2002
“Pride Worldwide” was the San Diego Pride theme that year. In the first San Diego Pride to take place in the post-9-11 world, Pride chose to stress that we should take the view that we are all citizens of the world. Pride continued to reach out to people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds in various ways, such as the Pride program, which continued to be a largely bilingual publication, and the Rhythms of the Nations dance floor.
LGBT
San Diego Lesbian and Gay Pride made its last name change to date in 2002 when it became San Diego LGBT Pride. The change was a long overdue recognition of the diversity within our own community. What had been Gay Pride in the ‘70s, Lambda Pride in the ‘80s, and Lesbian and Gay Pride in the ‘90s, had finally become LGBT Pride. The new name addressed the need to recognize the bisexual and transgender people in our community.
Back at the Organ Pavilion
The rally was moved from the street in front of the Center, where it had been held since 1994, to a new/old location at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. The Organ Pavilion had been home to the rally a number of times in the past, and provided enough space to accommodate a substantial crowd. There was no official keynote speaker, but the event was emceed by comedienne Marga Gomez.
Marching On
The parade took place the following day at noon, and featured Grand Marshal Carolina Ramos, the regional director for Bienestar. Other honorees included Champions of Pride, Aaron Borovoy, John Laird, James Ziegler and former Pride co-chair Judi Schaim. Outstanding contingents included The Flame, Rich’s and Hash House A-Go-Go.
Party Time
The festival had gradually grown in size since it originally moved to Marston Point/The Fruit Loop in 1993. What had originally appeared to provide more than an ample amount of space had begun to burst at the seams. The front gate was moved further north along Balboa Drive, and the Main Stage was moved to its current location on the corner of Balboa Drive and Juniper Street.
Inside, the festival offered a number of beverage gardens, a singles space hosted by the Bi Forum, multiple food courts and something to appeal to all members of the community. The Senior Connection provided a place for seniors to relax and socialize, The Xone stage did the same for LGBT youth under 25, and the Children’s Garden celebrated its 10th birthday.
Pride brought back some star power in 2002 in the form of Cyndi Lauper, who was the entertainment headliner at the festival. Other entertainers included local favorites the Kickers Cloggers, and Candye Kane. Sunday evening, comedienne and rally emcee, Marga Gomez warmed up the crowd before Cyndi Lauper took the stage and sang songs with a rainbow flag wrapped about her.