When Pride in San Diego first started, our march ended with a rally. As the march and rally grew, our community utilized that opportunity to organize, to provide information and resources, and to eventually add music and entertainment. We all continue to build on those brave beginnings, as the Pride Festival now boasts over 50 LGBTQ-serving organizations providing care, over 100 artists across four stages, and over 45,000 attendees.
I believe this is the most talented, diverse, and social justice minded lineup we’ve had to date. Melissa Etheridge redefined rock and our movement, paving the way for so many. King Princess’s music is unapologetically queer, honors her identity, and the history of our community. Mykki Blanco’s black, trans, genderfluid, gay, queer, and HIV positive identity and experiences have always been at the forefront of his music and activism. Snow tha Product’s brilliant approach to identity-authentic music has made her a leader as her sound and message are boldly bilingual, LGBTQ, and Latinx. Paris, a local artist and icon, inspires our community daily to live life authentically open as a form of protest and healing.
These are just a few examples of the of the incredible activist artists we have in store for you. Pride has grown a lot over the years, and for many of us, is still the one time of year that we have to love and dance in the daylight. The Pride Festival connects us each year to resources, each other, and our ability to celebrate justice with joy, as all take part in the Legacy of Liberation. I hope to see you there.
Fernando Lopez was 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.
