Category Archive: Press Releases

  1. JOINT STATEMENT

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    United LGBTQIA+ Organizations Support All Transgender People Seeking to
    Utilize Public Facilities


    JOINT STATEMENT

    As LGBTQIA+ organizations, we stand in solidarity with and support of Christynne Lili Wrene
    Wood, and all transgender people seeking to utilize public facilities. 
     
    Transgender women are women. Period. 
     
    Transgender people in San Diego County deserve safe and inclusive spaces to live, work, and
    play. All people deserve access to safe public shared spaces that treat them with dignity and
    respect, free of harassment and discrimination. This includes locker rooms at community
    organizations like the YMCA.
     
    The YMCA of San Diego County is an inclusive community space, and their policies related to
    facility usage are in line with state non-discrimination law and best practices for inclusive,
    welcoming spaces for our LGBTQIA+ community. 
     
    This incident does not happen in a vacuum: we have witnessed this fear-based narrative for
    decades and has escalated in the past few years to target our transgender community members
    specifically, putting our transgender and non-binary siblings in the crosshairs of this intentional
    polarization. So far in 2023, there have been over 150 anti-LGBTQ – mostly anti-transgender –
    pieces of legislation introduced in state legislatures across the country. With the increase in this
    rhetoric and transphobic legislation comes an increase in hate crimes and hate incidents against
    our LGBTQIA+ community.


    It is also important to recognize the racial implications of this incident – a white woman claiming
    the mere sight of a Black woman’s body as threatening is a dangerous perpetuation of racism.
    The reality of anti-Black racism in this country continues to be a pervasive and unavoidable
    aspect of our American culture, and contributes to the consistent danger that Black people –
    particularly Black transgender women – face every day.  We are committed to ending racism,
    anti-trans, and anti-LGBTQ bias and violence.


    JOINT STATEMENT FROM:
    The full list of organizations and institutions joining this statement can be found below.

    SIGNED BY ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS:

    1. ADL San Diego
    2. Art of Pride
    3. Diversionary Theatre
    4. Equality California
    5. FilmOut San Diego
    6. GLSEN San Diego
    7. Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center
    8. Jewish Family Service of San Diego
    9. Lambda Archives of San Diego
    10. Lambda Rising Soccer
    11. LGBTQ San Diego County News
    12. North County LGBTQ Resource Center
    13. Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest
    14. PFLAG San Diego County
    15. Proyecto Trans Latina
    16. Queer Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American Coalition
    17. San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition
    18. San Diego Community Birth Center
    19. San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus
    20. San Diego Original Black Panther Party for Community Empowerment
    21. San Diego Pride
    22. San Diego Pride Military Department
    23. San Diego Pride Youth Programs
    24. San Diego Women’s Chorus
    25. SD LGBTQ+ Latine Coalition
    26. She Fest San Diego
    27. St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
    28. Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, Inc.
    29. The Gender Phluid Collective
    30. The San Diego LGBT Community Center
    31. TransFamily Support Services
  2. Biden Signs Respect for Marriage Act Into Law

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    “Today is an inspiring victory for LGBTQ people as our right to marry the person we love is codified into federal law. This moment in our movement was made possible thanks to countless activists, organizers, and everyday people who fought for decades to ensure our LGBTQ families could have the same rights, protections, and responsibilities of marriage as every other American. Today, love has won.

    As we have seen throughout US history, LGBTQ people and policies are all too frequently used by far-right extremists to drive voter turnout with hateful tactics and misinformation resulting in dangerous and deadly consequences. This year was no different. 

    As a hyper-polarized political climate has continued to divide the Nation, the bipartisan effort to enshrine marriage protections for LGBTQ couples and families should serve as a beacon of hope. A vast majority of Americans, 79%, regardless of party affiliation, believe that LGBTQ people deserve equal protection under the law.

    After another deadly year for LGBTQ Americans, which also had the most anti-LGBTQ legislation in our history, this pivottable moment should remind us that there is more that unites us than divides us. That in the wake of hate, love will always rise.”

    Fernando Z. López

    Executive Director

    San Diego Pride

  3. SAN DIEGO PRIDE GRANTS RETURN, $136,000 TO 27 LGBTQ GROUPS

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    San Diego Pride announced the return of the San Diego Pride Community Grants program, providing more than $136,000 to 27 LGBTQ-serving organizations and initiatives.

    The COVID-19 pandemic halted the production of the traditional 2020 and 2021 Pride Parade and Festival, the organization’s largest fundraisers. The loss of funding forced the organization to pause its community grants and identify new funding sources in order to continue running its year-round education and advocacy programs.

    In 1989 the leadership of San Diego Pride envisioned a model of organizing and fundraising that, in addition to supporting the organization’s own events and programs, would turn a profit to be invested in building capacity within the LGBTQ community. This model helped San Diego Pride give out grants starting in 1994, allowing the organization to become one of the most philanthropic Prides in the world. San Diego Pride has given out over $3.2 million to LGBTQ-serving organizations locally, nationally, and globally. After a record-setting year in 2019 San Diego Pride distributed $340,000 to 60 organizations. 

    “Over the last 2 years, as the world changed, so did the ways we give back to our community,” said San Diego Pride executive director, Fernando Z. López. “During this time our philanthropy has looked like providing masks for seniors, free vaccines, food and clothing drives, scholarships for transgender students, and giving grocery gifts cards to bar and restaurant workers at LGBTQ-owned small businesses. Today we are finally able to bring back our Community Grants, and I am honored to be a part of a Pride organization that continues to focus on investing in our community and the broader movement.”

    2021 Funding Recipients include:
    California Community Education Center, Deaf Community Services, FilmOut San Diego, Gay Men’s Spiritual Retreat, GLSEN San Diego, Hillcrest Business Association, House of Resilience, Imperial Court de San Diego, Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center, Lambda Archives of San Diego, Live and Let Live Alano Club, Minority Humanitarian Foundation, Pacific Arts Movement, PFLAG San Diego, Pozabilities, Rainbow Spaces, San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition, San Diego County LGBTQ&Allies Employee Resource Group, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego Women’s Chorus, South Bay Alliance, Special Delivery, Stepping Stone San Diego, Stronghearted Women’s Coalition, Tracie Jada Obrian Transgender Student Scholarship Fund, Trans Family Support Services, Transgender Day of Empowerment

    “The last two years have been extremely challenging for everyone, and San Diego Pride is thrilled to be able to once again offer community grants to the many deserving organizations doing vital work,” said San Diego Pride Director of Philanthropy, Kelcie Kopf. “On a typical year Pride’s grant funding would have invested in local, national, and international LGBTQIA work. This year we are focusing our giving on smaller local organizations, to help foster their resilience as we all work to emerge safe and strong from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    San Diego Pride’s Holiday Mixer recognizes the organization’s annual community partners and grantees. Pride staff and grantees will be available for interviews.

    Thursday, December 16, 2021

    5:00pm – 7:30pm [Brief program at 6:00pm]

    Rich’s

    1051 University Ave

    San Diego, CA 9210

    About San Diego Pride

    Founded in 1974, San Diego Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally. Learn more at www.sdpride.org.

  4. SAN DIEGO PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL TO RETURN IN 2022

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    San Diego Pride is excited to announce the return of the annual in-person San Diego Pride week, including the Pride Parade and Festival, in July of 2022.

    “Pride brings us together in times of protest, mourning, victory, and celebration. Pride helps connect us to community and our found family. Pride gives us access to life-saving direct services and provides grant funding to our local and global LGBTQ community,” said Fernando Z. López, San Diego Pride Executive Director. “I’m inspired by the thought of our community coming together again. Together we will continue to pursue justice with joy.” 

    Pride week will begin Saturday, July 9, and runs through  July 17, 2022. The events include:

    • She Fest – July 9, 2022
    • Light Up the Cathedral – July 13, 2022
    • Spirit of Stonewall Rally – July 15, 2022
    • Pride 5K Walk & Run – July 16, 2022
    • San Diego Pride Parade – July 16, 2022
    • San Diego Pride Festival – July 16 – 17, 2022

    San Diego Pride’s Parade and Festival is the 4th largest Pride in the nation and hosted over 350,000 attendees in 2019. Past festivals have featured headliners like Kesha, TLC, Melissa Etheridge, and En Vogue.

    In 2020, San Diego Pride held the first-ever Pride Live where over 400,000 folks tuned in to celebrate the LGBTQ community. In 2021, San Diego Pride held over 40 hybrid virtual and in-person events, with over 100,000 attendees throughout Pride week.

    Since its founding, San Diego Pride has granted over three million dollars back to the local and international LGBTQ+ community from the revenue generated by the annual Pride week events.

    “LGBTQ diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our efforts to invite people to our vibrant city because when people feel welcome, they want to visit,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. “That is why we are so excited San Diego Pride is scheduled to return in 2022. It will highlight our friendly, inclusive spirit while attracting visitors to our hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions and boosting our local tourism economy.”

    Additional information for all events can be found at sdpride.org/pride. Early bird tickets for the San Diego Pride Festival are now available and can be purchased at seetickets.us/pride2022.

    “I’m delighted that Pride week is returning in 2022 in its full capacity; its events are true San Diego institutions,” said City of San Diego Council President Jen Campbell. “This return signifies how far we’ve come in our battle against COVID-19 and how close we are to returning to normal. Thank you San Diego Pride for not only the work you do for these events but every day to make us a better city for all.”

    “I’m excited San Diego Pride festivities will return for 2022 in full force; it’s an honor for our region to play host to one of the nation’s largest Pride celebrations,” said Nathan Fletcher, Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Pride Month in San Diego County unites communities, supports regional businesses, and benefits people served by local nonprofits. As an ally, I stand with our diverse LGBTQ+ neighbors as they continue to raise awareness, celebrate LGBTQ+ history and pursue equity, opportunity, and a future free from prejudice.” 

  5. OUT AT THE PARK CELEBRATES RETURN OF LGBTQ NIGHT WITH PADRES, THIS FRIDAY

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    OUT at the Park, an annual San Diego Pride tradition, returns this Friday when the Padres take on the Philadelphia Phillies. After cancelling 2020’s OUT at the Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to announce the event is completely sold out, with over 6,000 Pride fans ready to celebrate – the largest attendance in our nearly 30-year history of OUT at the Park.

    OUT at the Park ticket holders will enjoy a seat in the OUT at the Park section, an official San Diego Padres & Pride commemorative hat, and access to the pre-game VIP space in Park at the Park. $5 of each ticket sale goes back to San Diego Pride’s year-round education and advocacy programs.

    Guests will also enjoy the pre-game, family-friendly “Tailgate Party” happy hour event from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (food and drinks not included). The event is in conjunction with CocktailFest and features Black Gay DJ Pur Flo.

    “Over the years the Padres have demonstrated their commitment to active allyship in support of the LGBTQ community. Whether it was becoming the first MLB stadium to offer multi-stall gender neutral restrooms for fans, supporting our trans youth who will throw out the first pitch, and so much more; their intentional partnership sends a clear message that LGBTQ people are welcome and belong in athletic spaces,” said Fernando López, executive director, San Diego Pride.

    In response to the record-breaking year of anti-transgender legislation targeting transgender youth and children, San Diego Pride and the Padres have invited two transgender youth to throw out the first pitch and ring the ceremonial bell. Mack Goehring (he/him) is a young trans athlete and all-star soccer player, and Chase Matys-Gleason (he/him) is a young trans advocate and Mr. San Diego LGBTQ Teen Pride 2021.

    “I’m so honored and grateful to have this opportunity to throw the first pitch out at the Padres game,” said Mack Goehring. “Being a trans athlete, I am inspired by the Padres support of the LGBTQ+ community and of San Diego Pride, and I hope to encourage other trans athletes to play their very best!”

    “The Padres relationship with San Diego Pride continues to set an example for MLB, our fans, and all of professional sports,” said Billy Bean, VP & Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.  “Their year-round engagement and collaboration is what a partnership is all about.  As a former Padre, it brings me great joy to watch the OUT at the Park event and inclusive message grow.  It is going to be an amazing night at Petco Park!”

    “It’s always a huge honor to be asked to perform the Anthem on my home turf!,” said San Diegan and America’s Got Talent Finalist Brian Justin Crum. “Can’t wait to share the special moment with everyone at OUT at the Park!”

    ###

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is as follows: Fostering pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

  6. PRIDE ANNOUNCES WEEKEND EVENTS

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    San Diego Pride announced today the full lineup of events for 2021 San Diego Pride week July 10–18. Over 20 in-person and virtual events will help our LGBTQ community celebrate Pride all across San Diego County with this year’s theme, Resilient.

    San Diego Pride’s board, staff, and year-round program volunteer leaders worked with community partners, sponsors, and small businesses to create unique Pride celebrations that honor the breadth of diversity with options that feel joyful and safe.

    For all event details: www.sdpride.org/pride

    San Diego Pride Executive Director, Fernando Z. López: “This Pride will be different, but we will still gather, march, rally, mourn, and celebrate. Some of us will feel safe enough to join crowds, some will celebrate with close friends and family at home, and some will tune in from around the world. Pride started as a riot against police violence. Pride is a protest, a celebration, a gasp for air. Pride is our resilient unshackled vibrance gathered, pursuing justice with joy. However you choose to celebrate Pride with us this year, thank you. Your strength, bravery, and fearless queer brilliance carried you and us to brighter days. It is each of you who makes us collectively resilient.”

    Viejas Tribal Chairman, John Christman: “Viejas is proud to partner with and support essential community organizations like San Diego LGBT Pride. For years, Pride has provided invaluable services to the San Diego LGBT community, even more so during the recent pandemic. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Pride as its title sponsor for 2021 and to support all of the community services and programs Pride provides.”

    San Diego Pride Director of Philanthropy, Sarafina Scapicchio: “We are so grateful for this year’s sponsors who have intentionally invested in this year’s Pride celebration and our organizations so that our staff and volunteers can continue to provide 30+ year-round programs and events for our LGBTQ community during this on-going pandemic. We are especially thankful to the Viejas Band Of Kumeyaay Indians who are long-time sponsors and who stepped up to become our Presenting Sponsors this year.”

    Hillcrest Business Association Executive Director, Ben Nicholls: “The Hillcrest business community is extremely excited to welcome folks back to the neighborhood to celebrate Pride in all its forms this July! There are so many exciting events, and so many ways to support Pride and Hillcrest businesses.”

    insideOUT General Manager, Paris Quion: As we move forward from challenging times, be proud that we, like many times before, are moving forward together. An inclusive, united, strong, and proud community. We can make it through anything. Happy Pride!”

    Event Details:

    Pride at the Park: Saturday, July 17, 2021 – 2:00 PM
    Viejas Casino & Resort – 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine, CA 91901

    Pride: Together Again – Art Exhibition: Friday, July 9, 2021 – 6:00 PM
    San Diego Pride – 3620 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104

    She Fest: July 10, 2021 – 1:00 PM
    Hillcrest Pride Flag – 1500 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

    Resilient Community March: Sunday, July 11, 2021 – 11:00 AM
    Balboa Park – Upas Street & 6th Avenue

    Light Up the Cathedral: 7pm, July 14, 2021 – 7:00 PM
    St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral – 2728 Sixth AveSan Diego, CA 92103

    True Colors Revue: Thursday, July 15, 2021 – Sunday, July 18, 2021 – 7:00 PM
    InsideOUT – 1642 University Ave #100, San Diego, CA 92103

    Spirit of Stonewall Rally: July 16, 2021 – 6:00 PM
    Hillcrest Pride Flag – 1500 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

    Virtual Pride 5K: Friday, July 16 – Monday, July 19, 2021

    Pride Block Party: Friday, July 16 – Saturday, July 17, 2021 – 2:00 PM
    Hillcrest Pride Flag – 1500 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

    Pride Live: July 17, 2021 – 9:00 PM
    Online streaming on Facebook and YouTube

    Pride Youth Picnic: Saturday, July 17, 2021- 11:00 AM
    Pioneer Park, Mission Hills – 1521 Washington Place Mission Hills

    San Diego Black Pride: July 17, 2021 – 12:00 PM
    Solamar Hotel – 435 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

    Latinx at Mujeres Brew House: Saturday, July 17, 2021 – 3:00 PM
    Mujeres Brew – 1986 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

    Pride Military Pool Party: Saturday, July 17, 2021 – 2:00 PM
    Viejas Resort Allure Pool – 5000 Willows Rd, Alpine, CA 91901

    Pride at The Hive: Saturday, July 17, 2021 – 4:00 PM
    The Hive – 4428 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

    Pride Senior Coffee: Saturday, July 17, 2021 – 9:30 AM
    CoffeeNTalk – 1080 University Ave H105, San Diego, CA 92103

    Pride at Deja Brew: Sunday, July 18, 2021 – 11:00 AM
    Deja Brew – 2528 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104

    Pride Family Gathering: Sunday, July 18, 2021 – 9:30 AM
    San Diego Youth Services – 3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977

    San Diego Loyal – OUT at Event: Saturday, July 24, 2021 – 7:30 PM
    Torero Stadium – 5959 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110

  7. PRIDE ANNOUNCES SPIRIT OF STONEWALL AWARDEES

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    San Diego Pride is proud to announce the 2021 recipients of the Spirit of Stonewall Awards. Pride annually accepts nominations from the community to recognize individuals, organizations, and groups who have contributed significantly to the LGBTQ community through their leadership, activism, and fundraising efforts. Awardees will be honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally and during our Pride Live 2021 livestream event.

    This year’s recipients include:
    Champion of Pride – Dwayne Crenshaw
    Community Grand Marshal – Moe Girton
    Stonewall Service Award – San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition
    Inspirational Relationship – Jamie Arangure & Frannya Tuchman
    Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award – Matt Morrow
    Stonewall Philanthropy Award – The Burgess Family
    Community Service – Ana Laura
    Light of Pride – Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition
    Friend of Pride – County of San Diego Board of Supervisor Chair Nathan Fletcher

    This year’s awards include the inaugural Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award. The award is named after San Diego Pride’s first Latino co-chair, the late Larry T. Baza. Larry was known as an LGBTQ, art, and intersectional human rights advocate and activist. Baza was a mentor to countless people across generations. Our community lost Larry to COVID-19 earlier this year.

    “Since Pride’s first permitted march in 1975, we honor the origins of our movement at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally. Our annual rally weaves together our intergenerational intersectional movement by honoring those who are leading the way and calling our community to action,” said Pride Executive Director Fernando López. “Our LGBTQ community is under attack across this country. Honoring our heroes and connecting ourselves to our history, reminds us all that we are still not equal under the law and drives us to pursue justice with joy.”

    The annual Spirit of Stonewall Rally kicks off Pride weekend on Friday, July 16 at 6:00 PM at The Hillcrest Pride Flag (1500 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103) and commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when the LGBTQ community fought back against state-sanctioned police violence and discrimination. Hosted by the Hillcrest Business Association and held in conjunction with the annual Pride of Hillcrest Block Party, this year’s rally will be a scaled back, in-person event and streamed online.

    Additional San Diego Pride 2021 details will be announced in June.

  8. San Diego Pride Announces 2021 Adaptations

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    After months of planning and consideration, San Diego Pride recognizes that in 2021 there is still no certain path to safely produce Pride events at the same immense scale we did prior to the pandemic. Instead, San Diego Pride will host a virtual streaming Pride Live event that can be viewed safely from home and will also produce a number of smaller, COVID-19 compliant, and scalable in-person satellite events across San Diego County to allow us the ability to adapt to the changing state of public health guidance while allowing our community to participate in the ways they feel most supported and safe.

    San Diego Pride’s staff and year-round program volunteer leaders will team up with our community partners, sponsors, and small businesses to produce or promote unique Pride celebrations in COVID-19 compliant venues. These live streaming and in-person events will celebrate San Diego’s many distinct LGBTQ communities in ways that uplift diverse cultural identities and experiences.

    “I appreciate the care that San Diego Pride is taking to ensure the safety of our LGBTQ community for this year’s Pride celebration. While I am filled with hope that we are making progress against the COVID-19 pandemic, we must still take the necessary precautions to protect one another. It was my pleasure to participate in last year’s virtual Pride event, and I look forward to celebrating with you all again, in the safest way we can,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins

    “I appreciate San Diego Pride’s resiliency and adaptability in this moment. It is a testament to the strength of our LGBTQ+ community that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can still find ways to be proud and celebrate each other,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “San Diego Pride is doing exactly that as they work to honor our annual celebration in ways that are safe and meaningful.”

    For decades, San Diego Pride has brought together hundreds of thousands of people to celebrate, mourn, and protest while raising millions of dollars to support the LGBTQ community locally, nationally, and globally. In 2020, COVID-19 stripped away funding and completely changed the way San Diego Pride served our community. Our community could not meet in person, yet Pride virtually reached more than 700,000 people, more people than ever before.

    “I applaud San Diego Pride for their diligent and thoughtful efforts to create a virtual gathering space for the community while also standing by for health guidance on public gatherings,” said San Diego City Council President Dr. Jen Campbell. “Whether online or in person, I hope you will participate in San Diego Pride 2021!”

    San Diego Pride and our partners have been in constant communication with local, state, and federal elected offices and public health officials who have helped us make the determination that while the state of allowance for public gatherings, COVID-19 guidance, and infection rates are improving with vaccine rollouts, there is much about the future that is still uncertain. This measured approach to reopening allows us and our over 500 partner groups, companies, and institutions to adjust to the changing guidelines and public health status in ways that feel best and safest to them while still celebrating Pride.

    “San Diego Pride is a pillar of the community and continues to advance equality and dignity for all LGBTQ people,” said California State Assemblymember Chris Ward. “I applaud San Diego Pride for taking steps in prioritizing the health and safety of San Diegans and our entire region. I’m looking forward to this year’s virtual event as well as attending in-person Prides in the future.”

    Pride Event Details:
    The details such as time, location, capacity, and entertainment content for Pride 2021’s limited-capacity in-person events will be announced the first week of June. If public health guidance allows, capacity at these events may increase as the date of each event approaches.

    She Fest: July 10, 2021
    Annual LGBTQ+ woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women.

    Light Up the Cathedral: 7pm, July 14, 2021
    Annual LGBTQ Interfaith Celebration in partnership with St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral.

    Spirit of Stonewall Rally: 6pm, July 16, 2021
    Annual Rally honoring our movement’s origins, celebrating those who are leading the way, and calling our community to action around some of our most pressing issues.

    Virtual Pride 5K: Date Range TBA
    Annual Run/Walk hosted by San Diego Front Runners & Walkers raising funds for San Diego Pride and the Sunburst Youth Housing Project.

    Pride Live: July 17, 2021
    Our second virtual Pride celebration showcasing our community organizations, volunteers, leaders, elected officials, businesses, and entertainers that make Pride possible every year.

    Pride Community Events: July 17-18, 2021
    Smaller, diverse in-person community Pride celebrations spread across San Diego County.

    “I support Pride’s difficult decision to modify this year’s festival in the interest of public safety. I know how much our community, myself included, look forward to it every year. I am excited for next year when we can all gather together in-person again; there will be even more to celebrate,” said Nathan Fletcher, Chair, Board of Supervisors, County of San Diego.

    “I am forever grateful to each and every volunteer, donor, staff and board member, elected official, community member, small business, and sponsor who not only stayed with us but actually leaned in and stepped up their support during the most challenging and traumatic years in generations. It is each of them, each of you, who lifts up our community and makes Pride possible. Your individual strength, brilliantly diverse creativity, and unstoppable drive keep our community and our movement resilient,” said Fernando Z. López, Executive Director. “San Diego Pride, each of us, and all of humanity need to heal from the toll COVID-19 has taken on all of us. That will take time. While I know that this year’s Pride events may again look different, next year’s Pride will be a massive unforgettable celebration.”

  9. Hate Crime in Oceanside

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    Press Release sent on behalf of: North County LGBTQ Resource Center

    Hate Crime in Oceanside

    While enjoying a meal at a local Oceanside restaurant on November 24, 2020, a 41-year-old, openly gay man was stabbed three times in a violent attack that nearly killed him. The attacker was unknown to the victim and the attack itself was entirely unprovoked. The victim, “Geremias Martin” was simply enjoying a meal with his friends- another gay man and a transgender woman- and none of them had any exchange of any kind with the attacker preceding the attack, and the attacker did not steal or rob the victim. The only apparent motive was hatred of LGBTQ+ people.

    Upon reviewing closed circuit camera footage of the attack, Oceanside Police were able to identify the attacker, and he was someone previously known to them. Based on the evidence available, witness accounts, and the severity of the attack, charges of Attempted Murder were filed, but the suspect subsequently fled the country and has not yet been apprehended.

    In situations where a violent crime has been perpetrated against a person, a fund, managed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s office, is available to support that victim of crime while they recover. This fund is designed to assist victims with things like medical costs, relocation expenses, mental health services, and loss of income, among other things. Unfortunately, the reality is that accessing the funds and services, especially when one is a recent victim or is still recovering from injuries received in a criminal attack, is slow, tedious, and full of red tape.

    Nearly 2 months have passed since this violent hate crime occurred and “GM” is still left unable to work, in need of physical and emotional support, and at risk of becoming homeless at no fault of his own.

    The North County LGBTQ Resource Center denounces this hate crime and attack and stands in solidarity with “GM” to make sure justice is done and the attacker is found and held accountable for their crimes. The Center has stepped in to support “GM” with essential needs like rent, food, and emotional support services, but our resources are limited. The nature of “GM’s” injuries mean he won’t be able to return to work for months. He has no family to lean on during his recovery and the risk of homelessness is significant.

    The North County LGBTQ Resource Center is now speaking publicly about this crime. While initially respecting OPD’s request for silence regarding this incident (to avoid any potential interference with their investigation), after two months of official silence we now feel the community of Oceanside and its citizens need to be made aware that hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community continue to occur, and we need to condemn them together and insist that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

    The North County LGBTQ Resource Center calls upon the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to promptly assist “GM” through the Victims Assistance Program with funds to assist with medical care, housing, transportation and other vital needs to make sure that “GM” can be properly cared for and heal without losing of his home.

    The North County LGBTQ Resource Center also calls upon the San Diego County District Attorney to file this attack as a Hate Crime. The evidence of the case is clear- this crime was a hateful attack against a member of our community. While the law requires “intent by a perpetrator to show or vocalize the reason for an attack,” even with the absence of these acts, the reality of the attack is clear. Unfortunately, too often, law enforcement and the justice department use the lack of clear hate speech during the commission of a crime as a reason NOT to file hate crime charges, resulting in lower sentences and an overall loss of trust in the criminal justice system for victims and the community at large. Therefore, we also encourage legislators to eliminate this loophole in the law with clear, simple language that removes some of the discretion that allows obvious hate crimes to be diminished by those charged with protecting all of us.

    Lastly, the North County LGBT Resource Center is sharing and supporting the GoFundMe that Geremias M. has created to quickly provide relief.

  10. Pride to Distribute $10,000 in Groceries and Gifts

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    SAN DIEGO, CA (December 16, 2020) – Thanks to a generous donation from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and a Nourishing Neighbors grant from the Albertsons Companies Foundation, San Diego Pride will be distributing over $10,000 in groceries and gifts to LGBTQ community members in need. 

    Distribution will take place at the San Diego Pride office located in North Park (3620 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104) on Saturday, December 19, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

    A call to pre-register was sent to LGBTQ community members in early December with a portion of the grocery gift bags reserved for LGBTQ seniors.

    “Through seemingly impossible circumstances LGBTQ San Diegans and our allies continue to work together to meet the challenges of our time,” said San Diego Pride  Executive Director, Fernando Z López. “With COVID rates dramatically on the rise and hope resting clearly on the horizon, every little bit we can do to support each other through to the other side of this pandemic will be critical to long term stability of our community and movement.”

    “We are so proud to be able to make a second round of grocery relief to LGBTQ community members who have been negatively impacted by this on-going pandemic,” said San Diego Pride Director of Philanthropy Sarafina Scapicchio. Even in this difficult year, when we were unable to bring the community together in-person, our LGBTQ community has proven we can still take care of each other. Whether it is distributing groceries, masks and PPE, or scholarships or just connecting virtually, San Diego Pride’s staff and volunteers will continue to be of service.”

    Despite operating at a loss in 2020, San Diego Pride was able to continue its philanthropic giving this year by distributing $56,500 in direct aid with the help of sponsors, grants, and community donations. 

    San Diego Pride works to return proceeds from the annual Pride week to the LGBTQ community through philanthropic giving, sponsorships, and event support. Since 1994, community contributions have well exceeded 3 million dollars.

    Media Contacts:

    Alex Villafuerte, Marketing & Communications Manager, [email protected]

    Media Kit: https://sdpride.org/mediakit/

    ###

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is as follows: Fostering pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

  11. Pride was a riot.

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    “And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear? … It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice and humanity.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

    Today, the first day of Pride Month, as the nation rages and mourns in the wake of stolen black lives, I can’t help but reflect on our shared experiences. Pride was a 3-day riot against legal state-sanctioned police violence long before it was a celebration.

    To this day we are not free. To this day we are not equal.

    The work our LGBTQ community does every single day to fight and advocate for equality and justice for all is vital, necessary work. San Diego Pride’s year-round education and advocacy programs serve that mission.

    Pride Celebrations, where we dare to bravely cast our love and joy into the daylight, are themselves acts of protest. The first Pride marches were called “Christopher Street Liberation Day Marches,” but their names changed over time. Our movement chose the word “Pride” in protest and opposition to the weaponized word “shame” that was used to dehumanize us with dire consequences.

    During the Holy Week Uprising of 1968, the nation was moved to riot upon learning of the assassination of black civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    In 1969, our community fought back against police violence at Stonewall. A riot we commemorate and honor every year.

    The White Night riots in 1979, sparked by a lack of justice for LGBTQ civil rights leader Harvey Milk.

    Now, George Floyd Protests have sparked across the world, calling out for justice and an end to the killing of innocent black lives.

    Every LGBTQ person should be taking a stand against anti-black racism and acting to end the violence against our black siblings everywhere. We at San Diego Pride continue to be committed to that hard and meaningful work.

    Solidarity. Arm-in-arm. Fighting oppression together. That is our path to liberation.

    We are diverse. Our villains are the same.

    United we stand. Divided we fall. Together we rise.

    With Pride,

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

    George Floyd. Say his name.
    Tony McDade. Say his name.
    Breonna Taylor. Say her name.
    Ahmaud Arbery. Say his name.

    Support Local Black-led Organizations:
    San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition
    Black Lives Matter San Diego
    Blackline
    BlacQ Space
    March For Black Womxn San Diego
    The Gender Phluid Collective
    RISE San Diego
    San Diego Bail Fund
    San Diego Original Black Panther Party
    The Soulcial Workers

    Please Note: This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point of Black-led organizations serving our community.

  12. Over $340,000 granted to LGBTQ Organizations from San Diego Pride

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    2019 San Diego Pride Festival

    San Diego, California (December 12, 2019) — Following their most successful Pride event to date, San Diego Pride is pleased to announce their 2019 charitable giving will exceed a quarter of a million dollars. These funds will be distributed to 61 LGBTQ-serving organizations across the globe.

    San Diego Pride works to return proceeds from the annual Pride week to the LGBTQ community through philanthropic giving, sponsorships, and event support. Since 1994, community contributions have well exceeded 3 million dollars. 

    “San Diego Pride, our events, and year-round programming are made possible by our 70 LGBTQ-serving nonprofit community partners, 117 sponsors, 575 entertainers, 1,966 volunteers, 55,000 Festival attendees, and 350,000 Parade attendees,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director Fernando López. “It is a thing of beauty to be a part of so many people working collectively to highlight the LGBTQ community’s vital resources, rich history, and innovative talent. I love that we are able to join in celebration, as we pursue justice with joy, and reinvest proceeds into the health and happiness of our LGBTQ community.” 

    In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the theme for San Diego Pride 2019 was Stonewall 50: A Legacy of Liberation as the organization honored the Stonewall generation, their activism, and what the community has gained through their efforts. The San Diego Pride Festival that generates these philanthropic funds is built on the shoulders of hundreds of LGBTQ activists and artists including the iconic Melissa Etheridge and breakout star King Princess who continue to help us all celebrate and honor the LGBTQ community.

    “We know that LGBTQ-serving organizations are chronically underfunded across the globe. This is why San Diego Pride intentionally reinvests proceeds from our annual celebration to show the world that LGBTQ people can come together to support our own community’s health, well-being, and safety,” said San Diego Pride’s Director of Philanthropy Sarafina Scapicchio. “This year’s grants will fund vital LGBTQ-focused programming locally, nationally and globally for the most marginalized members of our community – from services for LGBTQ seniors here in San Diego to a drop-in center for LGBTQ youth in Ohio to housing for homeless trans women in Malaysia. We are incredibly proud to be the most philanthropic pride celebration in the world.” 

    The 2019 Grant recipients are:

    Being Alive San Diego HIV/AIDS Services, Bilitis Resource Center Foundation (Sofia, Bulgaria), BlacQ Space (San Diego, CA), Breakthrough Workshop Theatre (San Diego, CA), Building Blocks (Las Vegas, CA), Center for Community Solutions (San Diego, CA), Children of the Sun Foundation (Wakiso, Uganda), Colors+(Fairview Park, OH), County of San Diego LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group, Creating Kin (San Diego, CA), Diversionary Theatre (San Diego, CA), Fondo de Asistencia para el SIDA AC (Tijuana, Mexico), Fraternity House, Inc. (San Diego, CA), Free to Thrive (San Diego, CA), GLSEN San Diego, Greater San Diego Business Association Chartiable Foundation, Imperial Court de San Diego, Interfaith Shelter Network of San Diego, Interpride – Scholarship Foundation, Interpride Solidarity Fund, Lambda Archives of San Diego, LGBTQ Center of Riverside County, Live and Let Live Alano Club (San Diego, CA), Mama’s Kitchen (San Diego, CA), Media Arts Center San Diego, FilmOut San Diego, Minority Humanitarian Foundation (San Diego, CA), Missiongathering Christian Church (San Diego, CA), North County LGBTQ Resource Center (San Diego, CA), Pacific Arts Movement (San Diego, CA), Paducah LGBT Welcome Center (Paducah, KY), PFLAG San Diego County, Pink Triangle (Uganda), POZabilities (San Diego, CA), QLatinx (Orlando, FL), Quatrefoil Library (Minneapolis, MN), RISE San Diego, San Diego American Flag Football League, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego Historical Society, San Diego Trans Pride, San Diego Unified Council of PTAs, San Diego Women’s Chorus, Pakistan Trans Pride (Punjab, Pakistan), Seed Foundation (Southeast Asia), South Bay Alliance Association Inc.(San Diego, CA), Special Delivery San Diego, Stepping Stone San Diego, Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol (San Diego, CA), Strength for the Journey (San Diego, CA), The Gender Phluid Collective (San Diego, CA), The LGBTQ Center (South Bend, IN), Transgender Military Support Project (San Diego, CA), The Recovery Ride (San Diego, CA), The San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition (San Diego, CA), The San Diego LGBT Community Center, TransFamily Support Services (San Diego, CA), Transgender Day of Empowerment & Tracie Jada O’Brien Transgender Student Scholarship Fund (San Diego, CA)

    Tickets are now on sale for the 2020 Pride Festival, held July 18 and July 19, 2020 in Balboa Park. Purchase tickets here: www.sdpride.org

  13. Interfaith Leaders Voice Support for Chula Vista Library’s Drag Queen Story Hour

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    Interfaith leaders stand in solidarity with the City of Chula Vista, the Chula Vista Public Library, and Chula Vista Councilmember Stephen Padilla as they continue their plans to host the Drag Queen Story Hour happening on Tuesday, September 10 at the Chula Vista Public Library Civic Center Branch.

    The nationally known hate group “MassResistance” with ties to anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigrant, and white supremacist activists and values have been actively protesting the Chula Vista Public Library and attempting to have the event canceled.

    DevOUT, an interfaith coalition of San Diego Pride, and over 70 interfaith community leaders and faith groups throughout San Diego County including the First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista and Unitarian Universalists of the South Bay signed on to a letter offering support and commending the City of Chula Vista’s efforts to promote inclusion, equality, and love through their programming.

    “Our commitment to our communities is to create inclusive environments that honor the wholeness of all people,” said Reverend Tania Marquez of Unitarian Universalists of the South Bay. “I commend the work of the City of Chula Vista library for their commitment to create inclusive and LGBTQ+ affirming programming. All genders and all gender expressions are whole and holy.”

    In addition to the scheduled drag queen story hour, community members are congregating at the library for a “love demonstration” as a way for supporters to come together and peacefully demonstrate love and acceptance.

    Interfaith leaders stand in solidarity with the City of Chula Vista, the Chula Vista Public Library, and Chula Vista Councilmember Stephen Padilla as they continue their plans to host the Drag Queen Story Hour happening on Tuesday, September 10 at the Chula Vista Public Library Civic Center Branch. 

    The nationally known hate group “MassResistance” with ties to anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigrant, and white supremacist activists and values have been actively protesting the Chula Vista Public Library and attempting to have the event canceled.

    DevOUT, an interfaith coalition of San Diego Pride, and over 70 interfaith community leaders and faith groups throughout San Diego County including the First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista and Unitarian Universalists of the South Bay signed on to a letter offering support and commending the City of Chula Vista’s efforts to promote inclusion, equality, and love through their programming. 

    “Our commitment to our communities is to create inclusive environments that honor the wholeness of all people,” said Reverend Tania Marquez of Unitarian Universalists of the South Bay. “I commend the work of the City of Chula Vista library for their commitment to create inclusive and LGBTQ+ affirming programming. All genders and all gender expressions are whole and holy.” 
    In addition to the scheduled drag queen story hour, community members are congregating at the library for a “love demonstration” as a way for supporters to come together and peacefully demonstrate love and acceptance.

    List of Interfaith Community Leaders and Faith Group supporters
    Taylor Binney, First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista
    Leslie Bunker, First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista
    Alan Hay, First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista
    Reverend Tania Marquez, First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, South Bay
    Rev. Dr. Brian Parcel, First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista
    Reverend Brandan Robertson, Missiongathering Christian Church (DevOUT Co-Chair)
    Minister Anna Runion, Pilgrim United Church of Christ (DevOUT Co-Chair)
    The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
    Commissioner Susan Jester, St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
    Reverend Bailey Brawner, Mission Hills United Methodist Church
    The Very Reverend Penny Bridges, St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
    Reverend Mary Brookshire, Pioneer Ocean View United Church of Christ
    Rabbi Laurie Coskey Ed.D, Chavurah Kol Haneshamah
    Reverend Amanda Dohring, Vista La Mesa Christian Church
    Reverend Nancy Fowler, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Vicar Courtney Geibert, Christ Lutheran Church
    Reverend Julie Germain, Vista La Mesa Christian Church
    Pastor Wendy Holland, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Reverend William Hurd
    Reverend Katherine Katsanis-Semel, Metropolitan Community Church
    Reverend Michael Kinnamon, Vista La Mesa Christian Church
    The Rev. Dr. Richard Lee, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
    Reverend Caleb Lines, University Christian Church
    Rabbi Devorah Marcus, Temple Emanu-El of San Diego
    Reverend Jeff Martinhauk, St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
    Reverend Gary Matson Sr, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Reverend Cheri Metier, Interfaith Worker Justice of San Diego County
    Reverend Kathleen Moehlig, Unity
    Father Michael Nicosia, Ecumenical Catholic Communion
    Reverend Kathleen Owens, First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
    Reverend Bob Rhodes, Pacific Beach United Methodist Church
    Pastor Sandy Roberts, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
    Reverend Doctor Steven Shepard, University Christian Church
    Reverend Sharon Wylie, Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation
    Rachel Adams, The Rock Church
    Abby Algarin, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Ms. Susan Bourrillion, University Christian Church
    Crystal Canez, Kensington Community Church
    Martha Casillas
    Sandy Chase, Lutheran
    Andrea Beth Damsky, Chavurah Shir Ha-Yam
    Emmanuel De Guzman, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Jeri Edwards, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Jenniet Galvan
    Michelle Gorman, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Poway
    Mrs. Nakeedra Haskell, Pilgrim United Church of Christ
    Blake Jones, Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
    Mario Juarez
    Nadia Kean-Ayub, Catholic, Chula Vista, CA
    Dr. Carole Kennedy, University Christian Church
    Alex Kip, Oceanside Sanctuary
    Dr. Robin Knauerhase, Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance
    Don Lewis, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Phyllis Lovato, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Miriam Marquez, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Amanda Martin, Bethlehem Lutheran Church
    Andy Mathews, Pioneer Ocean View United Church of Christ
    Jorge Mendoza, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
    Jeff Michaelson, University Christian Church
    Michael Middleton, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Michelle Million, Sojourn Grace Collective
    Camille Pederson, Pioneer Ocean View United Church of Christ
    Vanessa Quartuccio, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Mr. Jovy Quevedo, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Mykel Resino, St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
    Marshela Salgado, University Christian Church
    Art Serrano, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Cheryl Starbuck, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Dr. Jason Steidl, St. Paul the Apostle Church
    Sam Trego, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Diana Trepesowsky, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Mr. Terry Vaughn, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Haley Wilson
    Larry Wiltjer, Missiongathering Christian Church
    Sarah Zuniga, Disciples Divinity House, The University of Chicago

  14. San Diego Pride donates over $170,000 to LGBTQ-serving nonprofits

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    2018 Pride Grant Recipient – Breakthrough Workshop Theatre

    Due to the unprecedented attendance and resulting financial success at the 2018 Pride events, San Diego Pride is pleased to announce that their 2018 charitable giving will exceed $170,000. The donations will be distributed to 59 LGBTQ-serving organizations, both locally and internationally based.

    Each year Pride works to return proceeds from the annual Pride weekend to the LGBTQ community. Since 1994, San Diego Pride’s community contributions have well exceeded 2.7 million dollars. Funds have been distributed to dozens of organizations through Pride Community Grants, sponsorships and event support.

    “San Diego Pride, its events and year-round programming are made possible by our over 30 LGBTQ-serving nonprofit community partners, 87 sponsors, 5,600 volunteer shifts, 22,000 volunteers hours, 45,000 Festival attendees, and 250,000 Parade attendees,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director Fernando López. “It is this collective effort that builds on the legacy of those who came before us that makes this level of philanthropy possible.”

    In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Pride committee members worked diligently to re-envision a model of Pride, from ad-hoc committees to a professional organization that was able to turn a profit from our events and use those funds to reinvest in our community. Folks like Christine Kehoe, Neil Good, Tim Williams, Barbra Blake, Joseph Mayer, and more wanted to ensure that the legacy of Pride was one that helps to build the capacity of the community beyond the weekend events. These pioneers of the movement knew that the resistance could look like philanthropy.

    “Our giving will have a tangible impact on projects locally, nationally, and globally that support and sustain LGBTQ communities in a myriad of ways,” said San Diego Pride’s Director of Philanthropy Sarafina Scapicchio. “This year’s grants will help create new LGBTQ youth programs, feed and house people living with HIV, fund multiple LGBTQ-focused performing arts projects, provide legal support for LGBTQ victims of sex trafficking, scholarships for transgender students, emergency housing for homeless LGBTQ people, and so much more.”

    The Pride grants annually help fund LGBTQ youth programs, sobriety services, LGBTQ arts and culture, queer communities of color, programs that support our transgender community, LGBTQ health and human services, and many more vital resources that our LGBTQ community relies on and enjoys.

    The 2018 Grant recipients are:
    Accra Pride, Associação de Educação do Homem de Amanhã de Brasília, Being Alive San Diego, Blindspot Collective, Breakthrough Workshop Theatre, Casa Ruby, Inc., Center for Community Counseling and Engagement, Courage Initiative, LTD., DETOUR, Diversionary Theatre Productions, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Francis Parker Gender-Sexuality Alliance, Fraternity House, Inc., Free to Thrive, Gay Men’s Spiritual Retreat, Gender Diversity, GLSEN San Diego, GSDBA Charitable Foundation, Imperial Court de San Diego, Imperial Valley College LGBTQ+ Club, Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center, Interfaith Shelter Network of San Diego, InterPride, Lambda Archives of San Diego, LGBT&Allies Employee Resource Group, Live & Let Live Alano Club, Mama’s Kitchen, Media Arts Center San Diego, MOXIE Theatre, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, Pacific Arts Movement, Pakistan Track-T Trans Pride, PFLAG San Diego County, POZabilities, Pride United, Quatrefoil Library, RISE San Diego, San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego Transgender Day of Empowerment, San Diego Unified Council of PTAs, San Diego Unified School District, San Diego Women’s Chorus, SEED Malaysia, Single Step Foundation, Sobriety on the Sand, South Bay Alliance Association, Inc., Special Delivery San Diego, Stepping Stone of San Diego, Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol, Strength for the Journey, The Pride Center – San Diego State University, The Recovery Ride, The T Project Singapore, The T Spot, Townspeople, TransFamily Support Services, and USD Pride.

    2018 Pride Grant Recipient – Casa Ruby

  15. Trans People #WontBeErased

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    Yesterday, the New York Times reported that the Trump administration is considering directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to narrowly define sex as either male or female, unchangeable and determined by the genitals a person is born with. This restrictive definition of gender would establish a new legal definition of sex under Title IX, the federal law that bans gender discrimination in education programs that receive government funding, and likely undermine enforcement of existing civil rights protections for LGBT people, especially those who are transgender, nonbinary, and intersex.

    In reaction to this potential proposal, our San Diego County transgender and LGBT organizations stand together, united, and ready to fight back, should this draft rule change move forward. While we are deeply alarmed by this proposed attempt to narrowly define gender at the federal level, we also know that we have science, morality, and decades of legal precedent and California law that affirms the identities and existence of our transgender, intersex, and nonbinary family members, neighbors, colleagues, and friends. More, we have the strength and resilience of our trans, intersex, and nonbinary community, leading us towards full equality. We will vigorously fight any proposal that seeks to eliminate much-needed civil rights protections for our community.

    Locally, we invite everyone to join us at three community meetings this evening: for those 21+ and over, at Gossip Grill starting at 8:30pm, San Diego Pride office for youth 18 – 21 starting at 5 – 7pm, and the Hillcrest Youth Center for youth 14 – 18 starting at 4:30 – 9pm, and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center open to all ages from 6 – 8pm. To our trans, intersex, and nonbinary siblings, our organizations are here to support you if you need community resources.

    Most of all, we want to assure our LGBTQI community that we are united and steadfastly committed to providing support and services to our trans community. #WeWillNotBeErased.

    The San Diego LGBT Community Center
    San Diego Pride
    North County LGBTQ Resource Center
    San Diego Trans Pride
    The Neutral Corner Inc.
    The T-Spot
    TransFamily Support Services
    PFLAG San Diego County

  16. San Diego Pride Opens 2018 Community Grant Applications

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    San Diego Pride is pleased to announce that due to the record-setting success of this year’s Pride event, themed “Persist with Pride,” the organization is able to continue and to increase our tradition of community giving.

    San Diego Pride strives each year to return proceeds from the annual Pride Festival to the LGBTQ community in the form of Pride Community Grants. Since 1994, San Diego Pride’s philanthropic giving has reached nearly 2.5 million dollars, funding dozens of LGBTQ-serving nonprofits and impacting thousands of people locally, nationally, and globally.

    “While nearly all of Pride’s events are free and open to the public, our community’s members can be proud of the fact that when they purchase a ticket to the Pride Festival they are not only helping to support our community coming together in celebration, they are also investing in the people and organizations who serve our community 365 days a year,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director Fernando López.

    Pride will be accepting grant requests for amounts ranging from $500.00 to $5,000.00 until 5:00 pm Wednesday, October, 31, 2018.

    2018 Pride Community Grant awards will be announced publicly December 13, 2018.

    Grant applications can be found at here.

    For more information, please contact Jen LaBarbera at [email protected]

    2017 grant recipients include:
    Bakersfield LGTBTQ, Being Alive San Diego, Binational LGBTQ Task Force, Blindspot Collective, Breakthrough Workshop Theatre, Center for Community Counseling and Engagement, DETOUR, Diversionary Theatre, Elevate Revolutionary Art, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Fraternity House, Free to Thrive, GLSEN San Diego, Greater San Diego Business Association, Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center, Lambda Archives of San Diego, LGBT & Allies Employee Resource Group, Live Let Live Alano Club, Mama’s Kitchen, Media Arts Center San Diego, Media Heritage Inc., dba FilmOut San Diego, Mental Health America of San Diego County, Mercy Housing, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, PFLAG San Diego County, POZabilities, Recovery Ride, Regional Task Force on the Homeless, San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego LGBT Community Center, Sobriety On the Sand, San Diego LGBT Visitors Center, San Diego Unified Council of PTAs, San Diego Unified School District FACE Department, San Diego Unified School District, SEED, South Bay Alliance Association Inc, Special Delivery San Diego, Stepping Stone of San Diego, Inc, Stonewall Citizens Patrol, Strength for the Journey San Diego, The Neutral Corner Inc., The T-Spot, TransFamily Support Services, Transgender Day of Empowerment, University of San Diego Pride, Voices for Children, Wayword, Inc., and Y.E.S. San Diego

  17. JOJO AND TLC JOIN SAN DIEGO PRIDE, FULL LINEUP RELEASED

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    Image Description: Jojo posing with a jacket half way down her arms

    Saturday Headliner, JoJo

    Outstanding LGBTQ entertainers and artists set to join TLC as part of San Diego Pride Festival 2018 lineup. The Pride Festival boasts over 50 LGBTQ-serving organizations, over 100 artists across four stages, and over 40,000 attendees.

    “It is my honor to stand in solidarity with Pride as we make strides towards true equality, protection, and inclusion,” said Saturday Headliner JoJo. “I adore seeing so many various expressions of individuality at Pride while all unified in love.”

    San Diego Pride Festival will take place at Marston Point in Balboa Park on Saturday, July 14 to Sunday, July 15.

    Lineup includes:

    • TLC were early supporters of the LGBTQ community who gave a voice and financial support to those living with HIV and AIDS.
    • JoJo credits the LGBTQ community with literally saving her life and has used her platform to highlight suicide prevention resources like the Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline.
    • LE1F is a queer black rapper and producer who has worked to directly confront the homophobia that exists within the genre.
    • Kim Petras is a breakout trans artist who uses her voice to discuss the importance of supporting trans youth.
    • Paris Sukomi Max is a local artist and icon, inspires our community daily to live life authentically open as a form of protest
    • Graciela Beltran is a Mexican singer who has championed anti-bullying efforts in support of LGBTQ youth.

    “I hope everyone will take the time to learn more about the bold and brilliant LGBTQ artists who will be attending Pride, and join us in enjoying their music at the Festival this July,” said Fernando Lopez, San Diego Pride’s Executive Director. “For many of us, Pride is the one time a year that we have to love and dance in the daylight, and I am so proud of our team for working diligently to ensure that the diversity on our stages reflects back to us all the diversity in our community.”

    Full line up, schedule, and more information about the festival can be found at sdpride.org/festival

    Guests are encouraged to save money and time by purchasing tickets in advance. Advance general admission tickets are $20 for single-day admission, $25 for a weekend pass. All GA tickets will be $30 at the gate. VIP access is $175 in advance or $200 at the gate. Meet & greet tickets are now available for TLC and JoJo. Volunteers and youth who are high school-aged and younger will be admitted free.

    Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/sdpride18

  18. First Transgender State Legislator to Keynote Pride Rally

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    Image Description: Danica Roem professionally dressed mugshot

    Danica Roem

    San Diego Pride kicks off Pride weekend with the Spirit of Stonewall Rally featuring the first transgender state legislator, Virginia Delegate Danica Roem, as the keynote speaker. The rally honors and recognizes LGBTQ leaders at the forefront of the movement for their activism, leadership, and philanthropy.

    Award recipients will be honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 13 at 6 pm at the Hillcrest Pride Flag located at 1500 University Ave.

    Pride celebrations everywhere trace their heritage to the Stonewall riots of 1969 when the LGBTQ community fought back against police brutality. That protest has grown to annual events held in over 1000 cities throughout the world. San Diego Pride’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally, first held in 1975, recognizes the leading activists preserving our successes, making critical progress, and addressing challenges that still face the LGBTQ community today.

    List of awardees include Community Grand Marshal, Alberto Cortes; Champion of Pride, Tinesia Conwright; Community Service, Liat Wexler; Friend of Pride, Terrie Vorono; Stonewall Philanthropy, SDCCU; and Stonewall Service, We Care Mixer.

    The full list of speakers includes Honorable Christine Kehoe; Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins; Assemblymember Todd Gloria; Liat Wexler; Sakeenah Gallardo; Ryland Whittington, and keynote speaker Virginia Delegate Danica Roem.

    For more information about the speakers and awardees visit sdpride.org/rally.

    The national anthem will be sung by San Diego local Yvonne Gentile, with a special closing performance by the San Diego Pride Youth Marching Band as the Hillcrest Pride Flag is raised.

    Invite your friends on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/events/215007289252616

    After the rally, guests are encouraged to attend the block party located at the Hillcrest Pride Flag which is free and open to the public.

  19. International LGBT Leaders To Highlight Global Issues at San Diego Pride

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    In partnership with the Department of State and the San Diego Diplomacy Council, San Diego Pride will be hosting “Pride World Forum” where LGBTQI leaders from around the world will discuss issues facing our community in their respective countries.

    Pride World Forum will be held during Pride weekend at the San Diego History Center located in Balboa Park on July 15 from 11am to 12pm.

    Image Description: San Diego Pride's Executive Director, Fernando, mediating the panel of international guests

    2015 Pride World Forum

    In the current political climate, human rights and public safety for members of the LGBTQI community have been at the forefront of news, locally and globally. Over the last several years, San Diego Pride’s partnership with the San Diego Diplomacy Council has brought 411 delegates from 127 countries from around the world to meet and discuss LGBT issues.

    “For decades San Diego Pride has been at the forefront of building global connections within LGBTQI community, and through these partnerships we are able to make this important work even more accessible to our local community,” said Pride Executive Director, Fernando Z. López. “We hope you will join us at this year’s Pride World Forum where everyone will have the opportunity to not only hear from these international leaders about what the LGBTQI community’s joys and struggles look like in their countries, but to thoughtfully engage in human connection and citizen diplomacy.”

    International visitors include LGBTQI leaders from Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Chile, Finland, France, Grenada, Israel, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Turkey, and Vietnam as part of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program: “Resilient Societies: Strengthening Minority Gender Communities.” Our guests will be engaged in a number of local meetings and civic engagement opportunities as part of the program objectives include: examining U.S. and international initiatives to promote and protect the human rights of the LGBTQI community, and exploring equal access to educational, economic and healthcare opportunities for citizens with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.

    “Each year in July, the San Diego Diplomacy Council looks forward to partnering with San Diego Pride to give LGBTQI world leaders and community members a chance to share experiences and inspire each other,” said San Diego Diplomacy Council Executive Director Fabienne Perlov. “The power of these exchanges extends beyond San Diego. The relationships that are created through visits like this one have built a powerful network of activists who work together to promote equality for LGBTQI communities around the world.”

    Invite your friends on facebook here.

    After the forum, the San Diego History Center is offering tours of their upcoming exhibit titled, LGBTQ+ San Diego: Stories of Struggles and Triumphs. The exhibition showcases the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQI community encompassing themes of identity, persecution, pioneers leading at the forefront, chosen family, and where the San Diego community is headed in the near future.

    Learn more about the History LGBTQ+ SD exhibition here.

  20. Historic Night as Padres and San Diego Pride Team Up

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    OUT at the Park returns better than ever as San Diego Pride and the Padres team up for another historic and eventful night.

    Watch the Padres take on the New York Mets on Friday, April 27 at 7:10pm.

    With over 90% of tickets sold, the community-favorite event is poised to sell out due to its growing popularity with LGBTQ groups, families, and Padres fans.

    Each $25 OUT at the Park ticket purchase includes a seat in the OUT at the Park section*, an official San Diego Padres commemorative hat**, a $5 donation to San Diego Pride or LGBTQ sports teams, and access to the pre-game VIP space in Park at the Park.

    “Last year, the Padres made history. Petco Park, home of the Padres, became the first MLB ballpark to have a gender-neutral, multi-stall restroom. Furthermore, their staff joined ours along with LGBT elected officials, MLB Inclusion Ambassador Billy Bean, the San Diego Women’s Chorus, and the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus to sing the national anthem in solidarity,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director Fernando López. “This year, the Padres are taking further historic steps forward by having our Pride Youth Marching Band perform before the game, and by having our Military Department’s colorguard to present the colors. This is the type of LGBTQ progress that is possible when we work hand in hand with our partners.”

    “I am so excited to attend OUT at the Park. Seeing the San Diego Padres and San Diego Pride work closely together to grow this event, and create such a powerful message of inclusion, acceptance, and community warms my heart,” said Vice President & Special Assistant to the Commissioner Billy Bean. “As a former Padres player, I wish I had been able to see this kind of unity, it would have changed my life and career.”

    Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-game, family-friendly “Tailgate Party” happy hour event in our VIP space from 4:30pm to 7pm (food and drinks not included). The event is in conjunction with CocktailFest and features openly lesbian DJ Kinky Loops.

    “The Padres are proud to collaborate once again with San Diego Pride on this year’s OUT at the Park event,” said Tom Seidler, Padres Senior Vice President of Community & Military Affairs. “We are thrilled to continue this partnership and host the LGBT community at Petco Park for what promises to be a great night.”

    Get your tickets now at padres.com/pride. Free tickets are avaliable for LGBTQ youth by emailing [email protected].

    Invite your friends on Facebook here.

  21. Volunteer Opportunities Now Open for San Diego Pride Weekend

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    San Diego Pride is excited to announce that volunteer registration for the 2018 San Diego Pride is now open.

    Every year, San Diego Pride recruits volunteers to play a key role in planning and executing the Pride Festival, Parade, and other official events and programs.

    With over 30 different volunteer departments ranging from parade logistics, festival support, entertainment, medical and more, there are opportunities for a spectrum of strengths and skill sets. Pride recruits an average over one-thousand volunteers to put on the region’s biggest one-day and two-day civic events.

    “Pride is a volunteer-led organization and no event we do is possible without volunteers.” said Pride Programs Manager, Bob Leyh. “Many volunteers come back year after year because of the great sense of giving back to the community and relationships developed at Pride.”

    Volunteers who complete one 5-hour shift are entitled to a free Pride Volunteer t-shirt, complementary two-day admission to the festival, an invitation to our annual volunteer appreciation party on Sunday, August 19, and access to our volunteer village within the festival.

    Volunteer shifts are available starting on Wednesday July 11 through Monday July 16.

    For more information and to register, visit sdpride.org/volunteer.

    For questions, please contact San Diego Pride’s Programs Manager Bob Leyh at [email protected].

  22. Binational LGBTQ summit to be held in Tijuana

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    San Diego Pride is proud to announce that through a grant received from the Amer
    ican Consulate General in Tijuana it will take part in hosting a LGBTQ Binational Summit.
    The one-day educational summit entitled “Orgullo Sin Fronteras” will be held in Tijuana, Mexico on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 9am to 5pm.
    Barriers to funding and capacity building resources for the LGBTQ community in Tijuana prevent LGBTQ individuals from accessing services and care. These limitations diminish the LGBTQ Tijuana community’s ability to live full, healthy lives and to engage in the full

    spectrum of the civic, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the region.
    “Being born with talent, brilliance, or being born LGBTQ is as equally spread throughout the world as human life. What is not equally distributed is opportunity.” said Fernando Z. López, Executive Director, San Diego Pride. “We may be two cities in two nations, but we are one global LGBTQ community, and while some may wish to focus on building walls, we at Pride are looking to build bridges with our LGBTQ community whereever they live.”
    For the past 10 months, Pride has been working in a coalition consisting of LGBTQ organizations and individuals on both sides of the border including The San Diego LGBT Community Center and ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties. The summit will host speakers and trainers with expertise in community organizing, marketing and communications, art as education, fundraising, and NGO capacity building.
    “The Tijuana LGBTQ community has been doing work towards the recognition of LGBTQ rights and identities in Mexico for years; it is time for this work to become known and visible by the larger Tijuana, San Diego and Transfronterizx communities. Now more than ever it is essential for our binational communities to come together and support one another,” said Binational Taskforce Organizer Andrea Gaspar.
    If successful, the coalition plans to continue the program as a self-sustaining long term tool that will benefit the social, economic, and civic standing of Tijuana’s LGBTQ community. People serving the LGBTQ Tijuana population will have more knowledge and empowerment to build on their own success, to enhance community collaboration, and to further strengthen networks of support.
    “The conference—Orgullo sin Fronteras—promises to be a great opportunity to bring together LGBTQ communities on both sides of the border line,” said Ricardo Gallego, Director of Latino Services at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. “We are going to learn from each other, support each other, and help new leaders and LGBTQ role models emerge on both sides of the border.”
    For questions, please contact Andrea Gaspar at [email protected].
    To register, click here
  23. #MeToo LGBTQ conference in San Diego for victims of sexual violence

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    Several local LGBTQ-serving organizations will be hosting a conference to increase culturally competent services in San Diego County for victims and survivors of sexual violence who identify as LGBTQ.

    The one-day conference entitled #MeTooLGBTQ will be held at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, located at 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103, on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 9am to 5pm.

    “While the topic of sexual assault has recently been getting more media attention, what still needs to be addressed is the historic lack of LGBTQ compotent services and care for survivors,” said Fernando Lopez, Executive Director of San Diego Pride. “As a survivor myself, it’s been rewarding to work with diverse and dedicated professionals from The San Diego LGBT Community Center, Center for Community Solutions, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists – San Diego Chapter, North County Lifeline, and 211 San Diego to better meet the needs of survivors in our community. It is this sort of strength in unity that our community needs more of.”

    Nationwide, approximately 4 out of 10 gay men (40.2%) and half of bisexual men (47.4%) have experienced sexual violence besides rape at some point in their lives, compared to 1 in 5 heterosexual men (20.8%). A large majority, 61%, of bisexual women and 44% of lesbians have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 35% of heterosexual women. And 47% of our transgender siblings experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

    “Bisexual, queer, transgender, and gender non-conforming people experience higher rates of sexual assault yet seek services less often than straight, cisgender women. Center for Community Solutions recognizes the concerns that so many LGBTQIA+ survivors have about coming forward: “Will I be believed, understood, and respected?” CCS approaches our work with survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence with cultural humility. Our hope is that providers in San Diego County will join us in learning about and providing appropriate services to LGBTQIA+ survivors,” said Verna Griffin-Tabor, Chief Executive Officer of Center for Community Solutions.

    Registration is now open to victims/survivors of sexual violence, to interested community members, as well as to mental health professionals and service providers who are looking to create change. Five continuing education units are included with paid registration for mental health and clinical providers. Two workshop tracks will allow attendees to participate in interactive trainings, receive valuable resources, and hear from a panel of LGBTQ survivors of sexual violence.

    “As an organization providing hundreds of hours of individual, couples, family, and group therapy to members of the LGBTQ community each month, we regularly hear about the challenges people face accessing resources and care after experiencing a sexual assault,” said Director of Behavioral Health Services Heather Marino-Kibbee. “Stigma, shame, and the fear that providers will be neither LGBTQ-competent nor affirming, often deters people from accessing care when they need it most. The Center is excited to join with CCS, Pride, service providers, and community members for a day of learning, coalition building, and dialogue about responding to sexual assault in our LGBTQ community.”

    Partnering Organizations include San Diego Pride, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, Center for Community Solutions, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists – San Diego Chapter, North County Lifeline, and 211 San Diego.

    For more information and to register, visit sdpride.org/metoolgbtq

    Invite your friends on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/406370113146061

    For questions, please contact Kiefer Rich at [email protected].

  24. TLC set to headline San Diego Pride Festival 2018

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    San Diego Pride Festival returns, featuring four-time Grammy award-winning group TLC as its Sunday headliner on July 15th.

    “We are so looking forward to performing at San Diego Pride!” said Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins. “There is so much power in expressing yourself without fear. We hope all LGBTQ people will stand proud and be exactly who they are. Persist with Pride!”

    Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1990, the group quickly rose to fame, and became the best-selling American girl group of all time, earning four multi-platinum albums and four number-one singles: “Creep”; “Waterfalls”; “No Scrubs”; and “Unpretty.”

    “We’re excited to have Chilli and T-Boz perform at their first Pride ever and join the list of artists who have graced our stage and stood proud with our community,” said Gardenia Partridge, entertainment director of San Diego Pride. “We look forward to announcing the full 2018 Pride festival lineup, which showcases a spectrum of local and emerging LGBTQ artists, as well as some strong, talented, vocal allies.”

    San Diego’s Pride Festival will take place on July 14-15, 2018 in Balboa Park and will include over 90 acts across four stages, including breakthrough LGBTQ acts from international and local artists.

    “I am so proud of our hardworking and dedicated volunteers and staff who are giving their all to create the best Pride Festival to date,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director, Fernando Lopez. “Having headliners who uphold the integrity of advocacy for the LGBTQ community is key to ensuring Pride’s Festival is more than just a weekend party. Chilli and T-Boz of TLC have consistently used their platform to uplift the LGBTQ community and to create positive conversations around HIV and AIDS that literally changed and saved lives for decades. We are honored to have them join us at San Diego Pride’s Festival.”

    A limited amount of TLC meet-and-greet tickets are available, and tickets for San Diego Pride Festival are currently on sale at www.tiny.cc/pride18.

    Invite your friends on Facebook at www.tiny.cc/sdpride.

    All proceeds from the festival support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropic efforts and year-round education and advocacy programs.

    Check out Billboard Pride’s article for the full story.

  25. Open Letter To Community

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    To our community,

    We want to begin by affirming that all of us at San Diego LGBT Pride are steadfast in our commitment to our long-standing mission and vision – to foster pride, equality, and respect for all LGBT communities locally, nationally, and globally. This has been our guiding principle since our inception and why we have worked continuously to unite and empower the LGBT community not just in San Diego, but around the world.

    Each of us on the Board of Directors recognize the space San Diego Pride has and continues to occupy within our community, but now it’s time to grow. With growth comes change and we want to share some of those changes with you.

    First, we are saddened to announce the departure of Eric Heinritz, our current executive director. Eric dutifully served both this organization and our community well, and we are extremely grateful for the sacrifices and time he has dedicated to us. We wish Eric nothing but the best wherever he goes in the future.

    Effective Monday, February 5, Fernando Lopez, our current director of operations, will assume the role and responsibilities of executive director. Fernando’s commitment to San Diego Pride and our community is without question. Coupled with his knowledge and extensive history at San Diego Pride, we are all excited to see what he will accomplish as we move forward.

    While this news has already been speculated in the media, we know these are important changes for our organization and community and that is why we wanted to address it directly. In addition, we want to make very clear that our emeriti to the Board are a valued resource to our Board of Directors, but do not have voting rights. We believe their portrayal in recent media reports are tremendously unfair and distasteful, and they will continue on in their role as advisors to the Board.

    With all of this in mind, it’s more important than ever that we begin to move forward together. Our current national climate demands unity and that is exactly what we must promote and practice. San Diego Pride will continue to envision and strive for a world free of prejudice and bias, and we hope you will stand with us.

    Sincerely and with pride,

    The San Diego LGBT Pride Board of Directors

  26. 2017 Pride Youth Leadership Academy Applications Now Open!

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    San Diego LGBT Pride is proud to announce that applications for the Youth Leadership Academy are now open. The Youth Leadership Academy is a one-day workshop packed with empowering educational discussions, outdoor activities, and bonding exercises. Educational sessions will include an introduction to LGBT history, youth advocacy, higher education, and civic engagement.

    The applications for the San Diego LGBT Pride Youth Leadership Academy, which is open to junior high- and high-school-aged youth, are now open. The academy will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2017, from 8:30 am to 5:15 pm at the San Diego Pride office located at 3620 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104.

    “Participating in the Youth Leadership Academy was an amazing experience,” said Sam Palma, YLA leader and senior at Morse High School. “It was really interesting to listen to those in our community that identify as LGBTQIA+ speak about their experiences being out in their community. The Academy is a good way to make new friends and learn about some resources that could be beneficial, so don’t hesitate to sign up!”

    “I learned how to be a leader in my community from listening to the panelists of elected officials, business people, and students who are out in our community talking about their stories,” said Jay Sieber, freshman at San Diego High School. “When I first did the Youth Leadership Academy, I met so many new friends that I still have to this day.”

    San Diego LGBT Pride is accepting applications until October 29, 2017. Interested youth may apply at www.sdpride.org/youth-leadership-academy and RSVP to the Facebook event here.

    For more information, please email Youth Programs Manager Josh Coyne at [email protected].

     
  27. Pride To Honor Origins With Spirit of Stonewall Rally in Hillcrest

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    San Diego Pride is proud to announce the 2017 recipients of the Spirit of Stonewall Awards. Pride annually accepts nominations from the community to recognize individuals, organizations, and groups who have contributed significantly to the LGBT community through their leadership, activism, and fundraising efforts. The annual Spirit of Stonewall Rally kicks off Pride weekend by commemorating the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when the LGBT community bravely fought back against discrimination.

    The award recipients will be honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 14 at 6:00 PM at The Hillcrest Pride Flag, 1500 University Ave in San Diego. This year the rally is sponsored by the Hillcrest Business Association and the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party will begin immediately after the rally.

    “The marginalization of the LGBTQ community, people of color, immigrants, women, religious minorities, seniors, people with disabilities, and other oppressed communities is compounded exponentially at the intersection of these lived experiences,” said San Diego Pride Director of Operations, Fernando Lopez. “It is with this in mind that our theme this year is ‘Allied in Action: United for Justice.’ Our work is not yet done, and we hope that all people will feel welcomed and inspired into action by this year’s events.”

    This year’s recipients include:

    Champion of Pride – Dr. Delores Jacobs
    Community Grand Marshal – Russ Roybal
    Community Grand Marshal – Susan Jester
    Stonewall Service Award – San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus
    Inspirational Couple – Meredith Vezina and Ellen Holzman
    Inspirational Couple – Ernie Castro and Mike Goupill
    Friend of Pride – Kathie Moehlig
    Friend of Pride – Zachary Schlagel
    Stonewall Philanthropy Award – Harrah’s Resort Southern California
    Community Service – Josh Coyne

    To learn more about each award recipient and their contributions visit www.sdpride.org/2017-awardees

    The Rally will also host California State Assemblymember Todd Gloria as the keynote speaker. Other speakers include Chris Ward, Georgette Gómez, Bridget Wilson, Dwayne Crenshaw, and Gloria Cruz. To learn more about the speakers visit www.sdpride.org/2017-stonewall-speakers/.

    The National Anthem will be sung by America’s Got Talent Season 11 finalist and San Diego native, Brian Justin Crum.

    For more information on this event, please visit our website at www.sdpride.org/rally.

    Invite your friends on Facebook here.

    The Pride Parade begins Saturday, July 15 at 11:00 AM at the Hillcrest Pride Flag. Find more information about the parade at https://sdpride.org/parade/. Attendance is FREE.

    The Pride Music Festival is held Saturday, July 15 and and Sunday, July 16 at Marston Pt. in Balboa Park. For more information and tickets visit https://sdpride.org/festival/.

    Visit our website at www.sdpride.org.

    Like us on Facebook here.

    Follow us on social media!
    Twitter: @SanDiegoPride
    Instagram: @sandiegopride

  28. En Vogue and more come out to Pride San Diego

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    San Diego Pride is thrilled to announce that multi-platinum female music group, En Vogue, will be headlining at San Diego’s Pride Festival this July!

    En Vogue is recognized as one of the top 5 highest selling American female music groups of all time. For the last 2 decades, they’ve produced R&B and Pop hits like Hold On, Free Your Mind, Whatta Man featuring Salt N Pepa and their newest single, I’m Good.

    “We are excited to perform at San Diego Pride this year! It’s always been important to us to use our voices to speak about something of substance. We’re proud to stand allied in action with the LGBTQ community.” said En Vogue

    “Our community volunteer lead team has been working diligently to put together a phenomenal Pride celebration that reflects the beautiful and authentic diversity of our community,” said Fernando Lopez, Director of Operations for San Diego Pride. “We can’t wait to announce the full spectrum of LGBTQIA artists who will be showcasing their incredible talents this year in San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park!”

    Additional headlining artists include Hector Fonseca, Cazwell, Kodie Shane, Cakes Da Killa, Lucia Mendez, Jessica 6 featuring Nomi Ruiz, and Paris Sukomi Max. More top tier talent and a full entertainment line up will be announced in early June.

    San Diego’s Pride Festival will take place July 15 – 16, 2017 in Balboa Park, and will include over 90 acts across 4 different stages. In 2016 the Pride Festival had over 27,000 attendees from 464 cities, and 12 countries around the world. Pre-sale tickets for 2017 are already up 42% year-to-date.

    For tickets and information about San Diego Pride visit www.sdpride.org

    Invite your friends on Facebook here.

  29. San Diego Pride and Fabulous Hillcrest are Working Together!

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    Who: Hillcrest Business Association & San Diego Pride
    What: Pride Block Party & Spirit of Stonewall Rally
    Where: Hillcrest Pride Flag
    When: July 15, 2017, 5:00 pm -11:00 pm

    For the 6th consecutive year, San Diego Pride and Fabulous Hillcrest are working together to bring one of the biggest Pride events to San Diego: Pride Block Party. We are making a collaborative effort to showcase unity and leadership by returning the Stonewall Rally to the heart of Hillcrest alongside the Block Party. Together these events will mark the official kickoff party to our San Diego Pride weekend.

    The Pride Block Party is a neighborhood event and includes Hillcrest’s favorite DJs, luminescent carnival rides, guest performances, two massive bars, and a spacious dance area. 100% of the proceeds go towards the maintenance of the Hillcrest Pride Plaza.

    “Our community and this country could use a little more unity right now. By bringing these two organizations together over Pride weekend to honor our history and celebrate our accomplishments we’re also highlighting all that is possible when we work together,” said Fernando Lopez, Director of Operations for San Diego Pride.

    San Diego Pride’s 43rd Spirit of Stonewall Rally is a time to celebrate our LGBTQ community leaders and serves as a call to action for the challenging work that lies ahead. This year’s Trans Pride will march towards the iconic Hillcrest Pride Plaza to join the rally which concludes with a beautiful Pride Flag raising ceremony.

    Benjamin Nicholls, Executive Director of the Hillcrest Business association says, “I am so happy that the Stonewall Rally is returning to Hillcrest this year. Unity is so important as we go forward in an ever more uncertain and difficult world. I know the businesses of Hillcrest are excited to be part of the kick off of Pride 2017!”

    The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is free and open to the public! General admission for the block party are on presale for $20, and VIP passes are on sale for $45. You can visit www.fabuloushillcrest.com or www.sdpride.org to purchase tickets.

  30. San Diego Pride 2017 Theme Announcement

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    National and international LGBT rights are uncertain at best, given the changes brought about by the recent election, and as such our solidarity at the intersection of social justice movements is clearly vital to the success of our community’s ability to advance.

    The marginalization of women, communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants, religious minorities, and other oppressed communities is compounded exponentially when those identities are combined, and even more so when they include those who are transgender, bisexual, lesbian, or gay.

    The systems that oppress our groups can only be dismantled through joint efforts, and the creation of systems that lift us collectively to progress can only truly thrive if undertaken with unified intention.

    At times, even dissonance within the LGBT community itself can impede our pursuit of equality, whether caused by the gay and lesbian divide, bi-erasure, or transphobia. Therefore, showing unity through and with diversity is paramount to prosperity.

    It is with this in mind that we are proud to announce San Diego Pride’s 2017 theme:
    Allied in Action: United for Justice

    It is our hope that this theme will invite our LGBTQIA participants and guests to feel free to be their full authentic selves across a spectrum of identities, share their unique messages, and know that not only are they welcome, but that we stand by them ready to heed the call to action.

  31. San Diego Padres and LGBT Groups Join Forces in Show of Solidarity

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    Join San Diego Pride as we team up with the Padres for the best OUT at the Park yet, as the Padres take on the Miami Marlins at 7:10 pm on Friday, April 21st at Petco Park.
     
    San Diego Pride’s event at Petco Park has been a community favorite for LGBT families and Padres fans for many years. Unfortunately, at last year’s event, a technical error resulted in a recorded female soloist singing the National Anthem instead of the 100 San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus members who had gathered to sing in center field. Emerging out of this incident has come a deeper dialogue between the San Diego Padres and the LGBT community, which has primed San Diego for what promises to be the best OUT at the Park to date.
     
    “The San Diego Padres have been amazing! They partnered with our LGBT community this past year to make incredible things happen. The Padres have now set the gold standard for LGBT inclusion among all professional sports. We are so proud to return to Petco Park to sing the National Anthem together with them and our entire community,” said Bob Lehman, Executive Director, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus.
     
    “The Padres are grateful to San Diego Pride and the San Diego Gay Men’s chorus for their guidance and collaboration in strengthening our relationship with the LGBT community over the past 10 months,” said Padres Vice President of Community Relations Sue Botos. “We are proud of the partnership that has grown from a series of very honest and genuine conversations, and we look forward to standing together at Petco Park in April.”
     
    This year’s event promises greater visibility and support for San Diego’s LGBT community. Each $25 OUT at the Park ticket purchase includes a seat in our OUT at the Park section*, a commemorative Padres hat**, $5 donation to San Diego Pride or the America’s Finest City Softball League and access to the pre-game VIP space in Park at the Park (food and drinks not included).
     
    Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy our pre-game, family-friendly “Tailgate Party” happy hour event in our VIP space from 5-7 pm in Park at the Park. The event is in conjunction with CocktailFest, featuring openly gay DJ Will Z. Participants will then be seated with our group to watch history in the making as San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, the San Diego Women’s Chorus, San Diego Pride, and Padres staff perform the National Anthem together on the field. The Padres have committed to increased LGBT visibility by flying the rainbow flag over Petco Park, decorating the “Tailgate Party” and group seating areas with rainbows, and highlighting our community through the HD video board and guest participation with the use of #OATP.
     
    “This nation needs to see that beyond our biggest challenges we can make great strides if we are willing to cross sometimes uncomfortable barriers and build bridges of understanding. San Diego Pride remains committed to bringing people together and educating the broader community about the struggles LGBT people face every day. Together, we can accomplish that at a parade, a festival, a rally, a classroom, and even a ball game as we all pursue justice with joy,” said Fernando Lopez, San Diego Pride Director of Operations.
     
    Get your tickets now at Padres.com/pride
     
    After the game join us for the official OATP after party at Rich’s! Bring your eticket, ticket stub, or wear your rainbow Padres hat to get in FREE before midnight!
     
    *subject to availability
    **The first 1,500 fans to purchase Padres OUT at the Park tickets will receive a commemorative hat
  32. We Are Here: Reflections of LGBTQ Lives

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    On Saturday, March 11th, San Diego LGBT Pride, in partner with Art of Pride and The Trevor Project, hosted their first LGBTQ+ youth art show, We Are Here: Reflections of LGBTQ Lives. This event was hosted by San Diego Pride youth volunteers as an opportunity for young people in our community to share their stories.

    Twenty-three pieces were submitted by 21 LGBTQ+ artists from 14 different schools. The purpose of the art show was to create a positive form of expression that would reflect the experiences, stories and emotions of today’s LGBTQ+ youth. Some of the narratives included difficulties with coming out, being comfortable in one’s own body, transgender issues and the ongoing struggle of expectations and acceptance.

    “The beauty of art is that it can give us a glimpse into the raw and authentic reality of these young LGBTQ+ lives,” said Fernando Lopez, San Diego Pride’s Director of Operations. “The art has been compelling, inspiring, and sometimes even painful to see.”

    From 6pm to 8pm, more than 100 art lovers, youth supporters, faculty, family, friends and community members visited the art show. The entire event was built by and for LGBTQ+ youth. These young people from Pride’s Youth Programs envisioned the event, created their marketing materials, did their own outreach, hosted our guests and even provided the light snacks and refreshments.

    “Programs like this art show are really about making a space where our youth can be empowered to realize their own vision. We as Youth Program Coordinators are here to give them the support and guidance they need to be successful.” -Alex Villafuerte, San Diego Pride’s Marketing and Communications Manager

    “The Art Show is an expression of our lives and how our identities affect our experiences,” said Edward Estrada, 17-year-old SCPA student and Pride youth volunteer. “We are a culmination of our intersections, bound together by our LGBTQ identities and ready to express ourselves to the greater community.”

    The following schools were represented this year:

    Scripps Ranch High School
    Lewis Middle
    La Jolla High School
    The Bishop’s School
    Canyon Crest Academy
    Valhalla High School
    San Diego SCPA
    Morse High School
    Cathedral Catholic
    Steele Canyon High School
    Altus Charter School
    SET High School
    Cajon Valley Middle School
    Roosevelt Middle School
    Santana High School    

    The art exhibit is available for viewing until the middle of May at the San Diego Pride office. For more information regarding San Diego LGBTQ+ Youth Programs, click here.

    Here are a few of the many amazing pieces submitted at this year’s youth art show.

    I’m A Lot Like You, Riley Sullivan
    Canyon Crest Academy, 9th grade

    Sometimes it can feel like you’re the only one in the world, but really friends and allies are everywhere if you look, just waiting for you to see them too! Reaching out to each other can be an amazing source of strength and love.

     His Name Was, Kyra D’Augusta
    Steele Canyon High School, 10th grade

     Maria Tallchief, Taté Garcia
    Altus Charter School of San Diego, 10th grade

    This painting depicts the accomplished Osage ballet dancer Maria Tallchief. Tallchief was a trailblazer for Native Americans in the world of dance and mainstream media. Her talent took her to heights such as principal dancer of New York City Ballet for 13 years, and won her awards such as the Kennedy Center Honors for artistic contribution to the United States, the National Medal of Arts, and an induction to the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

    Queer Fear, Kathie Fang
    Scripps Ranch High School, 12th grade

    A portrait of a non-binary individual with many worrying thoughts exploding within their mind. Whether that be telling their parents or friends about their identity or finding social comfort and acceptance. This piece is in honor of my friend who has attempted suicide for being gender queer.

     Perennials Endure, and Last Forever, Claire Guang
    The Bishop’s School, 12th grade

    Don’t Disappoint, Breeze Stinde
    School of Creative and Performing Arts, 10th grade

    The piece is meant to represent how I feel: almost out of control with my responsibilities and that I’m constantly worried I’m disappointing my loved ones and that I’m not enough.

    Trans Rights, Leon McCormack
    Lewis Middle School, 7th grade

    Art to support my trans rights. Gays and lesbians get all the attention, but trans is so much harder for others to accept.

    What the Night Brings Out, Mila Corvino
    Cathedral Catholic School, 12th grade

    It symbolizes what I have gone through, being at Catholic school and coming was very hard at first I felt like I could be myself in certain places and around certain people. I used the night to symbolize secrecy, to represent that I was only comfortable being myself in secret.

    Progression, Sam Palma
    Morse High School, 11th grade

    This piece represents me and how I have changed throughout the course of seventeen years. It not only shows where I am going, but where I have been as well.

    untitled, Zoe Roman
    The School for Entrepreneurship and Technology, 12th grade

  33. San Diego Pride To Give $80,000 To LGBT Serving Nonprofit Organizations

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    grant-check-presentationSan Diego LGBT Pride is pleased to announce that due to the success of this year’s Pride event, we are able to donate $80,000 of our proceeds back to 40 LGBT-serving organizations through our annual Pride Community Grant Program.

    Each year Pride works to return profits from the annual LGBT Pride weekend to the community. Over the years, San Diego Pride’s community contributions have exceeded 2 million dollars, which have been distributed to dozens of organizations through Pride Community Grants, sponsorships, and event support.

    “Pride’s annual celebration, year-round advocacy and education efforts serve our community well, but no one organization can do it all, which is why our grant programs are so vital,” said Fernando Lopez, San Diego Pride Director of Operations. “Pride grants help to fund HIV testing, LGBT youth programs, sobriety services, programs that support our transgender community, LGBTQ arts and culture, QPOC programs, and a variety of other LGBTQ health and human services that our community relies on and enjoys.”

    List of Grant Recipients:
    2-1-1 San Diego, Being Alive San Diego, Breakthrough Workshop Theatre, CASA RUBY, DETOUR – Depositing Empowerment Through Outreach & Urban Redevelopment, Diversionary Theatre, Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD), Fierté Simcoe Pride, FilmOut, GLSEN, Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA), Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center, Lambda Archives of San Diego, Lead the Way, Live and Let Live Alano Club, Mama’s Kitchen, Mental Health America, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, PFLAG San Diego County, Political Animals, RISE San Diego – LGBTQ Fellows Initiative, San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego LGBT Visitors Center, San Diego Unified Council of PTAs, San Diego Women’s Chorus, SEED – Malaysia, Special Delivery San Diego, Stepping Stone of San Diego, Strength for the Journey, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, The Industry – Chula Vista, The Neutral Corner, The Recovery Ride, The Trevor Project, Trans Youth Project, TransFamily Support Services, TransPride 2017, Uptown Community Service Center, and Y.E.S. San Diego

    “This year’s success is something that the entire community can take pride in. Whether you’re a volunteer, a sponsor, a ticket buyer, or one of the 20+ community organizations we work with to make Pride happen, you should know that the support and hard work you put into Pride is now helping to serve our community beyond just one weekend a year, and bringing critical resources to a spectrum of LGBTQ programs and lives,” said Sarafina Scapicchio, San Diego Pride Director of Development.

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

  34. City of San Diego to Honor LGBT Community Leader

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    CITY OF SAN DIEGO TO HONOR LGBT COMMUNITY LEADER

    November 1, 2016

    fernando-fixes-his-tieSan Diego Pride’s Director of Operations, Fernando Lopez, is to be honored with a City of San Diego Human Relations Commission Commendation on Wednesday, November 16th.

    A letter sent to Lopez from Joel Day, Executive Director of the City San Diego Human Relations Commission, stated:

    “On behalf of the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission, it is our pleasure to inform you of our desire to honor and recognize your work across San Diego to promote dignity, diversity, and inclusion. You are to be awarded a Commission Commendation at this year’s HRC Awards Ceremony. Your work at Pride has become part of the fabric of who we are as a City and we are grateful for your tireless commitment to making San Diego a ‘World Class City for All.’

    It is the mission of the Human Relation Commission to protect basic human and civil rights, promote activities that foster mutual respect, understanding and dignity, and create an atmosphere of amicable relations among all members of the San Diego community. We see that the work you are doing demonstrates a commitment and dedication to similar goals.”

    “We are so thrilled that the substantial advocacy work Fernando does every day here at San Diego Pride continues to be recognized in the greater community! Whether he is shining a light on global inequality by bringing in dozens of LGBT delegates to Pride World Forum every year, speaking with a GSA in Santee, taking a field trip with our Pride Youth Lunch Bunch, or organizing with community partners to help the implementation of the FAIR ACT in our local public schools, you can be sure that he is always hard at work on projects that will make the world a safer place for our LGBT community,” said Sarafina Scapicchio, San Diego Pride Director of Development. “We could not be prouder.”

    “Fernando’s ability to see opportunity in the community and strategically bring organizations and community leaders together to implement positive change is admirable,” said Josh Coyne, Co-Chair of The Trevor Project – San Diego. “Our collaboration over the last few years has not only benefited The Trevor Project, but has allowed us to better the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth. I’m proud to call him a mentor, colleague, and, most importantly, a friend.”

    “We are so lucky to have Fernando at Pride. On behalf of the San Diego Pride board of directors, congratulations Fernando and thank you for all of the amazing work you do!” said Bianca Burt, Co-Chair, San Diego Pride.

    “We are so pleased that Fernando is being recognized for the great work he does in the community,” said Maureen Steiner, Board President of Lambda Archives of San Diego.  “Fernando’s own story is an inspiration, and the fact that he so freely shares it to inspire others is his gift to us all.”

    The award will be presented on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at the City’s Central Library Shiley Special Events Suite with the theme “I See You.” The event is free and open to the public. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with the award ceremony lasting until 7 p.m.

    Click here for Fernando’s Bio.

    fernando-moderates-pride-world-forum-2015

    San Diego Pride’s Mission: Fostering Pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.

    The City of San Diego Human Relations Commission conducts and promotes activities that foster mutual respect and understanding, protects basic human and civil rights and creates an atmosphere that promotes amicable relations among all members of the San Diego community.

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  35. Pride Update

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    Pride Update

    Contacts Jim Seal, male co-chair: [email protected]

    Lynn Wallace-Barnes, acting female co-chair: [email protected]

    The Board of San Diego LGBT Pride is continuing a dialogue with the community through public comment at the monthly meetings. Additionally, meetings have been held between board members and key members of the community.

    Minutes of Board meetings have been updated and posted on the Pride website. The server has been down, but is now operational.

    The board, staff, volunteers, and community partners are developing plans for Pride 2017 and continuing Pride’s year-round programming, including the Pride Youth Leadership Academy, the Vote with Pride get-out-the-vote effort with The Center, and the Pride Youth Lunch Bunch with the Trevor Project. Work has begun on the partnership projects Out at the Park with the Padres, Out at the Fair, and SheFest. Production meetings for Pride 2017 have begun. 2016 Pride Community Grant applications are open.

    Applications for the board of directors are encouraged and always welcome. The form is available on the website. Information for volunteer positions is also available on the website.

    www.sdpride.org

  36. San Diego Pride Opens 2016 Community Grant Applications

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    SAN DIEGO PRIDE OPENS 2016 COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS

    SAN DIEGO, California (September 29, 2016) – San Diego LGBT Pride is pleased to announce that due to the success of this year’s Pride event, themed “Pride Unites the World,” we are able to continue our tradition of community giving.

    Pride strives each year to return profits from the annual LGBT Pride weekend to the community. San Diego Pride’s community contributions have exceeded 2 million dollars, which have been distributed to dozens of organizations through Pride Fund grants, sponsorships and event support.

    “While Pride’s Parade and Spirit of Stonewall Rally are free and open to the public, our community can be proud of the fact that when they purchase a ticket to the Pride Music Festival they are not only helping to support our community coming together for a celebration, but are also investing in the people and organizations who serve our community 365 days a year,” said Fernando Lopez, San Diego Pride Director of Operations.

    Pride will be accepting grant requests for amounts ranging from $500.00 to $5,000.00 until 5:00 pm Monday, October, 31, 2016.

    Grant applications can be found at www.sdpride.org/grants

    For more information, please contact Fernando at [email protected]

    San Diego Pride has granted funds to organizations including the Live and Let Live, Alano Club, Bi-Forum, Different Strokes Swim Team, Diversionary Theater, GLSEN – Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, GSDBA, Human Dignity Foundation, Imperial Court de San Diego, Lambda Archives, Mama’s Kitchen, PFLAG, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, Stepping Stone, Trans Day of Empowerment, The Trevor Project, Transgender Law Center, The San Diego Women’s Chorus, and many more.

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

  37. Applications for San Diego Pride Youth Leadership Academy Now Open

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    APPLICATIONS FOR SAN DIEGO PRIDE YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY NOW OPEN

    SAN DIEGO, California (September 20, 2016) – San Diego LGBT Pride is proud to announce that applications for the Youth Leadership Academy are now open. The Youth Leadership Academy is a one-day workshop packed with outdoor activities, bonding exercises, and empowering educational discussions. Workshops will include an introduction to LGBT history, youth advocacy, higher education, and more.

    “Over the years, Pride has expanded our youth programs, and we are thrilled to be able to provide opportunities for LGBTQ youth to connect, learn, and engage,” said Fernando Lopez, San Diego Pride’s Director of Operations. “It is our hope that these young people will develop the skills needed to help them be better advocates and activists for themselves and their communities.”

    The academy, which is open to junior-high- and high-school-aged youth, will take place on Saturday, November 12, 2016, from 8:30am to 5:15pm at the San Diego Pride office located at 3620 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104.

    San Diego LGBT Pride is accepting applications until Sunday, October 23, 2016. Interested youth can apply at www.sdpride.org/youth-leadership-academy/.

    For more information, please email [email protected].
    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

  38. Kesha Coming Out To Support San Diego Pride

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    Kesha Photo 2San Diego Pride is thrilled to announce that multi-platinum artist Kesha will be headlining Saturday night at San Diego’s Pride Music Festival.

    Kesha has used her international fame as a platform to educate others about the LGBT community, highlight inequality, and empower others to be themselves unapologetically.

    Her 2010 anthem “We R Who We R” was a response to the wave of LGBT teen suicides hitting the media at the time.

    “I am beyond excited to perform at San Diego Pride this year. We have come a long way with the equal rights movement, but we have so much more work to do. In my home state of Tennessee they recently passed anti-lgbt legislation – it’s another reminder that groups like Pride are so important, and I’m honored to be part of San Diego Pride’s event on July 16. I’ll never stop fighting for people who just want to be able to express themselves freely for who they are,” said Kesha.

    “Each year our community volunteers work tirelessly to put on the best event possible, and this year we are honored to bring an advocate and artist of this caliber to San Diego Pride,” said Stephen Whitburn, San Diego Pride executive director.

    San Diego’s Pride Music Festival will take place July 16-17, 2016, in Balboa Park, and will include 96 acts across a main stage, a Latin stage, a Hip Hop stage, and an 80’s/90’s stage.

    New to the event this year will be a free area called the Rainbow Zone, which will house many of Pride’s LGBT serving non-profit organizations that will help connect community members with vital resources, such as youth and senior services, women’s health care, HIV testing, sobriety support, and more.

    Kesha’s first album, “Animal,” debuted at number one in the United States in 2010. She has two number-one singles, including “We R Who We R” and “Tik Tok.” In 2012, Kesha’s second album, “Warrior,” brought her an eighth top-ten single, “Die Young.” Kesha has been nominated for over 60 awards and has been recognized for her both her musical talent and her LGBT advocacy.

    Click here for tickets!

  39. Pride Music Festival Lineup: Phase 2

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    Phase 2 Artist Lineup
    Pride Music Festival today announced Phase 2 of the performer lineup for its five stages in San Diego’s famous Balboa Park this July 18-19.

    We’re excited by the caliber of current artists who will entertain the 40,000 people coming together to celebrate equality and diversity this summer” –Executive Director Stephen Whitburn

    Pride Music Festival will reveal Phase 3 of its artist lineup on May 14. The festival is produced by San Diego Pride, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit. Weekend passes cost just $20 in advance.

    Get your tickets now at www.flavorus.com/PrideMusicFestival!

    Phase 2 Artist Lineup:

    ULTRA NATE – American house and dance-pop musician
    ANGIE FISHER – Grammy Nominated artist/song-writer debuted at 2015 Grammy’s
    HONEY DIJON – Internationally renowned Transgender DJ & Fashionista
    COCO MONTRESE – one of Las Vegas’ premier divas
    ROCIO BANQUELLS – Mexican singer & tv/film actress
    IDEAL feat KALEENA ZANDERS – Top 100 charting DJ/Producer and Supernova Songstress
    “Kenny Metcalf as Elton John Tribute” – Premier act featuring Kenny Metcalf and The Early Years Band
    NIKNO – Headlining DJ/Producer/Remixer
    RICH WHITE LADIES – Hot MOTOWN Records artists on the rise
    Wild Style – Freestyle-NuStyle-Miami Bass duo

    Also, check out the Phase 1 lineup, released last week!!

  40. Pride Music Festival Lineup: Phase 1

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    Pride Music Festival Phase 1

    Pride Music Festival today unveiled Phase 1 of its artist lineup for five electronic and live performance stages settled amid the palms of San Diego’s Balboa Park this July 18-19.

    The blossoming non-profit music festival celebrating diversity and equality brings together 40,000 people over two days from across the nation and the globe for dozens of current electronic dance, pop, hip-hop, Latin and other acts.

    “It’s a memorable experience to unite with thousands of people, taking pride in who you are and celebrating each other,” said executive director Stephen Whitburn. “Pride Music Festival is for all.”

    Pride Music Festival will reveal Phase 2 of its artist lineup on May 7 and will release Phase 3 on May 14. The festival is produced by San Diego Pride, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit. Weekend passes cost just $20 in advance and are available at PrideMusicFestival.org and sdpride.org.

    Get your tickets now at www.flavorus.com/PrideMusicFestival!

    PHASE 1 ARTIST LINEUP
    Ana Sia
    Fedro
    Ben Seagren
    DirtyPop
    SD Gay Men’s Chorus

    NVida
    Brent Law
    Brynn Taylor
    DJ Shorty
    Jennifer Corday
    Perry Twins
    SD Women’s Chorus
    Tristan D

    805 South
    Alejandra Sandoval
    Aphrodite Rayne
    Aro Di Santi Band
    Ballet Folklorico Yaqui
    Banda Paso De Tecuala
    Bellonce Aguilera
    Bo Scott
    CaliParis
    Chocolate City
    Christian Falcon
    Cris Herrera
    Culture Shock
    Daisy Salinas
    DJ Artistic
    DJ Ascension
    DJ Cros One
    DJ Fariba
    DJ Hevrock
    DJ Jiji Sweet
    DJ Rick Betta
    DJ Rubin
    DJ Sebastian De La Madrid
    DJ Showtime
    Erick Diaz
    ESCOBAR
    Francesca Valle
    Jaleesa Johnson
    Joahnna
    Jorge Ayon
    Josh Whitaker
    Josh Zuckerman
    Jovan Le Saunier
    LOS HOLLYWOOD
    Maniguis Rossi
    Melissa Dove
    Monica Fontanoza
    OSM
    Palm Spring Women’s Jazz Band
    Phenex
    Rainbow Noise
    Raul Montiel Y la Banda Paso De Tecuala
    Red Sonya
    Rhythm and the Method
    Ricky Lips
    Sabor Andaluz Dance Co.
    San Diego Kings Club
    Sherryce Emery
    Soulistik
    Tara Egnatios
    We Are She Is
    XIV/Sunday Hustle

  41. Announcement of the 2014 Spirit of Stonewall Awardees

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    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PRIDE ANNOUNCES 2014 SPIRIT OF STONEWALL AWARDEES

    SAN DIEGO — San Diego Pride is proud to announce its 2014 Spirit of Stonewall Award winners, who will be honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, taking place Friday, July 18 at 6 pm, at the Hillcrest Pride Flag. The distinguished Toni Atkins will be the Grand Marshall of this momentous occasion.

    The annual awards are designed to honor individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact on San Diego’s LGBT community. As our celebrity Nominations for the awards were received from the San Diego community and the list of recipients follows:

    Champions of Pride
    Vincent Pompei – working with the Human Rights Campaign and LGBT youth
    Lisa Mata – bringing the Human Rights Campaign to San Diego and volunteerism

    The Champion of Pride Award honors individuals or couples who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the LGBT community over an extended period of years, or who have made an exceptional contribution over the past year.

    Friend of Pride
    Patti Boman – dedication to PFLAG as well as LGBT youth

    The Friend of Pride Award honors individuals or couples who do not identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, but who have stalwartly supported the LGBT community over an extended period of years or the past year.

    Stonewall Service Award
    Maureen Steiner – preserving the LGBT community’s history with the Lambda Archives

    The Stonewall Service Award honors groups or organizations, which may or may not identify as specifically LGBT, but which have greatly supported the community over an extended period of years and/or have made an exceptional contribution in the past year.

    Inspirational Couple
    Danielle LoPresti and Alicia Champion – volunteerism and dedication to the LGBT community
    Dwayne D. and Jonathan Beebe-Franqui – historical presence and progressing the LGBT movement

    Community Service
    Candi Samples – dedication to the LGBT community through her work at the Imperial Court

    The Community Service Award honors individuals or couples who are recognized as “up-and-coming” leaders within the community, or whose contributions to the community over the past year carried significant impact.

    For more information on the award criteria and submission process visit www.sdpride.org/awards.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  42. Actress and Activist Laverne Cox to Join San Diego Pride

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    (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

  43. Community Invited to Join in 40th Anniversary Pride Celebration

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    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]January 14, 2014

    COMMUNITY INVITED TO JOIN IN 40TH

    ANNIVERSARY PRIDE CELEBRATION

    SAN DIEGO – San Diego LGBT Pride’s volunteers, board of directors, and staff are hard at work preparing for this year’s 40th anniversary Pride celebration and are looking forward to community participation in this year’s festivities scheduled for July 18-20. Applications for entertainers, sponsors, parade contingents, program guide advertisers, and festival exhibitors are now available online at sdpride.org.

    The annual Pride weekend festivities, which include the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party, the Pride Parade, and the two-day Pride Festival, are a result of the many people, groups, sponsors, artists, and partners who support this community celebration. Those who are planning to participate in this year’s 40th anniversary Pride celebration, with the theme “Reflections of Pride,” are encouraged to submit applications early. Additional information about the various ways to participate is below.

    • Entertainers: Artists who perform on one of the many stages that are available throughout the weekend help entertain Pride-goers and in turn, help the organization raise money to give back to the community. All sorts of entertainers are being sought for this year’s event. Applications should be submitted by March 23. Visit sdpride.org and click “Entertain with Pride.”
    • Sponsors: With the support of sponsors, San Diego Pride is able to create an even better experience for the community while freeing up resources that can be given back to the community. Visit sdpride.org and click “Sponsor with Pride” for a sponsor packet.
    • Parade Contingents: San Diego Pride brings color and flair to the streets of Hillcrest during the city’s largest single-day civic event, the San Diego Pride Parade. Hundreds of thousands of cheering spectators line the streets to watch contingents of community groups, businesses, educators, elected officials, and others parade by. To register a contingent, visit sdpride.org and click “Parade with Pride.”
    • Advertisers: The San Diego Pride program guide distributes 20,000 copies, sharing Pride weekend information with locals and visitors alike. The guide is distributed throughout California, as well as in Las Vegas and Phoenix, and is a great way to promote a business to the LGBT community. To advertise, visit sdpride.org and click “Advertise with Pride.”
    • Exhibitors: A variety of local and national organizations and businesses participate in the festival through an exhibitor booth. Those who wish to get the highest visibility spots are encouraged to get their applications in early. Visit sdpride.org and click “Exhibit with Pride.”

    “Pride is the biggest weekend of the year to champion, celebrate, and support our community, and we are grateful to all of the people and organizations who participate and make it happen,” said Stephen Whitburn, Pride General Manager. “This 40th Anniversary Pride will be our biggest ever, so we’re asking everyone to sign up early this year.”

    Additional information about San Diego Pride can be found at www.sdpride.org or by calling 619-297-7683.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  44. Reflections of Pride: 40th Anniversary Theme Logo Contest Begins

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    January 21st, 2014

    REFLECTIONS OF PRIDE: 40th
    ANNIVERSARY THEME LOGO CONTEST BEGINS!

    SAN DIEGO, CA – The reintroduction of the annual San Diego Pride festival logo contest begins Tuesday, January 21. With the new-year in motion and the planning for the 2014 celebration well underway, the new logo for the 40th anniversary San Diego Pride, Reflections of Pride, encourages artists and graphic designers across San Diego to participate in this opportunity to showcase their creative work.

    “We’re excited to announce the return of our theme logo design contest, are excited to see what
    creativity our community has in store for us,” said Stephen Whitburn, San Diego LGBT Pride General Manager. This year, San Diego Pride will be offering the winning artist 4 VIP tickets to the San Diego Pride Festival, widespread recognition throughout social media, and recognition in both the program guide and the “All in Pride” celebration

    Information regarding the design guidelines can be found on the San Diego Pride website including
    design format and instructions for submission. The deadline to submit all artwork is February 21, 2014, and the winner will be announced in March.

    Artists and designers across San Diego County are highly encouraged to take advantage of this
    opportunity.

    More information can be found at sdpride.org/logocontest or by contacting Fernando Lopez at [email protected] or 619-297-7683 x109.

     

  45. PRIDE SIMPLIFIES TICKETS; ALL FESTIVAL ATTENDEES GET TWO-DAY ACCESS

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    December 17, 2013

    PRIDE SIMPLIFIES TICKETS; ALL FESTIVAL ATTENDEES GET TWO-DAY ACCESS

    San Diego, CA – San Diego LGBT Pride has announced it is simplifying festival ticket pricing and increasing access to the annual two-day celebration attended by tens of thousands in Balboa Park.

    Instead of different prices for early bird tickets, one-day tickets, two-day tickets, and tickets for select groups such as seniors, students, and military, tickets for all guests will be $20, and all will be two-day passes. Volunteers and youths aged 15 and under will continue to receive free admission.

    Those who previously bought a two-day pass for $30 will now pay only $20 for a two-day pass. Those who previously bought a one-day pass for $20 will now get a two-day pass for the same price.

    “People who buy a festival ticket should be able to get in as often as they’d like all weekend, and people shouldn’t have to figure out what type of ticket they need to buy,” said Stephen Whitburn, San Diego Pride’s general manager. “This is much simpler: it’s 20 bucks for the whole weekend, and that includes all eight entertainment stages including our headlining performers.”

    Whitburn noted that next year will be San Diego Pride’s 40th anniversary.

    “Everyone involved wants the 2014 Pride Festival to be one people will always remember,” Whitburn said. “We’re working on a lot of new additions that I think people are going to love.”

    Pride’s 40thAnniversary Festival will be Saturday, July 19 from 12 noon – 10 pm and Sunday, July 20 from 11 am – 8 pm at Marston Point in Balboa Park (Sixth Ave. and Laurel St.)

    The festival features more than 150 musicians, bands, comedy and dance performers, over 250 exhibitors, cultural presentations, great food, and endless people watching.

    A charitable non-profit, San Diego LGBT Pride uses festival proceeds to fund year-round community giving, which this year totaled $146,000.

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in, and respect for, all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

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  46. SAN DIEGO PRIDE GIVES $40,000 TO THE CENTER IN HONOR OF ITS 40TH BIRTHDAY

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    November 20, 2013

    SAN DIEGO PRIDE GIVES $40,000 TO THE CENTER IN HONOR OF ITS 40TH BIRTHDAY

    After a successful 2013 season, San Diego Pride has announced that it will donate $40,000 to the San Diego LGBT Community Center, in honor of the organization’s 40th anniversary. This “birthday gift” is part of San Diego Pride’s annual community giving program.

    San Diego Pride annually raises funds through ticket and beverage sales during Pride weekend and then distributes financial support to LGBT-serving organizations. In accordance with its mission, San Diego Pride has designated this gift to The Center to foster pride in, and respect for, our HIV positive, transgender, and sober communities, as well as our LGBT families.

    “We are pleased to contribute funding to The Center each year to support the many vital services they provide to the community every day, year-round,” said Stephen Whitburn, San Diego Pride’s General Manager. “These funds are made possible by the hundreds of thousands of Pride participants each year, and we are grateful to them for helping us support our community for 40 years.”

    The $40,000 grant will be split up among four of The Center’s programs and the general fund, including $10,000 to Transgender Services, $10,000 to Family Matters, $10,000 to HIV Services, and $5,000 to sobriety programs. The remaining $5,000 will be placed in The Center’s general fund.

    “We’re so pleased to receive this very generous gift from Pride,” said Center CEO Dr. Delores Jacobs. “We’re grateful for their continued partnership in so much of what we do, as well as their ongoing work in the San Diego LGBT community. The Center has been fortunate enough to work with Pride for years and this grant is an affirmation of all we’ve accomplished together. It’s always a particular compliment when a strong community partner also supports The Center’s programs financially and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

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  47. SAN DIEGO PRIDE BEGINS 2013 GRANT PROCESS AND COMMUNITY SURVEY

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    September 25, 2013

    SAN DIEGO PRIDE BEGINS 2013 GRANT PROCESS AND COMMUNITY SURVEY

    SAN DIEGO – San Diego LGBT Pride is pleased to announce that due to the success of this year’s Pride event, themed Freedom to Love and Marry, we are able to continue our tradition of community giving.

    In addition to being a celebration, Pride is our community’s biggest fundraiser of the year,” said San Diego LGBT Pride’s General Manager Stephen Whitburn. “It is exciting for us to know that funds raised during Pride weekend are now available to be given to our community organizations.”

    Pride will be accepting grant requests of amounts ranging from $500.00 to $5,000.00 until Friday, October 25, 2013 at 5:00 pm PST.

    Grant applications can be found at www.sdpride.org/grants

    As San Diego LGBT Pride prepares to celebrate our 40th anniversary the Board of Directors, staff, and Community Advisory Council of San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride are seeking community input to improve the organization and premiere civic event.

    Those interested in sharing their thoughts are encouraged to take our online survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sdpride2013

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

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  48. Pride Introduces New Co-Chairs

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    September 5, 2013

    PRIDE INTRODUCES NEW CO-CHAIRS

    San Diego LGBT Pride is pleased to announce the election of new Co-Chairs, Tiffany Gonzalez and Romer De Los Santos. Tiffany, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, has served the board most recently as chair of the board development committee. Romer comes with a long history of board service and project management experience. The board has also elected new secretary, Jaime Carrillo, a non-profit management leader and advocate for access to healthcare.

    “This entire executive team is very optimistic and excited about the future of Pride and what the organization will be able to do, moving forward, for the community. We’re just very thankful for the opportunity we’ve been given”, stated Co-Chair Tiffany Gonzalez.

    As Pride welcomes the new leadership, the organization is also bidding farewell to Treasurer Dion Brown as well as long-time board director and previous Co-Chair, Joseph Mayer, who has retired from board service. Having served Pride in various capacities for over 20 years and holding positions of Treasurer and Co-Chair in that time, Joe has set a high standard for board service.

    “On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff, and our community, we would like to sincerely thank Joe Mayer for his long and faithful service to Pride and the community. His passion and dedication won’t soon be forgotten, and we wish him all the best as he enjoys his retirement”, remarked Co-Chair Romer De Los Santos.

    If you are interested in serving on the board of directors or know someone who could potentially make a great contribution through board service, please contact: [email protected]

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

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  49. PRIDE WISHES BEST OF LUCK TO OUTGOING CO-CHAIR, EBONY ALDRIDGE

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    Contact: Joseph Mayer, Co-Chair 619-297-7683

    August 1, 2013

    PRIDE WISHES BEST OF LUCK TO OUTGOING CO-CHAIR, EBONY ALDRIDGE

    San Diego LGBT Pride announced today that Ebony Aldridge will be leaving her position at Pride and moving on to work on other opportunities. Ebony thanked the Board, Staff and Community for affording her the opportunity to lead the organization through another successful event this year.

    Additionally, William Rodriguez-Kennedy has resigned his post as Co-Chair-Elect in order to pursue his passion of creating change and affecting policy in the political arena of the city and county of San Diego. Pride wishes him much success in those endeavors.

    “On behalf of the San Diego LGBT Pride Board of Directors, Staff, and even the community, we want to thank both Ebony and William for all their hard work, dedication and passion they contributed to the team here at Pride,” stated Co-Chair Joseph Mayer.

    Joseph also remarked, “Pride is resilient. Although we have work to do in building the board’s membership, experience, and resources, I want to ensure you that the Executive team is committed and we will make that happen! Pride is a big commitment of time and energy but you can look at the results and see that it is worth it!”

    If you are interested, or know someone who could potentially make a great contribution through board service, please contact: [email protected]

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org

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  50. MARINES JOIN NAVY IN WELCOMING UNIFORMED SERVICEMEMBERS TO SAN DIEGO PRIDE

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    July 10, 2013

    MARINES JOIN NAVY IN WELCOMING UNIFORMED SERVICEMEMBERS TO SAN DIEGO PRIDE

    SAN DIEGO — As the city gears up for this weekend’s annual San Diego LGBT Pride festivities, Marines and sailors with I (First) Marine Expeditionary Force have received authorization to wear approved uniforms in the 39th annual Pride Parade on Saturday, July 13 at 11 am.

    This follows authorization by the Department of Navy, Navy Region Southwest, authorizing active duty Navy servicemembers under its command to wear their uniforms in the parade.

    For the third year, servicemembers are invited to participate in the Military Contingent which leads the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade. Over 300 servicemembers are expected to participate, either in uniform or a branch specific T-shirt.

    I MEF is finalizing the official administrative message to be delivered to the command. Marines and sailors who wish to participate are approved to wear authorized leave and liberty uniforms and attire in the parade.

    Personnel are required to reference and follow Marine Corps regulations and policies regarding the proper wear of authorized uniforms and are prohibited from wearing the uniform while engaged in unauthorized activities.

    In the release from I MEF, the command says that diversity remains one of its top priorities.

    “We are proud of the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and versatile skills of our men and women and embrace their personal decision to participate in this community event honoring their service,” 1st Lt. Garth Langley

    San Diego Pride will host an information session for participants who are 21 years and older on Thursday, July 11 from 6-7 pm at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill, located at 4612 Park Blvd. At the event, additional information will be provided about the Military Contingent.

    Servicemembers who wish to participate in the contingent should register online at www.sdpride.org/military. For additional questions, contact [email protected].

    Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org 

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