and a key player in the battle for same-sex marriage.

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“I was the assessor recorder when same-sex marriages resumed in 2008. I think being able to continue to celebrate peoples loves. There couldn’t be a bigger honor,” said Chu.

A legacy carried on by the current City Assessor Joaquin Torres.

“It’s an extraordinary day for us just to celebrate love in the city. When so many people in this country want to roll back our opportunity to choose who we love and who we can be with,” said Torres.

VIDEO: Love story that transcends death: Bay Area man sends lifetime of flowers to his forever Valentine

Danville man sends lifetime of flowers to his wife every Valentine’s Day, even after his death.

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As to Steve and Matthew:

Luz Pena: “How does it feel to be married?”

Steve and Matthew: “We’ve been married since the day we met. We kind of have been, but now it’s real. It was always real, but now it’s official.”

The marriage licenses issued during the “Winter of Love” were ultimately voided by the State Supreme Court, leading to many legal challenges.

Marriage for same-sex couples was eventually legalized in California in June of 2013 by the U.S Supreme Court.

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San Francisco, CA

Soak up sunlight in SF with these 18 fun events

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Soak up sunlight in SF with these 18 fun events


Daylight saving time is here, and San Francisco residents have ample opportunities to take advantage of the extended sunlight. 

Here are some of the top events to check out this week in The City. 

San Francisco Camerata concert (Monday)

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An evening with Marc Teicholz and Eric Zivian (Monday)

Marta Lindsey chats with Nancy Botkin (Tuesday) 







Marta Lindsey

Author Marta Lindsey’s 210-page book “Discovering Golden Gate Park: A Local’s Guide” features contributions from walking and biking tour designer Nancy Botkin.



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Cindy Cohn chats with Cory Doctorow (Tuesday)

Ukrainian Games Festival (Tuesday-Wednesday) 

‘Moving San Francisco Lunchtime Talks’ (Wednesday)

Free art workshop (Wednesday) 







YBCA workshop

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ latest workship is inspired by “Double Horizon,” Sarah Sze’s public sculpture in the Yerba Buena Gardens. 



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‘Nintendo in Concert’ (Wednesday) 

‘Flourish: Art of Abundance’ (Thursday) 


SF Ballet Orchestra celebrates golden history with 50th anniversary concert

“It’s so rare to have such a long-standing, unique partnership,” ballet director Tamara Rojo said. “It deserves to be celebrated”

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Lurie, Mandelman propose major changes to city government

Mayor and Board of Supervisors president want voters to reform City Charter to centralize authority, make it harder to qualify ballot measures


New doc offers ‘hope’ after installation of Golden Gate Bridge safety nets

The nets were installed in 2024 as a suicide prevention measure after advocacy from survivors like Kevin Hines, who is producing a new documentary about them

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‘The MIX Indie Games Gallery’ (Thursday-Friday) 







The Mix

SFMOMA’s pop-up games gallery is located inside the Gina and Stuart Peterson White Box on the museum’s fourth floor. 

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Luther S. Allison’s residency (Thursday-Sunday) 

‘Pearls of Sorrow’ (Friday) 

‘Rogue Gestures/Foreign Bodies’ (Friday) 

‘A View from the Throne: Gina Schock — Inside The Go-Go’s’ (Saturday) 

San Francisco Giants Fan Fest Tour (Saturday)

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San Francisco Greek Film Festival opening night (Saturday)

Oscars viewing party (Sunday) 

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Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s annual gala (Sunday) 







Smuin Ballet

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The Smuin company in the world premiere of Jennifer Archibald’s “ByCHANCE” in October 2024. 






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San Francisco, CA

Demonstrators march in San Francisco on International Women’s Day

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Demonstrators march in San Francisco on International Women’s Day


People came out to speak out and speak up in San Francisco on International Women’s Day.

In San Francisco, demonstrators rallied and marched through Union Square, calling for not only the protection of women’s rights, but opposition to federal actions.

“I’m out here today for women’s rights, for all human rights,” Lacey, from the East Bay, said.

For over 100 years, people have recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

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The day also marks a call to action for gender equality. This year’s message varied, with some carrying signs calling for reproductive justice, women for peace not war and no war on Iran.

“We’re here today because the Trump regime’s attack on women and women’s rights is unacceptable and we have to rise of our millions we have to encourage that rising in our millions to defeat this,” Sully with Refuse Fascism said.

Sully was one of the speakers at the rally.

“We are going to be vehemently opposing the Trump regimes attack on Iran,” she said.

Meantime, Deborah and Paige who had their own take on the day.

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“We had the idea of dressing up like suffragettes to pay homage to our foremothers who led this very brave protest movement,” Deborah said.

They came with a reminder of their own.

“We want to remind people that protest movements do work,” Deborah said.

“Particularly, now that voting is really coming under attack with the Save Act,” Paige added.

After rallying, many in the group marched, vowing to keep speaking up.

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San Francisco, CA

Olympian Eileen Gu heads up Chinese New Year parade in her native San Francisco

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Olympian Eileen Gu heads up Chinese New Year parade in her native San Francisco


San Francisco rang in the Year of the Fire Horse with its annual Chinese New Year parade Saturday evening, with thousands of revelers cheering on hometown hero and Olympic champion Eileen Gu as its grand marshal.

The procession featured drums, dancing and floats celebrating the vibrancy of the Chinese American community in the oldest celebration of its kind outside Asia and one of the largest.

Civic leaders and performers paraded from downtown to Chinatown through popping firecrackers. Children marched wearing inflatable horses while lion dancers and martial artists waved to the crowd.

The parade was first organized in the 1860s by Chinese immigrants who came to work during the California Gold Rush and wanted to share their culture through a “favorite American tradition,” the parade, according to the event website.

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While the celebration always draws massive crowds, attendees were especially excited for Gu, who drew loud cheers.

Vanessa Chan of neighboring South San Francisco said she represents “cultural infusion.”

“She’s really wonderful. … She’s funny, sunny, and she represents positivity,” Chan said.

Gu appeared partway through the parade in a red dress, sitting in a red convertible adorned with flowers. The color is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity for the Chinese holiday.

Parade organizer Wiliam Gee said Gu was picked for the role by the middle of last year — before she competed in the 2025 Milan-Cortino Winter Games, where she won two silver medals and one gold, making her the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history.

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“The year of the horse brings a lot of new life and energy,” Gee said. “She definitely represents Chinese heritage and definitely is an icon.”

Gu has come under scrutiny for her decision to represent China in competition, and Megan Chin, also of South San Francisco, said she felt the Olympian was attacked unfairly.

“When you’re multicultural and you want to celebrate both heritages, it’s great to be happy for someone if they want to celebrate their other heritage as well,” Chin said. “I am proud of her.”

Calvin Lui, who attended with his young son, said he loved Gu’s representation of the city where she was born and raised as well as her Chinese heritage.

“That’s her identity, both countries — so she gets the best of both worlds,” Lui said.

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