Every year, San Diego Pride accepts nominations from the community for the annual presentation of the Spirit of Stonewall Awards. The awards recognize individuals or groups who contribute significantly to the LGBTIA+ community through their leadership, activism, and fundraising efforts. San Diego Pride is proud to present our 2025 awardees:
Racquel Willis
Raquel Willis is an award-winning author, activist, and media strategist dedicated to collective liberation, especially for Black trans folks. She is the co-founder of the Gender Liberation Movement and an executive producer with iHeartMedia’s first-ever LGBTQ+ podcast network, Outspoken. Raquel hosts two podcast series: AfterLives and Queer Chronicles. She is also the author of The Risk it Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation, which was published via St. Martin’s Press in November of 2023 to critical acclaim. Raquel served as the Grand Marshal for NYC Pride in 2024 and was named one of TIME’s Women of the Year in 2025.
Courtney Johnson
Courtney Johnson is a 34-year-old trans woman, celebrated drag entertainer, and dedicated trans activist. A proud titleholder of Miss San Diego Pride 2023 and Miss Gay Black San Diego 2024, she has also been recognized with the Hillcrest Icon Award for her contributions to the community. Courtney has organized numerous fundraisers and events to raise awareness and resources for LGBTQIA+ causes. She now serves as a Field Research Coordinator for the Trans Health Project and remains committed to uplifting and advocating for her community.
LGBTQIA+ Migrants & Defenders
Grupo Transgénero 2000 is a pioneering trans* support group that has been serving San Diego County since its founding in 2000 by Ms. Terry and Graciela Carranza. Created at a time when the fight for transgender rights was just beginning, the group emerged to meet the urgent need for community, visibility, and access to basic services. For 25 years, Grupo Transgénero 2000 has remained a vital, self-managed force—offering support, education, and leadership development without institutional funding. It has empowered generations of trans leaders while standing as a symbol of perseverance, service, and grassroots advocacy. San Diego Pride is proud to honor Grupo Transgénero 2000 for its historic contributions to the local transgender community.
Proyecto Trans Latinas
Founded in April 2018 by migrant trans women, Proyecto Trans Latinas emerged to meet the urgent need for services within the Latinx LGBT+TGI community in San Diego County. The organization’s mission is to empower Latinx migrant communities through advocacy, community development, empowerment events, and social services. Their work aims to improve mental, emotional, and physical health while building safe and affirming spaces. Proyecto Trans Latinas continues to be a vital force for justice, healing, and inclusion.
Fundado en abril de 2018 por mujeres trans migrantes, Proyecto Trans Latinas nació para responder a la necesidad urgente de servicios en la comunidad LGBT+TGI latinx del condado de San Diego. Su misión principal es empoderar a la población migrante latinx a través de la defensa, el desarrollo comunitario, eventos de empoderamiento y servicios sociales. Su trabajo busca mejorar la salud mental, emocional y física, mientras construyen espacios seguros y afirmativos. Proyecto Trans Latinas sigue siendo una fuerza vital por la justicia, la sanación y la inclusión.
Haitian Bridge Alliance
Under the leadership of founder and executive director Guerline M. Jozef, Haitian Bridge Alliance has become a nationally recognized organization advocating for the rights and dignity of Black immigrants, with a focus on Haitian and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. Through direct services, advocacy, and coalition-building, the Alliance uplifts the voices of marginalized migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and beyond. Their work continues to drive systemic change and international attention to the intersecting struggles of race, migration, and LGBTQIA+ justice.
Border Angels
Border Angels is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice along the U.S.–Mexico border. Through programs like Water Drops in the desert, Day Laborer Outreach, Shelter Aid in Tijuana, and the Familias Reunidas Immigration Bond Fund, the organization provides life-saving support to migrant and refugee communities. Border Angels also uplifts LGBTQI+ asylum seekers through partnerships with shelters like Jardin de las Mariposas, offering sanctuary and advocacy for those fleeing violence and persecution. Their work turns compassion into action, reuniting families, saving lives, and building a more just and loving future.
Bears San Diego Inc.
Founded in 1994, Bears San Diego is a vibrant membership organization that fosters community, inclusivity, and connection among bears and bear enthusiasts. For over 30 years, the organization has maintained a strong presence in San Diego through social events, fundraising, and support for local and national causes. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Bears San Diego has created a welcoming space that celebrates diversity across gender, body type, and identity. This year, they are proud to center the needs of the transgender community, with Title Holders Jimmy Trimble and Gio leading efforts to raise funds for Trans Lifeline. Through joyful connection and meaningful advocacy, Bears San Diego continues to uplift and unite the LGBTQIA+ community.
Jackette Knightley & Queens & Kings for Causes
Jackette Knightley is a multi-award-winning entertainer and internationally acclaimed LGBTQ+ recording artist whose work spans three albums and over 70 hit singles. Her music has topped charts across Europe, Canada, South Africa, and Australia, earning her accolades like Best LGBTQ+ Music Artist from Out Loud Music and Q Radio. Jackette uses her platform to raise funds and awareness for causes including SoCal LGBTQ+ centers, trans healthcare, DAP Health, APLA Health, BLM, and immigrant justice. Her contributions have been honored by city leaders, Congress, and multiple Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar winners. Through her artistry and activism, she continues to champion global LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion.
Cesar A. Reyes
Cesar A. Reyes is a San Diego-based creative director and longtime LGBTQ+ media leader with over 20 years in publishing. He has played a key role in launching and sustaining several queer publications and currently serves as Creative Director for Metrosource and GED Magazine. Alongside his partner JP, Cesar co-founded The WORD San Diego, a community-centered publication uplifting and informing the region’s LGBTQ+ population. Together, they also produce the Official Pride Guides for San Diego, Long Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles. Honored for his community engagement and artistic talent, Cesar continues to be a powerful advocate for representation in local media.
Bliss Vasquez
Bliss Vasquez (they/he/él/friend) is a creative and community organizer whose work centers intersectional justice for trans and nonbinary people. From early activism at age 15 to organizing with the Fight for $15 campaign, Bliss has spent years advocating for racial, gender, and economic equity. They currently work full-time at the San Diego LGBT Community Center and have facilitated Gender Enders Meet, a global virtual space for QTBIPOC adults, for over four years. Bliss proudly reclaims the term “gendertrash” in homage to The Transexual Menace and believes in direct action as a tool for liberation. They were recently accepted to ASU’s online master’s program in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, where they plan to help preserve and teach queer and trans histories for future generations.
Julie Hoffman & Summer White
Julie Hoffman and Summer White met during San Diego Pride in 1985 and have shared 40 years of love, activism, and community service. Both retired, Julie served as an RN specializing in HIV/HCV care, and Summer as an ophthalmic technician and lupus counselor. Together, they’ve volunteered with The AIDS Project, the GSGRA Rodeo, the Imperial Court de San Diego, and San Diego Girls of Leather, supporting LGBTQIA+ causes with unwavering dedication. Their enduring partnership and decades of community involvement continue to inspire and uplift. Julie and Summer are proud to be honored as the 2025 Stonewall Inspirational Couple of the Year.
Rev. Dan Koeshall
Rev. Dan Koeshall has served as Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of San Diego (The Met) since 2008. His journey with MCC began in 1997 after being dismissed from a nearly decade-long pastorate for coming out. Finding The Met—a spiritual home founded in 1970 by and for LGBTQIA+ people—was a life-changing moment that reaffirmed his calling. Since then, Rev. Dan has continued to lead with compassion, faith, and an unwavering commitment to queer inclusion in spiritual spaces.
