COVID-19 has completely changed our way of life, and yet it is not the first global pandemic of our lifetime. Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, roughly 33 million people have died from HIV/AIDS-related complications. Throughout the course of our battle against the spread of the virus, ideological differences prevented or delayed much needed public education, funding, and prevention tools from reaching those who needed it. Our community often turned towards each other for financial support, pathways to advocacy, and human connection.
Our partners over at the San Diego LGBT Community Center work every day to combat these challenges in an effort to better serve our community through critical, direct services and through their transformative #BeTheGeneration educational campaign. Their vital work continues even in the face of all the logistical and economic challenges that COVID-19 has brought us.
Pride looked different this year, and one of our favorite events, AIDS Walk & Run, will look different this year, all in the name of public health. There’s still time to register to help raise much needed funds for HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs all across San Diego County. The difference is that you can run at your own pace, in your own time. If you complete the route this Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, you’ll have a more interactive experience with surprises along the way. The Center will also be livestreaming an Opening Ceremony on Saturday, September 26 at 10:00 am.
I know this year has been hard, and the events we love have looked different. I know we can’t wait to be all together again. I also know that our community is masterful in our ability to work together in the worst of circumstances to fight against a public health challenge. I hope you will join us in supporting AIDS Walk & Run this year, physically apart, but Together We Rise.
With Pride,
Fernando Zweifach 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.
