| This is a moment in time when we must once again call upon the strength of our community to address a public health issue. During the AIDS crisis, our government acted too slowly, and far too many were needlessly lost. The spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is impacting global health, and it is incumbent upon all of us to take seriously our personal responsibility with regards to public health. We are and have always been an intersectional, intergenerational organization and movement that embraces a diversity of ages, abilities, and spectrum of health experiences. LGBTQIA people and in particular our transgender siblings and people of color have greater barriers to accessing employment and health care. People in our community may have compromised immune systems for a variety of reasons from higher rates of cancer, smoking, HIV/AIDS, and even daily stress. These facts make our next steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 vital to the long-term strategy of health and safety for our entire community. Much of the same guidance being given to us in our region about preventing an outbreak also reflects back to us the need to keep many of these tactics as parts of our daily lives and ongoing habits to help keep our community and all communities safer in general. In addition to those practices, we are all being asked to temporarily practice intentional social distancing. We are providing tips and information below. In ongoing conversations with local and state health officials, we are abiding by their guidance to help prevent the spread of the virus. We understand the challenges that these changes will bring to many of us and are deeply appreciative of your support as we all work to navigate this ever-shifting landscape. With San Diego Pride more than four months away, planning for the event is still moving forward with informed and cautious optimism. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and to keep you all apprised of any developments that may impact or change our plans. I believe in our community’s ability to address this new challenge with integrity and compassion. We must combat this new virus with a calm and measured response that honors our most vulnerable and do so while combating the rise in hate and violence that has been targeted at our Asian communities. We will fight this together, and Together We Rise. With Love, Hope, and Pride, Fernando Zweifach López Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs Executive Director San Diego Pride |
State guidance: gatherings with 250 people or more should be rescheduled or canceled for the remainder of the month of March. Event & Programs Updates: Pride Night with the Gulls this Friday, March 13, and OUT at the Park on Friday, March 27 will be postponed. These events are run by the Gulls and the Padres respectively, and we are working with them to find new dates and solutions. Our annual Pride Youth Art Show and monthly Queer Youth Collective will be rescheduled for April 11. Our youth programs department is working towards online remote solutions to help our LGBTQIA youth stay connected to community, supported, and informed. Service Members in Drag event is being postponed. Transgender Day of Empowerment will be postponed for a later date. This will not impact our scholarship recipient’s ability to receive their awarded funds, it only impacts our public event timing. Our community volunteer-led programs such as She Fest, MeToo LGBTQ, Latinx Coalition, APIMEDA Coalition, Military Department, Entertainment Department, and other planning meetings will be conducted remotely for the next few weeks. Thank you for your understanding and support. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and update you all as we go. |
| Steps to Prevent Illness:Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds or more. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When sick, stay home when possible and keep your distance from others to keep germs from spreading. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent infection. Engage in self-care: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of water, and eat nutritious food. |
| Social Distancing: Social distancing is a practice recommended by public health officials to stop or slow down the spread of contagious diseases. Forego nonessential meetings, outings, and travel Avoid crowds such as in conferences, concerts, and sporting events Working remotely if possible Keeping a distance of 6 feet or more when possible |
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.
