2026 Spirit of Stonewall Awards

San Diego Pride is honored to announce the 2026 Spirit of Stonewall Awards, a tribute to the fierce love, relentless mobilization, and unwavering leadership that has fueled our movement for decades.

As anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and the erasure of trans folks escalate across the country, it is vital to uplift the voices and power of LGBTQIA+ advocates fighting for our very existence. Our theme this year, Pride Shines On, recognizes that amid ongoing attempts to erase and silence us, organizers continue to show up, fight back, and celebrate queer joy. 

Our movement has faced moments like this before, and we remember those who stood boldly in the face of injustice. From the trans women of color who led the Stonewall uprising, to the Blood Sisters who organized, advocated, and cared for their communities throughout the AIDS crisis that began 45 years ago this year, our history reminds us that LGBTQIA+ people have always met fear and oppression with courage, compassion, and collective action.

This year’s awardees reflect the leadership in our community. From grassroots mobilizers and direct service providers to culture-shaping artists and faith leaders, these individuals and organizations remind us that our pride is rooted in love, resistance and unwavering commitment to authenticity.

2026 Spirit of Stonewall Honorees:

• Champion of Pride: Jackie Han

Over the past year, immigrant rights, trans justice, and many other civil liberties have come under increasing threat, with major legal battles unfolding at the local, state, and federal levels. Actions here in our own communities are shaping outcomes nationwide. For example, Mirabelli v. Olson, filed by Escondido teachers and parents, made its way all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. At the state level, the California Attorney General, alongside parents of transgender youth, have taken various legal actions against Rady Children’s Hospital over its plan to discontinue gender-affirming care for young people.

These cases demand immense investments of time, expertise, and financial resources. They are being fought, and often won, thanks to the unwavering commitment of LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Defenders: attorneys, legal professionals, and law firms across California and the nation.

This year, we proudly honor those who are defending our rights in the courts, from San Diego to the highest court in the land.

• Community Grand Marshal – LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Defenders:
  • ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties
  • Impact Fund
  • National Center for LGBT Rights
  • Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association
  • Transgender Rights Project
  • Western Center on Law and Poverty
• Community Service Award: Joe Fejeran 
• Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award: Pamuela Halliwell
• Inspirational Relationship Award: Dr. Eric Rafla-Yuan & Dr. Sean Kenmore
• Stonewall Service Award: Stepping Stone of San Diego
• Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award: Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego
• Light of Pride Award: Santee United Methodist Church

We invite you to join us in celebrating these outstanding honorees at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally — the official kickoff to San Diego Pride weekend that commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when the LGBTQIA+ community fought back against state-sanctioned police violence and discrimination. Thank you to our 2026 rally partner, The Brass Rail!

Save the Date:
Friday, July 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM
535 Robinson Ave, San Diego, CA | Across from the Brass Rail

Together, we rise. Together, we resist. Together, we shine on.

With Pride,

Brock and Esmé 

San Diego Pride Advocacy