We know that telling our personal stories is one the most powerful tools we as an LGBTQ community or any marginalized communities has in the fight against injustice. The raw, honest, and emotional portrayal of our struggles, and love, and lives is what changes hearts and minds, forges meaningful solidary, and ultimately changes society and policy in a way that positively impacts our lived experiences.
While there was an all too recent time that entertainment and media wouldn’t share the reality of our lives with truth or dignity, as our movement has progressed, we have been able to tell our stories in more formats with an ever-larger reach. I still remember a time when the Union-Tribune wouldn’t cover LGBTQ issues in a positive light or LGBTQ couples, yet just two Sundays ago they covered a full-page spread in the paper about the specific ways COVID-19 was impacting LGBTQ community, seniors, health care, sexual violence, and youth.
COVID-19 has again changed the way we communicate and tell our stories. Many of you have already seen how, over the last two months, we have been able to connect more people and tell more stories as we stream our programming live and join together in virtual meetings and happy hours.
Now we are in the huge undertaking of creating what a virtual Pride is and looks like. That doesn’t happen without you. We are asking everyone in our community to be a part of San Diego Pride 2020 by sharing your voice, your story. We’re going to ask you all to contribute to this massive project.
You know the value of what your experiences at Pride have meant to you and your life. Where you met your found family. Where you had your first kiss in daylight. The first time you felt free. The first time you felt home.
If we are going to create a meaningful virtual Pride, it’s something we’re all going to need to pitch in and help make happen. This global pandemic is impacting us all in different ways, but it will not take away the Pride we have all spent decades building. I’m excited to face this new challenge with you all. I look forward to seeing all the videos, all the stories you submit. We’re going to get through this together. We’re going to celebrate who we are together, and Together We Rise.
In Solidarity, Fernando Zweifach López
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Executive Director
San Diego Pride
Learn more about our virtual Pride here.
Fernando Lopez is the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Lopez’s years of LGBT advocacy, nonprofit management, public education, diversity consulting, media relations, guest lectures, and organizing have made them a consistent presence ensuring the struggles of the LGBT community are ever visible.
