Welcome to Pride

Welcome to San Diego Pride,

While we/I ‘d live to start this message with a jubilant, “Happy Pride!”, we find ourselves in a moment that calls for much more. Across the country, LGBTQIA+ people—especially trans and nonbinary youth and service members—are under coordinated and escalating attack. At the same time, the Supreme Court has once again failed in its duty to protect our most vulnerable—restricting access to gender-affirming care for minors, removing support for suicide prevention, and enabling school policies that allow parents to opt children out of simply engaging with LGBTQIA+ books. These efforts are not isolated; they are part of a broader strategy to divide us, silence us, and erase us.

But we know: these fights are not separate—they are the same fight. And the only way we win is together.

San Diego Pride is more than a celebration. It’s a movement rooted in community, resistance, and radical love. In a moment when so many seek to strip away our rights —we rise in Unbreakable Pride and Unshakeable Power.

At a time when our attackers would have us fighting amongst ourselves, and battling with other marginalized communities, we choose unity. We choose dialogue and togetherness, even in the most challenging of moments.

It truly takes a village to bring this event to life. We are home to one of  the largest Pride parades in the nation, and it will take nearly 1,000 volunteers to help us welcome over 250,000 people throughout the weekend. From the rally to the parade, from the festival stages to the community booths, every part of this week is powered by the passion, talent, and commitment of our incredible LGBTQIA+ communities.

Pride is complex. It’s a reminder that we have had to fight – over and over again – for our safety, visibility, and joy. It’s also a return to that radical joy – the essence of our community. Especially in the most challenging moments.

Pride is our power, and we need that power now. We can’t wait to welcome you to San Diego Pride Week where we will continue to center queer identities, voices, and joy. There is a place at Pride for everyone. Whether in celebration, solidarity or even dissent. This is our legacy. Pride that is unbreakable in the hardest moments. Power that is unshakeable when we rise together. So come as you are. March with us. Dance with us. Organize, educate, and simply be with us. Because when we show up in our fullness, we are unstoppable. 

Welcome to San Diego Pride.

We’re so glad you’re here.

Kristin Flickinger
Interim Executive Director

Happy Pride Weekend!