Friend of Pride: An individual who does not identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, but who has stalwartly supported the LGBT community over an extended period of years and/or has made an exceptional contribution in the past year.
Since moving to the Uptown community, David and Jessica Mier have been dedicated to supporting San Diego’s diverse LGBTQ+ community in an effort to make a more inclusive environment for all San Diegans.
As the District Director for Congresswoman Susan Davis, Jessica oversees all district staff activities and is responsible for ensuring timely delivery of constituent services and community outreach, while also leading the local implementation of policy strategies, and among other things, advising the Congresswoman on LGBTQ+ issues. Jessica was recently honored by Nicole Murray-Ramirez (Empress Nicole the Great, The Queen Mother of the Americas) and The International Imperial Court for her efforts in facilitating the first-ever U.S. history wreath-laying ceremony for the openly gay revolutionary war hero, Baron Friedrich von Steuben. Jessica’s many years working for federal officials have included a long history of commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ causes, including advocacy work for LGBTQ migrants and ensuring equal rights for members in the armed services.
David Mier is the Director of Community Affairs for UC San Diego Health and is responsible for the health system’s community benefit activities. Since joining in 2011, David has been instrumental to the success of the health system’s LGBTQ+ internal- and external-facing initiatives, including its annual Hillcrest Medical Center Pride Month building lighting, inviting dignitaries and the community to join in the health system’s commitment to health care equality. David also manages the health system’s annual support of the Pride Parade and Festival, last year drawing close to 300 of its clinical and research faculty, staff, and students. David serves on the health system’s LGBTQ+ Health Leaders advisory committee, working with physician leaders towards establishing a multispecialty transgender clinic.
While certainly proud of their other personal and professional accolades and community involvement, the Miers are most proud of their volunteer work honoring our Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities by advocating for fair, equitable, and inclusive policies and practices. Both are active members of the Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol (where Jessica is the secretary), members of MANA de San Diego (where David is a board member), and both are actively involved with the Hillcrest Town Council.
Jessica and David live in Mission Hills with their always-fabulous cat, Lady Kitty Bumpkin.
David & Jessica will be honored at the virtual Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 17. Learn more about the rally, the other awardees, and the virtual event here.
We’ll also have a conversation with David & Jessica that will be livestreamed on our Facebook, YouTube, and website. Learn more about our livestreamed content here.
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.
