The World Changes When Queer Women Lead

Dear Community,

March is Women’s History Month, and as we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, I find myself reflecting on the power of queer women and non-binary people in shaping my own journey—and the world around us. This year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, calls on us to take action that unlocks equal rights, power, and opportunities for ALL women. And if there’s one thing I know to be true, it’s that when we uplift queer women, trans, and non-binary people, we change the world.

I came into my own in queer community because of San Diego Pride’s She Fest, an intentional space where LGBTQ+ women build community, share resources, and celebrate our collective power. It was at She Fest that I first found my people—folks who saw me, supported me, and pushed me to step into leadership myself. I continue as a passionate volunteer community builder and leader for Know Other Festival. 

I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of queer women leading change—whether it’s in our own backyards or on the global stage.

The Global & National Impact of LGBTQ+ Women

The struggles of LGBTQ+ women are connected worldwide. The victories of one of us ripple out to all of us.

Internationally, trailblazers like Nisha Ayub—a San Diego Pride Grant Awardee—are breaking barriers. Nisha co-founded SEED Malaysia and Justice for Sisters, creating life-saving resources for trans women, including T-Home, Malaysia’s first shelter for trans women. Her activism has earned international recognition, but more importantly, it has saved lives.

Here in the U.S., queer people are fighting for access to reproductive justice, gender-affirming healthcare, and mental health resources. The Urvashi Vaid National LGBTQ+ Women’s Community Survey found that 22% of LGBTQ+ women have attempted suicide, and 66% have sought treatment for trauma—a stark reminder that our fight for equality includes the right to safety, healthcare and dignity.

San Diego’s Legacy of Queer Women in Leadership

Locally, it is a powerful moment to have women leaders at the forefront of our movement. Leane Marchese– San Diego Pride, Cara Dessert – San Diego LGBT Community Center and Kathie Moehlig – TransFamily Support Services (an ally leading an LGBTQIA+ serving organization) are carrying forward the work of icons like Vertez Burks, Christine Kehoe, and Jeri Dilno, whose activism built the foundation of the LGBTQ+ movement in San Diego.

Take Action: Support the Work of Queer Women & San Diego Pride

The power of queer women and non-binary people is undeniable—locally, nationally, and globally. But progress doesn’t happen on its own. It happens because we show up for each other.

As someone whose life has been transformed by this work, I ask you to join me in supporting it. One of the best ways to uplift queer women, trans, and non-binary people is to support the work of San Diego Pride:

• Buy your ticket to the San Diego Pride Festival (July 19-20), the largest fundraiser that makes this life-changing work possible.

• Donate, volunteer, sponsor and unite with us in creating a future where ALL women and girls have the rights, equality, and empowerment they deserve.

Pride is more than a celebration—it’s a movement. And when queer women lead, the world changes for the better. 

See you at Pride!