Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego
Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award: A visual or performing artist or organization who elevates the LGBTQ community in service of education, advocacy, visibility, justice, and joy. This award is in honor of the legacy of Larry T. Baza.
Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego
Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego began in 2023 as a listening-room series and has since grown into a nonprofit dedicated to accessibility, fair artist compensation, and intentional community-building. In response to the rising cost of living impacting working artists, the organization offers donation-based events that remain open to all audiences while ensuring performers are paid fairly and treated with respect. About one-third of its annual programming features LGBTQ+ artists year-round, reflecting a sustained commitment to uplifting San Diego’s queer creative community beyond Pride season. Through annual Pride celebrations and educational zines highlighting queer history and community action, Songwriter Sanctuary creates spaces that are both artistic and deeply affirming. Its partnership with Normal Heights United helps reclaim traditionally sacred spaces as welcoming environments for queer expression, healing, and connection. Carrying forward the legacy of Larry T. Baza, the organization continues to invest in artists across identities and genres while building joyful, inclusive spaces for community and creativity.
Songwriter Sanctuary will be honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 17, 2026. Learn more about the rally and the other awardees here.