Celebrating the Sober Community

purple sober community

Dear Pride Family,

High rates of substance use, misuse and abuse are well documented in the LGBTQIA+ community and our community is certainly no stranger to stress, harassment and traumatic experiences. The holidays can often amplify the challenges we face, but they also offer an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made, especially in sobriety. 

I’ve been fortunate to make sober friends over the past couple of years and it has given me the opportunity to explore safe havens in sober spaces in Hillcrest, North Park, and South Park. It’s given me the opportunity to celebrate sobriety as a powerful acknowledgment of personal growth, resilience, and commitment to a healthier, more authentic life. 

I’ve witnessed many sobriety milestones and whether it be days, months, or years, each represents hard work, self-awareness, and the support of a community or loved ones. Celebrating these achievements not only reinforces the progress made but also inspires others on their own journeys. Community- driven spaces such as The Kava Collective in Hillcrest on University Ave, provide space for sober folks to gather, offering tea, kava, and other nonalcoholic beverages. The space is highly eclectic and hosts regular meetings, fun events, and monthly rotating art shows.

Stepping Stone of San Diego, serves as one of the nation’s only alcohol and drug treatment programs specializing in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community. Stepping Stone has a proven track record in assisting people on the path to sobriety that has been helping save lives since 1976.
This organization offers many programs such as individualized treatment plans in Alcohol and other Drugs, Relapse Prevention, Sexual Health, as well as many other specialized programs. 

Spaces like these are essential on the journey to recovery, serving as a reminder that community is here. As we celebrate the holidays, let us also celebrate the strength and resilience it takes to stay on the path of sobriety, remembering that no one has to face this journey alone.

Josh Moats
he/him
Marketing and Communications Specialist
San Diego Pride

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About 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.