Spirit of Stonewall Rally

2025 Spirit of Stonewall Awards

San Diego Pride is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Spirit of Stonewall Awards. Pride annually accepts nominations from the community to recognize individuals, organizations, and groups who have contributed significantly to the LGBTQIA+ community through their leadership, activism, and fundraising efforts. Awardees will be honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally on July 18, 2025. This year’s recipients include:

• Champion of Pride – Courtney Johnson

• Community Grand Marshal – LGBTQIA+ Migrants & Defenders

• Community Service – Cesar A Reyes

• Inspirational Relationship – Julie Hoffman & Summer White

• Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award – Jackette Knightley & Queens & Kings for Causes

• Stonewall Service Award – Bears San Diego Inc.

• Light of Pride – Rev. Dan Koeshall

• Inaugural Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award – Bliss Vasquez

The annual Spirit of Stonewall Rally kicks off Pride weekend and commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when the LGBTQIA+ community fought back against state-sanctioned police violence and discrimination. The event is hosted by the Hillcrest Business Association and held in conjunction with the annual Pride of Hillcrest Block Party. Details at sdpride.org/rally 2025.

San Diego’s first rally was held in 1975. The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is a time to recognize and honor leaders who are working hard to preserve our gains and meet the many challenges still facing our community. It is a time for us to honor our origins, celebrate those who are leading the way, and call our community to action around some of our movement’s most pressing issues.

WHAT: San Diego Pride Spirit of Stonewall Rally

WHEN: 6 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2025

WHERE: 1600 Block University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Accessibility: Click here to learn more about Accessibility at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally.

WATCH THE 2024 RALLY ACCESSIBILITY

2025 Spirit of Stonewall Awards

Every year, San Diego Pride accepts nominations from the community for the annual presentation of the Spirit of Stonewall Awards. The awards recognize individuals or groups who contribute significantly to the LGBTQIA+ community through their leadership, activism, and fundraising efforts.

Learn more about each of our awardees here >>