The Sonoma
Valley Pride Story
Our Mission
To celebrate LGBTQ+ identity, foster community, and drive economic impact through inclusive events in Sonoma Valley.
Sonoma Valley Pride is proof that small actions have ripple effects
It started with a banner on the plaza. Sonoma Valley Pride was started to celebrate pride in the wake of rising inequality. Founded in 2020 by Gary Saperstein and Matthew Long, who crafted a banner to display on the plaza for the month of Pride. With the support of the City of Sonoma and, later, a partnership with Lisa Storment of WakeUp Sonoma, we’ve grown from displaying our beloved pride banners on the square into a pride festival Sonoma can be proud of.
Founding Members
Sonoma Valley Believes in Equality
For years, Sonoma City Hall has raised the Rainbow flag in support of its LGBTQ residents and visitors during Gay Wine Weekend. In June of 2020, Sonoma approved Sonoma Valley Pride to hang pride banners along the plaza.
A Banner to celebrate Pride
A lot of work went into the initial banner. Inspired by Gary Saperstein, designed by Matthew Long, and sponsored by so many wonderful businesses in Sonoma. The city approved our banner and we got to see it hung around the plaza for the first time on June 1, 2020.
The city comes out for pride
In 2023, our mayor wanted to help us make an impact, and she helped pave the way for our first official Pride gathering and event. We are so proud to be a part of such a wonderful city who loves and supports it’s queer community.
Our biggest pride celebration ever
In 2025, we took it a step further, joining forces with advocate Lisa Stormont from WakeUp Sonoma to bring pride to another level in the wake of increasing suppression and the rolling back of LGBTQ+ rights. Pride is a protest, and we welcome Sonoma’s first-ever Pride festival and biggest celebration to date where we stand Proud, Queer and we unite with our beloved community.