Dear Pride Family,
The history of Drag is steeped in resistance. Our Drag ancestors didn’t just entertain, they shattered norms and bore their identities with irrepressible flair as an act of personal authenticity and queer creativity. They were pioneers, changing the cultural landscape. Their legacy demands solidarity, no matter the opposition we face.
Drag is Not a Crime.
Of the over 650 anti-LGBTQ bills being tracked in 49 of our 50 states, 44 bills in 18 states are targeting our Drag siblings, and just as before, these bills are being used to target our transgender community. This hateful and all too familiar legislation is targeting our Drag community fueling more than hateful rhetoric on social and right-wing media; Drag is becoming a clear target for a record amount of protest and threats by right-wing militias and organized white supremacist groups.
Our Drag community has been at the front of our community, our advocacy, our fundraising, and our celebrations. We must have their back!
On Sunday, June 18, I hope to see you all at the Drag March for Trans Rights to show our solidarity with our Drag, trans, and LGBTQ families in light of the rising criminalization of our lives.
On Friday, July 14, please join us at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally to kick off Pride weekend, and hear from our speaker, community activist and Drag artist, Amber St. James as they speak on the national attacks on our Drag while we bring our local drag legends to the stage to honor them to close out the event.
The Drag Community has also been named our Community Grand Marshal, and they will lead this year’s Parade to send a clear message of support and to our haters that we aren’t backing down. Come out and cheer them on Saturday Morning July 15!
Then you can’t miss the Pride Festival where we will be celebrating Drag all weekend long! From RuPaul Drag Race winners to local Drag Families, there will be Drag performances on every stage throughout the Festival Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss our special Drag Tribute and call to action from the Stonewall Stage as we close out Pride.
Drag is our defiance. Joy is our weapon against injustice. We end ignorance and fear-driven hate, by celebrating in the light of day where our truth can shine. Together, we will ensure that the spirit of Drag — freedom, expression, and unapologetic self-love —endures and we all can Thrive!
With Pride,
Fernando Z. López
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Executive Director
San Diego Pride
Fernando Lopez is the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Lopez’s years of LGBT advocacy, nonprofit management, public education, diversity consulting, media relations, guest lectures, and organizing have made them a consistent presence ensuring the struggles of the LGBT community are ever visible.
