San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie Booed and Chased from Trans March Amid Budget Cut Protests

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie faced significant public backlash, including boos and shouts, and was ultimately escorted away from the annual Trans March at Dolores Park on Friday, marking the start of the city's Pride Weekend. The incident stemmed from widespread discontent over his proposed city budget, which targets various community services and nonprofits.

Attendees reportedly chanted, "You are not wanted here!" and "Fuck off!" as Mayor Lurie attempted to engage with the crowd. Video footage captured protesters confronting the mayor, with some shouting, "Do something for trans people!" as he crossed Dolores Street, escorted by security, and exited the event.

The protests at the Trans March are part of a larger wave of opposition to Mayor Lurie's budget proposal. The plan includes an estimated $200 million in cuts to nonprofit funding over two years, affecting essential services such as food banks, language-access programs, legal aid, and housing. Critics highlight that these cuts come while funding for police, sheriff's, and probation departments remains largely intact.

This public confrontation follows earlier demonstrations at City Hall, where hundreds protested the budget cuts, with some organizations, like Project Homeless Connect, facing potential closure due to significant funding reductions. The mayor's budget also proposes cutting 1,400 city jobs as San Francisco works to close an $800 million deficit.

The Trans March, which drew over 10,000 participants, traditionally serves as a powerful protest and community-building event, especially given ongoing national challenges to transgender rights. While the overall mood of the march was celebratory, the protest against Mayor Lurie underscored the community's demand for political accountability and support. Prior to the weekend, Mayor Lurie had emphasized public safety for Pride events, stating his "top priority" was ensuring everyone felt safe and free to be themselves.