Dear Pride Family,
In moments like this, when many in our community are feeling exhaustion and despair, we are reminded of a comment from community organizer, Noun Abdelaziz, that “despair is a privilege you earn when you’ve done all you can. We have not yet earned that privilege.” This election result is painful, and it is a reminder that we, even more so today, have to unite together as one LGBTQIA community.
San Diego Pride reaffirms our commitment to the principles of equality, dignity, and respect for all people, particularly those within our own LGBTQIA+ community. While the election outcome has left many feeling concerned about the future, especially in light of the hate-filled rhetoric and policies that target trans and gender non-conforming individuals, we will remain resolute in our determination to protect and advance the rights of all LGBTQIA individuals.
Amidst the results that devastate us, we have wins that bring us hope. We have won protection for marriage equality here in California and also in Colorado. For the first time in US history, the US Senate will have two Black women serving at the same time. We also witnessed the election of the first openly transgender member of Congress, Sarah McBride of Delaware, which is a monumental step forward for our trans community with representation in our nation’s Capitol.
These wins matter and celebrating those wins matters.
Our work at San Diego Pride is more important now than ever. We stand in solidarity with those who feel vulnerable, and we pledge to continue fighting for a society where all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or background, can live with safety, equality, and pride.
The anticipated attacks on our LGBTQIA+ community, especially on our trans siblings, are terrifying and the conditions in which we will wage this fight are even more difficult. We must remember that our community has been in impossible conditions before and we have prevailed. We call upon generations of LGBTQIA+ ancestors and the resilience they taught us, and we move forward.
We also call upon allies, advocates, and organizations to unite and build a future where the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals are protected, and where love and acceptance triumph over hate and division. Together, we will rise above the challenges ahead, ensuring that our voices are heard and our rights are never taken for granted.
While we acknowledge that the political climate may shift, our values of diversity, respect, honesty and integrity and accountability are unwavering.
We will not back down. We will not mince words. We will not be silenced. We are San Diego Pride and we will always fight for equality and dignity together and in community.
In solidarity,
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.
