(San Diego, CA) – Actress, television star, and renowned transgender advocate Laverne Cox is coming to San Diego to be the keynote speaker for San Diego Pride’s annual Spirit of Stonewall Rally and flag raising this summer.
The rally will be held Friday, July 18 at 6:00 pm adjacent to the Hillcrest Pride Flag at the corner of University Ave. and Normal St. The Spirit of Stonewall Rally and flag raising will serve as the official kickoff of this year’s 40th Anniversary San Diego LGBT Pride Weekend.
“I am deeply honored to be a part of San Diego Pride,” said Cox. “When I think of Pride I can’t help but think of the legacy of folks like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, and so many trans folks who came before me and refused to allow anyone to silence their voices for equality and justice.”
Cox has shared her story and message across the country, through public speaking and published works. At San Diego Pride’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally, Cox will join other LGBT leaders, activists, and elected officials to honor the legacy of the LGBT movement and celebrate its accomplishments.
“Laverne Cox has dedicated her life to advocating for human rights,” said San Diego Pride Public Affairs Director Fernando Lopez. “The story of her mission to eradicate homophobia, racism, sexism, and transphobia has been an inspiration to many and will surely engage the cheering crowds at this year’s historic Spirit of Stonewall Rally.”
One of the largest such events in the nation, San Diego Pride’s weekend celebration will also feature a block party on Friday night, a 5k run and parade on Saturday, and a two-day music festival on Saturday and Sunday in Balboa Park.
For more information visit: sdpride.org
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.
