Dear Pride Family,
It’s been a rough couple of weeks. As the season of gratitude unfolds, I can’t help but reflect on the things for which I am truly grateful. As someone who has spent some time in significantly less liberated communities (looking at you Texas) I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that we are very fortunate to have San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community. Whether a Tuesday at Urban Mo’s for Spaghetti & Showtunes, a Sunday Funday At Gossip Grill, or a hankering for something sweet at Candy Pushers, our vibrant neighborhood and the queer-owned business that anchors it, has long been a sanctuary for authenticity, love, and belonging—a place where our queer family finds community.
Being a native San Diegan, occasionally I enjoy a walkabout through the fabulous gayborhood —trolling down university or cruising down 5th avenue to do a little shopping around town, or have a delicious meal. Hillcrest is filled with lively bars, various lifestyle boutiques, thrift stores, and delicious brunch spots. My personal favorite is Rosemary & Thyme located in the back of AWOL.
With the gift giving holidays on the horizon, Artist & Craftsman, Ace Hardware, and Humanity! tend to be on my list of stops when searching for gifts. Artist & Craftsman, home to any and all of your artist needs. From paint markers to canvases this artist hub has you covered. The Lifestyle boutique Humanity!, located off university avenue, offers fun gay apparel and everyone’s pride flag needs. Ace hardware also has a surprisingly yet delightful assortment of fun socks that your loved ones would get a kick out of.
These are just some of the many other businesses that help shape the community. I encourage you to remember to give thanks to the spaces who make our community special. Support the businesses that make our community strong, united, and proud.
Josh Moats (he/him)
Artist/ Graphic Designer
Marketing & Communications Specialist
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
