Nonprofit community groups and LGBT-oriented local businesses contribute more than half of the contingents.LGBT-affirming religious groups of many denominations contribute several dozen contingents.Politicians frequently participate in the parade, as a way of making themselves visible to LGBT prospective voters.

This contingent is notable for the swell in cheers (and some tears) that follow it along the route. It is common to see signs from all over Northern California. Many carry signs indicating where their PFLAG chapter comes from. These are typically the (straight) parents or family members of LGBT people, sometimes marching together with their LGBT relatives. Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), is usually one of the largest contingents, featuring several hundred people.PFLAG contingent at San Francisco Pride 2004