COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

SAN DIEGO PRIDE

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN BALBOA PARK

San Diego County’s biggest summer party is calling your name. More than100 entertainers will perform across five stages at this month’s San Diego Pride Festival on Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17, in Balboa Park. The all-LGBTQ lineup will feature headliners Snow Tha Product, Daya, Ashnikko and Baby Tate. Other notable acts will include Mila Jam, Ballet Folklorico Trans Proyecto, Chulita Vinyl Club and TRANSVIOLET.

This year’s theme is “Justice with Joy,” inspired by San Diego Pride’s decades of LGBTQ-centered philanthropy, alongside the joyous return of in-person Pride celebrations.

“Our goal at this year’s Pride Festival is to predominantly feature our fiercely talented local LGBTQ community,” San Diego Pride executive director Fernando Lopez said. “We are thrilled to come together again for our first in-person Pride Festival in three years, where our artists and entertainers help us be seen, be heard, find family, raise funds, build capacity, and carve out the space for us all to be unapologetically our true, authentic selves.”

The two-day festival will showcase local LGBTQ and BIPOC artists, educational and art exhibits, local businesses, interactive cultural presentations, local food vendors, HIV testing, children and youth areas, and more.

“We are still fighting for justice and that takes away from our joy. We need each other now more than ever to stand strong and see liberation through,” said Mila Jam, a Saturday performer who is a Black and transgender advocate.

“As a queer, trans Latinx, it is super important to have access to this type of platform; it has been on my bucket list to perform at the San Diego Pride Festival for years now,” said MUXXXE, a Mundo Latino Stage performer on Saturday. “I’m beyond excited to represent all my queer/ LGBTQI+ Latinxs out here.”

“With all that’s going on in the world right now I can’t wait for a moment of good vibes and peace while bringing people together. Remember to always be true to who you are,” said AZJAH, a Movement Stage performer on Sunday.

Also returning this year will be the massive Pride Parade on Saturday, July 16 starting at 10 a.m., which is free and open to the public. The San Diego Pride Parade is one of the nation’s largest, annually attracting over 250,000 people worldwide.

All proceeds from the festival and parade will support San Diego Pride’s philanthropy and its year-round education and advocacy programs. As of 2022, San Diego Pride has donated over $3 million to local, national and international LGBTQ-serving organizations. sdpride.

PRIDE WEEK FUN & FESTIVITIES

SHE FEST

Saturday, July 9

The flagship event that kicks off Pride week will return to the Hillcrest Pride Flag site at Pride Square.She Fest is a woman-centered party that celebrates and supports the talents of LGBTQ women while fostering meaningful connections within and between the LGBTQ and larger San Diego communities . KICKOFF BUSINESS MIXER

Monday, July 11

Mix and mingle at San Diego’s LGBTQ business mixer. San Diego Equality Business Association (SDEBA) will move this year’s event to Gossip Grill, with double the capacity compared to 2021’s mixer. Admission will include your first adult beverage, light bites and opportunities to network with professionals from all over the area. SDEBA will also unveil its 2022-23 Business Directory.

LIGHT UP THE CATHEDRAL

Wednesday, July 13

Light Up the Cathedral will bring together LGBTQ and affirming faith leaders, clergy, tribes, synagogues, churches, mosques, people of faith and faith-affirming folks to celebrate faith, resilience and the LGBTQ community. After the service, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral will be lit in rainbow colors.

STRIKE A POSE: PRIDE YOGA

Thursday, July 14

The first-ever Pride yoga event hosted by the San Diego Symphony at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park will include an hour-long sunset yoga class and dance party hosted on The Rady Shell lawn. This will be an excellent opportunity for yogis (and non-yogis) to enjoy all the park amenities free of charge while celebrating Pride.

SPIRIT OF STONEWALL RALLY

Friday, July 15

San Diego traditionally launches Pride weekend with a celebration that recognizes leaders working hard to preserve LGBTQ gains and meet the many challenges facing our collective community. The Spirit of Stonewall Awards will honor individuals who contribute significantly to the LGBTQ community through their leadership, activism and fundraising efforts.

PRIDE 5K WALK AND RUN

Saturday, July 16

San Diego Front Runners Pride 5K Run & Walk will return live instead of virtual. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best rainbow gear. Every year, money raised at the event will generate significant donations for San Diego Pride and the San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Youth Housing Project.

Special Presales on select EVENTS: Visit BroadwaySD.com On July 16 & 17 for more info!