Dear Community,
As we continue to navigate a federal administration that is deliberately harming the most vulnerable communities across the nation, the importance of advocating and making our voices heard has never been more urgent. San Diego Pride’s Pillars of Justice serve as the framework for our year-round advocacy programming alongside the Pride Festival. They reflect the intersections within our vibrant community and affirm the many ways we must continue to fight for the liberation of all. As Audre Lorde reminds us, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” As we commemorate 100 years of Black History Month, it is essential to acknowledge that the fight for racial justice is inextricably intertwined with the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and is deeply connected to the ongoing struggles for justice faced by immigrant and Indigenous communities, who continue to experience displacement, criminalization, and systemic harm.
While we have seen meaningful progress over the years, much of it driven by movements led by transgender women of color, those hard-won rights are not experienced equally. Transgender women of color, particularly Black transgender women, continue to face disproportionate levels of violence, systemic discrimination, and economic marginalization. We must remain steadfast in addressing these disparities. Those who benefit from relative safety and privilege must step up with intention, accountability and action. By showing up, listening and using our voices and resources to confront injustice facing racially marginalized communities, we can move the movement forward together. Solidarity must move beyond words and into a sustained commitment.
We are navigating an increasingly complex and frightening moment in our movement, but we are not powerless. We will not be silent. We know the power we hold as a community, and together, we will continue to push towards liberation for all.
Brock Cavett
Director of Advocacy and Programs
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
