SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Community leaders, advocates and neighbors gathered Thursday in the Castro to protest proposed cuts to sexual health and community services.
Mayor Daniel Lurie has tasked the city’s San Francisco Department of Public Health with cutting $20 million from its budget.
Photo: KRON4 News.
The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club organized the rally. Organizers say the cuts would hit the LGBTQ+ community especially hard, with HIV and AIDS prevention, gender-affirming care and other key services potentially affected.
The San Francisco AIDS Foundation said it would be heavily impacted, estimating it could lose more than $1 million in funding over the next two years.
Founded in 1982 at the start of the AIDS epidemic, the foundation provides services for people living with HIV and AIDS and is one of the largest and oldest AIDS service organizations in the United States.
Mayor Lurie must submit his proposed budget cuts by June 1. The Board of Supervisors will then vote on a final budget.
Activists say the cuts represent more than numbers — they impact real people.