2025 Season of Events (Press Release)
Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation Announces 2025 Season of Events, Non-Profit Beneficiaries, and DJs for REAL BAD 36
The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 DJs and non-profit beneficiaries. The all-volunteer organization looks forward to welcoming guests home to 1015 Folsom twice this year to dance into the night as we come together to celebrate our circle of friends and raise funds for a number of excellent organizations serving the broader Bay Area's LGBTQ community.
On Friday, July 25, 2025, after a successful move to primetime, REAL BAD: RITUAL returns to 1015 Folsom to open Up Your Alley weekend. REAL BAD DJ alumni Deanne (REAL BAD 35) and Mascfish (REAL BAD 33) return for an unforgettable night.
Our infamous marquee event, now in its 36th year, closes out Folsom Weekend on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 1015 Folsom. Following tradition, GRGRF committed to donating 100 percent of the general admission ticket price of the historically sold-out REAL BAD, as well as 100 percent of net proceeds generated by RITUAL After Hours to six worthy LGBTQ nonprofits. Last year, the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation donated $328,000, and has given back more than $4.2 million to the community since 1989.
This year’s non-profit beneficiaries are LYRIC Center for LGBTQ+ Youth, SF LGBT Center, Oasis Legal Services, TACT (Trans Advocacy & Care Team), Books Not Bans, and The Trevor Project. Learn more about our 2025 beneficiaries here.
Non-Profit Beneficiaries
The four LGBTQ non-profit organizations named as Tier A 2025 beneficiaries of the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation represent diverse causes within the community. The beneficiary organizations selected to receive new or continued unrestricted Tier A grant funding this year are:
Oasis Legal Services (2025 & 2026)
LYRIC’s mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities.
TACT (Trans Advocacy & Care Team) (2025 & 2026)
TACT’s mission is to champion the wellbeing of transgender and non-binary individuals. We believe trans joy is possible when trans folks have access to the support networks they need to thrive. Our peer counseling and virtual network of support improves trans individuals' wellbeing by reducing isolation and barriers to care.
LYRIC Center for LGBTQ+ Youth (2024 & 2025)
LYRIC’s mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities.
SF LGBT Center (2024 & 2025)
The mission of the SF LGBT Center is to connect the diverse LGBT community to opportunities, resources, and each other, aiming for a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world.
Tom Tarn, Beneficiary Committee Chair said, “Awarding these grants was not a decision we took lightly. We carefully reviewed each application with a focus on community impact, equity, and long-term benefit. This process was guided by a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that these funds are used in ways that uplift and strengthen our communities.”
Tier B 2025 beneficiaries are:
Books Not Bans (2025)
Books Not Bans is a new, grass roots org that sends free boxes of our favorite queer & banned books to folks who need them the most - for free. In our first 18 months, we've sent over 2,100 books to groups across 16 red states: High schools, universities, drag story hours, youth centers, queer book clubs, and rural Pride centers
The Trevor Project (2025)
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
REAL BAD 35 DJs
Brady Prince (Chicago) - Main Room Headlining DJ
Brady Prince is an emerging DJ in the electronic music world, renowned for his high-energy blend of house, tech house, and techno. With a unique ability to merge genres effortlessly, he has captured audiences’ attention in clubs and parties, establishing himself as a versatile and sought-after DJ and producer.
His performances are driven by passion and creativity, delivering dynamic sets that keep dance floors moving from start to finish. Whether layering pulsating bass lines or crafting hypnotic grooves, Brady Prince brings an unmatched energy and cutting-edge sound to every event.
Matt Suave (Denver) - Main Room Opening DJ
Matt Suave, a former classical opera singer, has transitioned into a dynamic house music DJ known for his euphoric, disco-infused beats. Beginning in Chicago’s underground scene, he has performed globally, sharing stages with prominent artists like Purple Disco Machine and Kaskade.
His career highlights include closing for Paris Hilton’s debut party, a 2024 debut at EDC, and a planned 2025 performance at World Pride in Washington D.C. As the founder of PlayHaus, Denver’s premier queer artist and DJ collective, Suave has significantly influenced the city’s nightlife. His remixes and edits of popular artists like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé are widely played, and he continues to captivate audiences at major events such as NYC Pride and Sydney Mardi Gras.
Aleki (San Francisco) - Underground DJ
Aleki is an SF-based DJ and producer inspired by the unique interaction music creates between the artist and the crowd, amplifying emotions and fostering connection. With a passion for blending intriguing acoustic elements into deep bass rhythmic soundscapes, Aleki’s work brings a distinctive voice to the tech house, future house, and techno genres.
Their live sets are emotional and primal, crafted to help audiences release energy, revel in the moment, and connect with one another. Aleki’s music has been described as playful, bouncy, and cheeky, featuring creative beats and drops that inspire movement and joy. Listeners find themselves syncing to the groove of their soul—toe-tapping, head-bopping, and smiling as they lose themselves in the music.
Aleki’s vision is simple yet profound: to inspire movement, connection, and emotional release through their artfully crafted soundscapes.
Daniel Blair, REAL BAD 36 Events Chair said, “This 36th season, we’re not just showing up – we’re DEFYING THE ODDS with every step. With a new wave of fierce, passionate voices on our Events Committee and a slate of fearless beneficiaries, we’re building something bolder, more personal, and more impactful than ever before, for the Bay Area LGBTQ community.”
REAL BAD 36 will also feature world-class lighting, laser, and video production. The lighting and laser show will be designed and executed by Robert Sanders of RAGERLAZER. Visuals by Blanket.
Learn more about our REAL BAD 36 DJs and the latest event info here.
