Give Out Day

Dear Community,

Happy Pride Month, San Diego!

My own Pride journey began in a way I never could have predicted. In 1999, my mentor took me to the first Pride I ever attended in New York City. When I saw all the rainbows and realized where we were, I ran. I was young, deep in the church, deep in scripture, and deep in the closet. I rejected Pride because I was terrified of being seen by it.

Years later, when I came out as a Lesbian, Pride became a mirror. Then a community. Then a love story. Then home. Now, and for the past six months, I have had the privilege and pleasure of serving as the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. It’s been a journey from rainbow fear to rainbow FIERCE!

We’ve all heard that Pride began as a protest. While that is true, I also believe the promise of Pride has always been belonging. San Diego Pride’s mission is a recipe for belonging. Take joy, equality, and respect, mix well, and serve it warm to all who are hungry for it. I carry that responsibility with a deep gratitude that transcends my own identity and extends to any and all who need and desire to answer its call home. Our history is one of creating family, safety, possibility, and joy where none existed. That remains our work.

Today is Give OUT Day, a national day of giving for LGBTQ+ organizations. If you believe, as I do, that Pride must remain a sanctuary of belonging, I invite you to support San Diego Pride with a donation. Every gift helps us create the spaces, programs, advocacy, and community that allow people not only to be seen, but to find their way home. Because somewhere, right now, there is someone still searching for a place to belong. Together, we can ensure that when they are ready, Pride will be here waiting with open arms.

Swimming in Rainbows,

KishaLynn Elliott
Executive Director
San Diego Pride