Times are hard. We fight on.

This week, in a year of setbacks and hardships, we made progress. Thanks to the leadership of strong LGBTQ ally, Board Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, San Diego County reignited the Human Relations Commission, now named for its original founder Leon L. Williams. This step to progress comes at a time when hate incidents and violence driven by racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and transphobia have been on the rise all across this country. 

What is most impressive and inspiring to me is the way diverse communities set their differences aside and worked to create a more equitable region. The vote on the County Board was unanimous; partisan politics were put aside in favor of progress. That is something our region does consistently well. 

Times are hard, and we’re all feeling it. We don’t stop fighting when times are hard. We fight because times have been hard, and we know we deserve love, liberation, and justice. Each imperfect step forward we take is one closer to that vision.

This year is hard. It’s testing our strength and our resolve. The plans we’ve canceled, the business we’ve lost, the income we’ve been denied, and the people who have been taken from us too soon. We fight on.

Tomorrow would have been Harvey Milk’s 90th birthday had he not been stolen from us. Despite being robbed of his life, his vision of providing hope to LGBTQ people all over the world continues on. Each and every one of you who participates in an ever-growing Pride celebration every year creates that visibility, and gives hope to all who see us. Together. Joyful. Not celebrating because we are free and equal citizens, but daring to be brave because we aren’t.

This year, as we get ready to celebrate Pride in a way that doesn’t allow us to be physically close, I hope you remain visible. Light up your building or house in rainbow colors. Hang your Pride flags in front of your homes and businesses. Share on social media and with us why Pride is important to you. This year we are still asking everyone to participate in Pride because we know that we are stronger together, especially when times are tough. We know that Together We Rise.

With Pride, Fernando Zweifach López
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Executive Director
San Diego Pride

P.S. Please submit a short video here of why Pride is important to you by June first, so we can include you in Pride Live 2020.

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About Fernando

Fernando Lopez is the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Lopez’s years of LGBT advocacy, nonprofit management, public education, diversity consulting, media relations, guest lectures, and organizing have made them a consistent presence ensuring the struggles of the LGBT community are ever visible.