Is Pride about justice or joy? There is an ongoing debate about what Pride events and organizations should be and stand for, as they are intended to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969. For some, it is only a protest. “No justice, no Pride.” For others, it is the only safe outlet for joy, the free expression of love, and identity. “Pride needs to stop being so political.” I believe we have and can embody both. We are the intersection of art and advocacy, justice and joy.
Held in San Diego since 1975, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally is where justice takes center stage. It 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.
This year, trans activists, entertainers, and icons Amber St James and Deja Re will be our MCs as we call attention to the rising attacks on our community, highlighting that our Community Grand Marshals will be transgender youth who will lead off our Parade.
Also speaking from our stage will be author and activist Jenn Budd addressing immigration justice as an LGBTQ issue, environmental researcher and advocate Kevin Lee will speak on environmental justice as an LGBTQ issue, and advocate and journalist Andrew Bowen will speak about the war on the free press as an LGBTQ issue.
Our Keynote Speaker is none other than Reggie Greer who serves the Biden-Harris Administration’s Department of State U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons and will speak about the work being done domestically and abroad to protect our community.
While our Pride organization has grown over the decades into a thriving year-round education and advocacy organization with arts and culture at our core, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally keeps us grounded in our history and sets our eyes on the future. I attended my first Spirit of Stonewall in the year 2000, just weeks after being homeless and living in my car. As I listened to the speakers that day, I was filled with hope for the first time and a sense that I wasn’t alone. I found my community. I found hope. I found home. If you have never been to the Rally, make this your year. Come learn and be inspired so together we can pursue Justice with Joy.
With Pride,
Fernando Zweifach López
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Executive Director
San Diego Pride
P.S. If you want to be part of creating LGBTQ community and driving our advocacy work, consider supporting San Diego Pride this year on June 30th for GiveOUT Day. Thank you in advance for helping us pursue Justice with Joy!
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.
