ORGANIZATION(S) YOU VOLUNTEER FOR: Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol
NUMBER OF YEARS VOLUNTEERING FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION(S): 2yrs
HOMETOWN: Allentown, PA
SINGLE OR TAKEN: Super singular but by choice
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN SAN DIEGO?
7yrs 2.5 mos as of this month 3/15/14
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION(S)?
Stonewall has shown great potential in the community and providing safety in a hands off manner. We have a great bunch of volunteers, staff, and board members. I also love interacting with the community and the idea that we are helping not only our community but law enforcement.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VOLUNTEERING MEMORY?
Patrolling can have its quiet nights and some interesting nights. My favorite would have to be keeping two attractive big muscle men from continuing to be inappropriate in the back alley of Rich’s. We kept seeing them wander from one spot to another; it was like playing hide n seek. We just didn’t want them doing anything that would get them arrested for indecent exposure.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO?
Honestly, keeping the men and women safe in our community. Sadly, there have been some horrible incidents that have happened even recently and I want people to enjoy themselves and feel safe in our community.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am a very open person so there is not much people around me don’t know. If I had to take a stab at something…..I’m a closet club kid at heart, love bass in my face (no pun intended).
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE LOCAL LGBT COMMUNITY?
It is very different from back home and a bit of a culture shock for me. You can be openly gay and if in a relationship frolic down the street holding the hand of the one you love or like. You would not be able to do that where I was born and raised.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE CHANGE IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY?
As we are continually fighting for our right to be equal, I see that in our own community there is much judgment and segregation within it. I would like to see more respect and understanding from folks within the LGBT community. Can’t we all just get along?!?!?!
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO YOU DO TO ENRICH YOUR SOCIAL LIFE OTHER THAN VOLUNTEERING?
Try to stay connected with friends near and far by all forms of communication. Meeting others through friends and social media. I continually keep learning how to open myself more to others as well as their experiences. I love to hear people’s life stories, likes, dislikes, and interests.
IF YOU COULD HOST A DINNER PARTY AND INVITE THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE), WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Whitney Houston because she is and always will be one of my all time favorite vocalists.
Josh Groban because he is my favorite male vocalist, we share the same birthday (2/27), his personality, and he has no idea but we are meant to be together (LOL).
Martin Luther King because I would love to hear his viewpoint on where we are now and what he would like to see moving forward. We as a culture are always learning and growing but I think we would benefit from his advice. Not to mention MLK’s reaction to finally having a black president.
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.
