LGBTQ San Diego County News | Pride Guide: July 2024 | Vol. 4, Issue 43
SAN DIEGO – This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in San Diego. The march occurred in conjunction with the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in NYC, just five short years before. It may have been an ad hoc protest march along sidewalks, with many participants wearing bags over their heads to hide their identities, but for all those who were impacted by the archaic laws, the raids of our bars, and even the illegal surveillance in the bathrooms at the local May Company that year (which led to countless arrests), standing up and speaking out to those responsible was the most important thing on each protestor’s mind. Fast forward to today: While times have changed and we now come together to celebrate ourselves and the progress we’ve seen in so many areas, we must continue to march against the hate and oppression that still exists after 50 years. Happy Pride, San Diego!
Above: Local community members carry the 300-foot-long Pride flag that signified the end of a recent San Diego Pride parade. (Courtesy Ben Cartwright)
50 years of Pride: A Timeline
Resources: sdpride.org, sdpride.sdsu.edu, Lambda Archives, research on the interwebs, Doug Moore Facebook memories, and other first-person personal commentary and memories. For more historical detail about those who made Pride what it is in the early years, visit sdpride.org/history-of-pride
“A community, indeed a movement, that does not know its history or the shoulders it stands on, does not know where it’s going.” – Nicole Murray Ramirez
“The annual celebration of Pride has marked many of our struggles and accomplishments. Remember that when we started this, we were presumed criminals, given the presence of the laws prohibiting sex between persons of the same sex and the “crossdressing” laws. Each year reflected those struggles, from the Anita Bryant campaign to the Briggs Initiative, to the assassination of Harvey Milk, to the repeal for DADT, to marriage equality. Every year reflected the struggles and joys of our people.”
–Bridget Wilson
CITY OF SAN DIEGO HOSTS ANNUAL PRIDE KICKOFF
The San Diego City Council and Mayor Todd Gloria invited various leaders and other members of the local LGBTQ community to take part in its annual “Pride Kickoff” celebration on July 1, at City Hall’s Council Chambers.
LGBTQ Mayor Todd Gloria and LGBTQ Councilmembers, including District Three (D3) Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, D2 Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell, and D5 Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, presented those in attendance a proclamation of July 2024 as “Pride Month” in San Diego.
Christine Kehoe, the city’s first LGBTQ elected official (1993) who went on from the San Diego City Council to the California State Assembly and Senate, also spoke; her remarks focused on the 50th anniversary of San Diego Pride.
Key LGBTQ stakeholders were also acknowledged at the gathering, including San Diego Pride, the San Diego LGBT Community Center, the Hillcrest Business Association, and the City of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ Employee Alliance.
In addition, City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez provided brief remarks regarding the very first Pride March, and announced this year’s 2024 Pride honorees: Mr. San Diego Pride 2024, Erick de la Torre; Ms. San Diego Pride 2024, Dawn Stultz; Miss San Diego Pride 2024, Alexis Gabrielle; Mx San Diego Pride 2024, Shiloh Tamir; and Mr. International Pride 2024, Logan Bolitho. Each received a sash that they will wear throughout the weekend.
San Diego Pride related festivities are already underway and culminate in the three major events that include the Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 19; the San Diego Pride Parade, Sunday, July 20; and the San Diego Pride Festival, Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20.
To read the full proclamation, go to page 12 in this issue. To learn more about San Diego Pride festivities, visit sdpride.org.
CALIFORNIA BARS NOW REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ‘DATE RAPE’ DETECTION KITS
As of July 1, all California bars are required to offer customers “date rape” drug test kits.
Assembly Bill 1013, proposed by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), mandates that type 48 licensed bars must purchase and make available the kits, which can be a strip, sticker or straw.
The kits will test for drugs typically found to be administered in drinks, like ketamine or GHB,
(Courtesy Lambda Archives)
which have become known as “date rape” drugs because they often render the person who drinks them lethargic and unresponsive, allowing them to be taken advantage of by the perpetrator. While use of the drugs infer a sexual intention, they are also often used as a way to put people in imminent danger, unable to function for themselves.
The law states that businesses can decide themselves whether to charge customers for the testing kits or give them out for free.
San Diego’s Channel 10 ventured out into our local LGBT community to get a sense of how folks feel about this new law. They reported from Number One Fifth Avenue that the bar will offer patrons a “test paper,” which once inserted into a cocktail or other drink would turn blue if it is spiked, but would not change color if it isn’t.
“We’re going to be providing them at no cost,” Tommy Sayles, the general manager at Number One, told Channel 10 News.
Brian Jinings, co-owner of Number One, also spoke to the Channel 10 reporter. “I thought it was a fantastic idea,” he said.
Channel 10 also interviewed a patron at Number One, Yahya Algathab.
“You never really know when somebody could be making you a potential target,” Algathab said.
“Having that peace of mind with these kits also feels like you have an angel on your shoulder, you know, guarding you.”
Algathab pointed to the increasing number of non-LGBT
patrons entering otherwise gay bars in recent years as an additional risk.
“I know that especially in the LGBT community, a lot of our bars become safe spaces for us and also our allies," he said. “We’re getting more and more crowds in the door and you just don't know if someone is gonna be on the good side.”
While they know they will offer the test kits for free, management of Number One is still working out how to implement the program but should be prepared in time for Pride weekend.
“Having a tool that's available to where a customer or employee can take control into their own hands and be able to really look out for themselves, I think that's a plus,” Jinings said in the Channel 10 story.
To read the full context of AB 1013, visit bit.ly/4bsOTY8
LONG AWAITED
RETURN OF WOMEN’S MONTHLY DANCES
The monthly Women’s Dances were developed a little over 10 years ago by personal DJ Susu Jones and entrepreneur Sally Hall, to provide a fun environment for women to come together and create community.
The original commitment of hosting the dances was to be one year. However, with the energy of all the guests and the need to keep the community connected, it was decided the dances should continue. Despite having the location of the monthly dance change on occasion, they continued with great popularity, and their last and longest-term home was The Rail.
Then COVID-19 put a halt to the fun in 2020.
Once the world returned to a safe environment, Hall said requests for the dances to resume was a weekly occurrence. She said she recently reached out to the new owners of The Rail and they graciously made a slot for the women’s dances to resume.
“Big thanks to Urbano and Isaac, the new owners, who embraced the women’s community for this effort,” Hall said.
The first opportunity to bring the women together again comes on July 18, Pride Thursday, with a Women’s Dance from 8-11 pm at The Rail, with DJ Lotus in the Velvet Box.
“This is a time women can get together with new and old friends before the other Pride festivities begin, at a reasonable cost of $10, and at a great place like The Rail,” Hall said. “Even more exciting, the women’s monthly dances will resume on the third Friday of every month, starting Aug. 16.”
Spinning in the “Velvet Box” for the August dance will be DJ Dallas Coats. Happy hour kicks off the night at 5 pm and the dance will end at 10 pm. DJ Dallas will perform the entire time, spinning a dynamic mix of pop, R&B, dance, rap, EMD, and old-school classics.
“A true legend playing music for the gay women’s community for over three electrifying decades, DJ Dallas’ unparalleled experience and passion for music keeps the crowd moving all night long,” Hall said. “Dallas knows how to ignite the party and create unforgettable nights. She has mastered the art of keeping the
energy high, the women dancing, and the beats fresh no matter the era.”
Check out the women’s dance on Thursday, July 18, from 8 - 11 pm, in advance of Pride weekend, and again Friday, Aug. 16, from 5 - 10 pm. The Rail is located at 3796 Fifth Ave., in Hillcrest.
‘GAY USA’ FILM INCLUDES SAN DIEGO PRIDE 1977
A landmark documentary, originally filmed and released in 1977 – when the gay rights movement was facing Anita Bryant and her organized backlash against the community – “Gay USA,” directed by Arthur Bressen, Jr., has finally been released on DVD and BluRay media.
The 78-minute film focuses on the 1977 Gay Freedom Day march in San Francisco, but Bressen, who is gay himself, also includes footage from parades that same year in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego.
The film’s re-release is timely for San Diego Pride, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Promotion for the film’s new media release stated: “In the year following 1969’s Stonewall Riot, organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front, Gay Activists Alliance, and the Radicalesbians sprung up. They wanted to recall the courageous actions of those bar participants, who stood up against injustice and police harassment, which resulted in a mass political movement. This activism demanded not just societal acceptance and equality, but liberation. with a willingness to tackle oppressive institutions.
“To celebrate, encourage, and reinforce this new revolutionary ethos, they commemorated the first anniversary of Stonewall with parades, which celebrated who they were unashamedly, but also to initiate a new kind of social protest that had both cultural and political advocacy implications.”
“Gay USA” is an attempt to visually document those marches as they happened in some of the largest cities in the country.
Bressan dedicated the film to Robert Hillsborough, who was stabbed to death on a street in San Francisco on June 22, 1977, simply for being gay. To view a trailer for the film, visit vimeo. com/895993505.
The DVD and BluRay media also includes several other important documentaries of the time: Lilli Vincenz’s 1970 “Gay and Proud,” which documented the first Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade held in New York City on June 28, 1970; “Gay Power,” (1971) a lesbian-centric silent film from legendary artists/activists Sharon Hayes and Kate Millet, produced by the Women’s Liberation Cinema; “Parade,” (1972) from Ronald Chase, gives insight into San Francisco’s first official Gay Pride Parade; and “Freedom Day Parade” (1974), by iconic filmmaker and choreographer Wakefield Poole, was shot at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day. Promoters of the DVD release said these films are considered to be “so momentous” they’ve been restored by the Library of Congress.
See BRIEFS page 8 -
FROM PAGE 1
TIMELINE 1
San Diego celebrates its 50th anniversary of Pride this year with the first march taking place in 1974. Its roots started a few years earlier, however, in 1970, when students at San Diego State College (now SDSU) founded the San Diego Chapter of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) in 1970.
These students, including one of the fathers of San Diego’s LGBTQ movement, Jess Jessop, organized a series of early protests and “Gay-Ins,” celebratory picnics held at Presidio Park in San Diego. It soon became clear to local activists that it was time to organize a more coordinated Pride march.
1974
According to Nicole Murray-Ramirez, he, along with Jess Jessop and local ACLU attorney Tom Homann, applied for a permit for the first protest march in 1974, but were denied. Ramirez said they were told, “There will never be a gay march in San Diego.” People gathered for an ad hoc march anyway, many with bags over their heads to hide their identities.
Note: The Pride march that took place the following year may have been organized and permitted – but that permit came after the ACLU threatened to sue the City of San Diego after denying the previous permit.
While many still considered 1975 to be the first Pride march, others felt that to dismiss the march in 1974 would be a disservice to the people who were brave enough to participate.
1975
A committee established the Lesbian/ Gay Men’s Pride Alliance and sought permits with the help of volunteer attorneys. Not without struggle, the permits were obtained, marking 1975 as the year of the first permitted march and rally.
The march took place from Horton Plaza to Balboa Park. Barbara Gittings was grand marshal. Although government officials were predominantly not yet vocal in their support of gay rights, Councilwoman Maureen O’Connor sent the organizers a message of support the morning of the march.
1976
It was the Bicentennial of the US, so the Pride theme was “Gay Spirit.” Floats and/ or vehicles were charged a $5 fee to be in the Pride march.
A permit was obtained (after another initial refusal – and the refusals continued every year for nearly a decade).
1977
Participation continued to increase. America was in the throes of the Anita Bryant “Save Our Children” crusade, so the theme of the march became “Unity (A Day With Human Rights Is Like A Day Without Sunshine),” which referenced Bryant’s commercial for the Florida Citrus Commission proclaiming that “a breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.” Over 1,000 people attended the march. Jess Jessop and Gloria Johnson were named grand marshals.
1978
Defending homosexuality in education took the spotlight of the 1978 Pride event, which was held on June 25. California voters faced Proposition 6, a measure that would prohibit gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools and prohibit the use of curricula that presented homosexuality positively. Prop 6 was fueled by Anita Bryant’s anti-gay campaign and sponsored by California State Senator John Briggs. The march and rally saw 1,500 attendees that year, but the mayor of San Diego refused to proclaim a Gay Pride Week.
1979
The march was moved from Sunday to Saturday, June 23. This year, the march proceeded across Balboa Bridge (now
known as Cabrillo Bridge) into Balboa Park, to the rally at the Organ Pavilion.
A competing event at Balboa Park that August, the “2nd annual Gay Picnic and Olympics” – which was purposely promoted as a social rather than political event – saw 2,500 attendees, which impacted attendance at the march and rally in June.
1980
Learning a lesson from the impact of the Gay Picnic the year before, organizers decided to create a more “celebratory” tone and changed the march to a parade. This caused many lesbians to break from the planning organization (Lesbian/Gay Men’s Pride Alliance) and start their own focus and march – which later became known as Dyke March – taking place the week prior to the June 21 parade.
1981
In what became known as the first year of the AIDS crisis, the Lesbian/Gay Men’s Pride Alliance disbanded and Doug Moore formed Lambda Pride. They asked Mayor Pete Wilson’s office to proclaim Pride Week but were refused.
The route of the June 13 parade changed; it now started and finished in Balboa Park. The new route started at Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street, traveled up Sixth, turned left onto Thorn Street, right onto Fifth Avenue, right onto Robinson Avenue, and right again back down Sixth Avenue, where it eventually ended up in Balboa Park. This was also the first year of the Pride festival, held on Juniper Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues. The celebration featured food vendors, games, performances, and alcohol, which was given away free since Lambda Pride had not yet acquired a license to sell. The Moral Majority picketed all events and SDPD could not interfere because it was all public property. The parade had 3,000 attendees and many more contingents. Gloria Johnson and Brad Truax were grand marshals.
1982
The parade theme was “Proud Diversified United,” and had 46 contingents. This was the first year since the marches began that there was no rally afterward and all the events had less political themes overall.
The festival moved to private property to avoid the protestors. That property was none other than West Coast Production Company (WCPC) on Hancock Street. WCPC was owned by Chris Shaw, who allowed Lambda Pride to use his liquor permit, but attendees had to go inside to drink. The festival was held in the bar’s dirt parking lot – which became known as the “dustbowl” – and had 30 booths.
1983
Lambda Pride’s nonprofit status became official. Permits for the parade were again denied – but then approved after Tom Homann helped them file an appeal and they contacted the media. It was the first year of the Gay Pride Run. There were 55 contingents, 5,000 spectators, and no rally at the end. The festival was again at WCPC with 40 booths. Robin Tyler, among others, performed.
Significantly, Republican Mayor Roger Hedgecock proclaimed June 11, 1983, as “Human Rights Day” to honor the “economic, cultural and intellectual diversity” and contributions of the gay community.
“We were ecstatic to get it, but disappointed it didn’t say ‘Pride,’” Nicole Murray Ramirez said. Doug Moore read the proclamation to attendees of the festival.
1984
The 10th anniversary’s theme was “Unity and More in ’84,” and it was the first year there were no issues with the permits. The parade started at noon from Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street, with 74 contingents, 1,200 people participating, and between 6,000-10,000 spectators. The rally returned and was well attended. The
by Morgan M. Hurley and Benny Cartwright
Because it is the 50th anniversary of San Diego Pride, we ventured out and asked people to ponder the question, “What is your fondest memory of San Diego Pride?” We asked a few others, “What does Pride mean to you?” Here are the answers, in alphabetical order. Thanks to all who participated!
What is your fondest memory of San Diego Pride?
Alex Aldaco Banker
One of my most cherished memories from San Diego Pride is the time my best friend Chelcei and I volunteered together on the Festival Guest Relations team as part of Volunteer With Cheli. Working as a pair, we dedicated ourselves to ensuring everyone’s safety and enhancing their experience at the festival. It makes my heart so happy to give back to the community in such a meaningful way. I truly enjoy spending quality time with
close friends and making new connections during San Diego Pride weekend and any other time – I really am a free spirit with a big heart!
Tanja Alvis
Ms. GSGRA (Golden State Gay Rodeo Assn) 2024
Last year, my friend Dominique came to her first Pride celebration. I had to work hard to get her there as she was nervous. I talked to her on the phone throughout her Uber ride, to get her up to the rainbow balloons at the front of the festival gates.
After that experience, she is now becoming her true, authentic self. I always believe in “see one, do one, teach one, lead one” and this memory will always stand out to me!
Chris Barone
Bar Management
I’ve never experienced Pride except working at Baja Betty’s. I moved here in October 2003 and we opened Betty’s in April 2004. So, while I don’t think it’s probably appropriate to say (in print), my fondest memory is every Sunday of Pride weekend @ 4:00 when I punch out!
Emily Beitler
Retired Postal Servant
My fondest memory has to be riding side-by-side with my BFF Coyote Moon on our motorcycles at the front of the women’s motorcycle contingent leading the parade. (She passed away last year the week leading up to Pride.)
Being honored as San Diego Pride’s Volunteer of the Year in 2008! I have always loved volunteering for San Diego Pride and being able to be recognized for the hard work I put in, that year meant a lot to me.
Sister Iona Dubble-Wyde Community Activist
My favorite Pride memory is really the years of being someone’s memory. Encountering the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at my first Pride inspired me to be more active and I like to believe that I’ve inspired others.
My favorite San Diego Pride memory as a photographer has to be when we were told that Kesha wanted no photographers during
her performance, but I got to be the only one in the pit. I thought she would stay away from me, but instead she came right in front of me and I got one of my ultimate favorite photos ever!
Probably the year it dumped down rain. It didn’t affect anyone’s mood or stop them from coming to Pride. Everybody just embraced the rain, kept a smile
Esteban Duarte Founder, VIDA
Vanessa Dubois Photographer
Brent Foster Personal Trainer
My favorite Pride memory comes from this photo, taken in 2019. I walked the parade route four times!
Moe Girton Restaurant/bar owner
Me M o ries and reflect ions of Pride
Celebrating Pride with purpose: Standing up for LGBTQ+ rights
As the vibrant colors of the rainbow fill our streets and we celebrate the joyous occasion of San Diego Pride month, it's crucial to remember that this celebration is rooted in a history of struggle and a fight for rights.
Pride isn’t just a parade and festival; its a movement, a statement, and a call to action. While we revel in the progress that has been made, we must also acknowledge the ongoing battles we face, especially those targeting the most vulnerable community members.
For years, we've seen a surge in legislative efforts aimed at rolling back the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the United States (over 500 in 2024 so far), with a significant number specifically targeting transgender youth.
Even here in California, these bills range from restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare, banning participation in sports, and outing students to their parents. Each bill represents an attack on the dignity, identity, and rights of transgender individuals, further marginalizing a community already facing immense challenges.
Here in San Diego County, the situation has been particularly alarming.
Our local school board meetings have become battlegrounds, with harmful and hostile rhetoric aimed at transgender students.
These meetings, intended to discuss and improve our children’s education, have instead become platforms for spreading misinformation and fostering fear.
The impact of this rhetoric is profound, contributing to a hostile environment that affects the mental and emotional well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Despite these challenges, there is a powerful force that can counteract this negativity: unity.
It’s time for all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to come together, not just in celebration, but in solidarity and action. The LGBTQ+ community has a long history of resilience and activism. The Queer community has faced adversity before and has always emerged stronger by standing together. So, what can we do? First, we need to educate ourselves and others. Understanding the issues at hand and the real impact of these antiLGBTQ+ bills is crucial. Share information, attend local school board meetings, and voice your support for policies that protect and uplift LGBTQ+ youth.
Second, we must support organizations that are on the front lines of this fight. Donate to or volunteer with groups that
advocate for LGBTQ+ rights (we are lucky to have so many right here in San Deigo) and provide resources for transgender individuals. These organizations play a vital role in offering legal assistance, mental health support, educational resources, and so much more.
Third, we need to foster inclusive environments. Whether it's in our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, churches, support groups, or other gathering places, creating safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals is essential. This can be as simple as implementing inclusive policies, using correct pronouns, and challenging discriminatory behavior when we see it. (Learn more about Defending Equality program here working within our school boards).
Finally, we must remember the power of voting. Our voices matter, and we can use our votes to elect officials who genuinely support and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Pay attention to candidates' stances on these issues and encourage others to do the same.
As we celebrate 50 years of San Diego Pride this month, let’s embrace the joy and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done. Let's honor the legacy of those who fought before us by continuing the fight for a world where every
LGBTQ San Diego County News P.O. Box 34664 San Diego, CA 92163 619-432-LGBT (5428)
PUBLISHER Eddie Reynoso publisher@lgbtqsd.news
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Morgan M. Hurley editor@lgbtqsd.news
GRAPHIC DESIGN Chad Bevan creative@lgbtqsd.news
COMMUNITY EDITOR Benny Cartwright community@lgbtqsd.news
Charles Wellman charles@rivendellmedia.com 908-232-2021 EXT 225
LGBTQ+ individual can live freely and authentically. Pride has been more than a moment; it's a movement. Together, we can ensure that our future is one of equality, acceptance, and pure joy.
–Kathie Moehlig (she/her) is the founder and executive director of TransFamily Support Services, a nonprofit organization that guides transgender/non-binary youth and their families through the gender transitioning process to help make it the most positive experience possible. They provide family coaching, assistance with healthcare and insurance issues, help navigating the legal system, and support at schools. All services are provided at no fee. If you or someone you love needs support, email them at info@transfamilysos.org. ▼
CALIFORNIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE Scott Wazlowski advertising@ebar.com 415-829-8937
SUBMISSIONS / NEWS TIPS For tips, stories, letters to the editor, or other media inquiries, email editor@lgbtqsd.news.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The opinions written in this publication’s advertorial, editorial and opinion pages are the author’s own and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the staff and/or publisher of LGBTQ San Diego County News. The newspaper and its staff should be held harmless of liability or damages.
by Kathie Moehlig (she /her)
Le tters
Editor’s Note: We accept and encourage letters to the editor, and we curate our “letters” from emails, snail mail, Facebook, and comments on our website. However, we reserve the right to publish – or not to publish – any particular submission or comment, and if we do choose to publish, it does not mean that we align or agree with the writer’s intentions, assertions or allegations.
Aggression in Hillcrest [Ref: “San Diego Police investigating drive-by shooting in Hillcrest,” published online at bit.ly/3RcYc76]
My non-binary femme friend tried unsuccessfully to run a shop of queer eco-empowerment in Hillcrest, but had too many run-ins with the feral homeless and their aggressively litigious
bum’s rush didn’t emancipate they/m from their grip. Do you have any advice for saving queer spaces for lesbians, particularly BIPOC ladies of size, to thrive in such an oppressive zone of heteronormativity and male chauvinism that exudes hateful misogyny masquerading as victims of poverty?
–Klem Hornecki, via lgbtqsd.news
Big Mike’s ‘ladies’ [Ref: “The Shoulders I Stand Upon: More amazing and loving ladies in my life,” Vol. 4, Issue 39, or online at bit.ly/3xT0zFv]
Ahhh baby boy. What wonderful words and what an honor to be listed with all those fab women. Thank you. And to keep women in the know, there will be a Women’s Pride Dance Thursday July 18th at The Rail. The Monthly Women’s
August at The Rail. Starts with Happy Hour at 5 pm. I adore you, always.
–Sally Hall via lgbtqsd.news
Retorts to the Trans Talk [Ref: “Trans Talk: Huh? Queers for Palestine, really?,” Vol. 4, Issue 39, or online at bit. ly/4csA4WG]
Such zionist propaganda bull. Queer Palestinians in Gaza cannot be queer if you kill them all!
Maybe start there if you are worried about queer rights in Palestine.
–Sammy Meyer, via lgbtqsd.news
This is the most Islamophobic, anti-Arab post I’ve seen. Take your disgusting dehumanization and misinformation elsewhere. Pinkwashing no longer works, we’ve seen the truth.
–Elianna Shamieh, via .news
Justice at long last [Ref: “Arrest made in 1990 murder of Larry Joe Breen,” Vol. 2, Issue 20, or online at bit. ly/45OZCel]
Condolences to Larry Joe’s family. His father Joe Breen was married to my Aunt. Keeping all of Larry Joe’s family in my thoughts and prayers … may he rest easy now and may he be reunited with his family in eternal life ... Shelly (Connard) Oharro. –Rachell Oharro, via lgbtqsd.news ▼
MPOX CASES IN SAN DIEGO SEE ‘SLIGHT SURGE’
As we enter our own Pride month here in San Diego, San Diego County health officials are reporting a “slight surge” in Mpox cases recently, with seven new cases identified in May and June, up from an average of one or two in previous months this year.
The surge mirrors a similar increase in Los Angeles, according to the County, where LA saw 10 new cases reported in the last few weeks. A deadly strain has reportedly been circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but it is “unclear” if the cases in LA and San Diego are of the same strain.
Originally referred to as Monkeypox, Mpox is an infectious viral disease that saw a global outbreak in 2022, most notably impacting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The virus is primarily transmitted through “prolonged, direct exposure to the Mpox virus through the passing of respiratory droplets or close skin-to-skin contact,” health officials said.
Symptoms of infection include painful rashes in sensitive areas, enlarged lymph nodes and fever, which can set in between five to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms can last from two to four weeks.
While rarely fatal due to available vaccines and treatments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said severe outcomes can still occur, especially for those individuals who are immunocompromised.
Four of the previously reported cases in San Diego County this year were people who had not been vaccinated with the two-shot series called JYNNEOS.
“It’s important for people to get both doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to protect themselves against the Mpox virus,” said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, San Diego County’s interim public health officer, in a press release dated June 25. “We know the summer brings more opportunities for events and festivals that could increase the spread of Mpox, so now is a great time to get the vaccine or finish both doses and encourage friends to do the same.”
Public health officials encourage anyone who is unvaccinated to speak to their health care provider, visit myturn.ca.gov, or call 2-1-1 for help finding a location for the vaccine.
After receiving the first dose in the regime, people are encouraged to get a second inoculation of the JYNNEOS vaccine 28 days later for maximum protection.
Ways to protect yourself from Mpox (from San Diego County Department of Health and Human Services): Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with others who have a rash, blisters or scabs; avoid objects or materials used by a person who has Mpox; wash your hands often with soap and water especially before eating or touching your face; watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and visit a healthcare provider.
For more information about Mpox including resources, local cases and more, visit sandiegocounty.gov/mpox. You can also sign up to receive weekly updates by texting COSD MPOX to 468-311.
RICK AND BENNY’S 10TH ANNUAL PRIDE HAPPY
HOUR
Details of the Pride related happy hour to end all happy hours has been announced. “Rick & Benny’s 10th annual Pride Kick-off Happy Hour” is scheduled for Monday, July 15, from 5-9 pm, at The Rail, located at 3796 Fifth Ave., in Hillcrest.
This happy hour event started out as a thank you to all the industry folks who work so hard during Pride week, to offer them a respite before the big events that will keep them so busy and give them the chance to mingle with other industry peeps. While that is still the focus (and why the event is always on a Monday), attendance has grown over the years to include friends of the industry, as well.
This popular Happy Hour has also moved locations throughout the community over the years, starting at Number One Fifth Avenue for its first few Prides, then moving on to Uptown Tavern, The Loft last year, and now The Rail.
“This event provides a space for our service industry staff, San Diego Pride staff and volunteers, and all community members to celebrate together,” said Benny Cartwright, co-founder of the event. FROM PAGE 3
See BRIEFS page 26
FROM PAGE 5
festival was held Sunday at WCPC with $2 admission, and 4,000 attended.
Christian fundamentalists protested extensively in the weeks leading up to Pride that year. In anticipation of their presence, activist Mary Lou SanBlise and her partner, Sandy, trained 25 people to establish a human “buffer zone” between the parade marchers and the fundies. This group became known as the “Future Former Fundy Fighters.” They wore white T-shirts, lavender sashes, and jeans, and were instructed to smile, laugh, and sing in the presence of fundies. A few hundred protested. Doug Moore left after disagreements with the board.
1985
A new board took over and Doug Moore returned. The theme was “Alive with Pride in ’85,” with the festivities held June 8-9. The biggest change that year was the site of the festival, which moved to the County Administration parking lot along the Embarcadero: no more dust, but all asphalt. There was no alcohol, which proved to be an important option and post-Pride, the board was ousted by the community.
1986
With yet another new board, the budget grew to $90,000 and a two-day festival was planned for the first time; but the new board couldn’t deliver and Pride was initially canceled. On May 19, with Pride weekend just weeks away, an ad-hoc committee was organized to save Pride, which included Lambda Pride veterans Doug Moore, Chris Shaw, Michele Cody, Tom Tyrell, Chris Kehoe and Pat Burke. A public meeting was held at The Flame, and a new Lesbian and Gay Pride Association was formed, with David Manley selected as head coordinator.
Chris Shaw, long time supporter of Pride, wrote a check for $5,000 to the new organization and once again offered the parking lot of WCPC for the festival. They managed to pull off a parade, rally and two-day festival in very little time.
Proposition 64, or the “LaRouche initiative,” was on the ballot, which would have bolstered discrimination on the basis of AIDS. Nicole Murray Ramirez, Robin Tyler, and Susan Jester delivered heated speeches at the rally calling for action. Grand marshals that year were Bridget Wilson and Terry Cunningham. The festival had 6,000 attendees.
1987
“New Lambda Pride” is formed and takes over. Following through on a campaign promise, Mayor Maureen O’Connor participated in the parade with the San Diego AIDS Project, walking alongside the mother of an AIDS patient. O’Connor became “the first elected head of a major US city to walk in sympathy with homosexuals.” She was both cheered and booed during the parade and later received hate mail and death threats. Publicly, she stated that she was not condoning or condemning anyone, just showing support. SDPD escorted the parade with two squad cars and 10 motorcyclists.
A rally followed the parade at Marston Point in Balboa Park, where 8,000 attendees found 289 styrofoam crosses draped in black ribbons and lavender orchids – a cross for every AIDS-related death in San Diego.
Nicole Murray Ramirez, the last speaker at the rally, encouraged attendees to take the crosses to city officials, and thousands of people then marched from Marston Point toward downtown to place the crosses on the steps of City Hall.
1988
New Lambda Pride didn’t last and another ad hoc group, “ParadeFest” got together to put on the weekend. They had 15,000 spectators for the parade with 90 contingents and the Grand marshals were Judy Forman (a gay community advocate and owner of The Big Kitchen restaurant) and Clint Johnson (owner of Show Biz Supper Club and Bee Jay’s, and founding board member of the AIDS Assistance Fund of San Diego County).
Helen Reddy headlined the festival at Old Balboa Naval Hospital parking lot at Park Boulevard and Presidents’ Way. Doug Moore said she was paid $5,000 and was supposed to have a band, but showed up alone with a tape recorder. The two-acre Balboa Hospital parking lot was larger than WCPC’s lots and allowed for carnival rides, a beer garden, multiple dance floors (including country-western), a children’s area, and a resource fair.
After the weekend was over, the board was still in $40k debt and disbanded again.
1989
San Diego Lesbian and Gay Men’s Pride Alliance formed anew with Tim Williams as the first executive director (according to Doug Moore, San Diego was the first Pride organization in the country to have an ED.)
Held June 8-9, attendance and participation decreased but the organization was able to pay off past debts and save for the future year.
Grand marshals were longtime San Diego activists Jeri Dilno and Jess Jessop (Jessop died the following year due to complications of AIDS).
The festival was held for two days at the Balboa Hospital parking lot.
1990
The weekend consisted of the Front Runners Pride Run, parade, rally, and a two-day festival. The theme “Look to the Future: A New Decade of Pride” was selected to emphasize the continued fight for equality moving forward. While the rain almost canceled the parade, it stopped an hour prior, just in time for the 80 contingents and 13,000 spectators to see two black members of the community as grand marshals for the first time ever: Cynthia Lawrence-Wallace and Fundi.
After the rains poured down on the parade that year, it was decided the parade would no longer be held in June, but late July.
1991
Barbara Blake took over for Tim Williams as executive director, after he had been diagnosed as HIV positive. Maryanne Travaglione served as co-director. The theme was bilingual for the first time, “Together In Pride, Conjunto En Orgullo.” The San Diego Sheriff’s Department had a recruitment booth at the festival.
1992
Pride saw increased representation of law enforcement and political officials. San Diego Chief of Police Bob Burgreen was awarded the new honorary title “Friend of the Year.” He rode in the parade, which took place on July 18, along with Mayor Maureen O’Connor and Councilman John Hartley, leading a contingent of city employees. Burgreen was the first Chief of Police to participate in Pride, and this contingent formed the largest delegation of elected officials in a San Diego Pride parade to date.
1993
This year’s parade, on July 17, began at University Avenue and Normal Street and ran through Hillcrest along University to conclude at Robinson and Sixth avenues. For the first time, the San Diego Unified School District had its own contingent in the parade. The new Chief of Police, Jerry Sanders, also participated. Several contingents from Tijuana joined the parade, including Grupo Y Que, which featured gay men wearing traditional folklórico dresses. The festival was moved to Marston Point, where it is still held today.
1994
Despite former (and ousted) mayor Roger Hedgecock’s full tilt to the right with a crusade to end San Diego Pride
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FROM PAGE 5 MEMORIES 2
on their face and had a gay ol’ time.
That year was wild. We were handing out umbrellas from lost and found, and set up pop-up tents to keep them dry, but nobody cared. Everybody was just celebrating Pride. Shows the tenacity of our community and the need for Pride.
John Greenwell Educator
My favorite San Diego Pride memory is when Ke$ha performed at the San Diego Pride Festival in 2016. It was just such a positive vibe and people were so kind while watching the concert.
Sally Hall Entrepreneur
Ohhhh, easy one! When Melissa Etheridge headlined. It is cliché, though, I love that Pride celebrations bring new and old friends together, at max capacity. The energy is a rush, and the observance of everyone’s Pride is as fancy as a unicorn blowing bubbles filled with glitter.
William Rodriguez Kennedy USMC veteran, Public Servant
My fondest memory of Pride would have to be the 2011 Military Contingent. As a Marine veteran, discharged (honorably but involuntarily) during Don't Ask Don’t Tell, I struggled the few years after. That moment when we turned the corner and the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. I'll never forget it. It was one of the most meaningful days of my life.
Marwan Khaleel Realtor
My favorite Pride memory was the first time I attended the San Diego Pride Parade. It was 2018 and I finally felt a little comfortable with my sexuality and started to accept myself the way I am.
I started joining the parade crowd by holding our famous LGBTQ+ flag at the end of the parade. It was such an emotional moment I couldn’t hold back my tears, it felt so amazing to be surrounded by so many amazing people and also remembering my queer friends back home (in Iraq). It was definitely a moment of joy that I won’t forget.
Sister Ida Know Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
One of my fondest memories of Pride is when my daughter “JJ” attended her first Pride here in San Diego. As a close knit family, she has a niece (my granddaughter), who attends Pride with her girlfriend and on this occasion invited JJ to the parade. My guess is that she saw Pride as “Gay Halloween” and wanted to wear something fun. So, it was a borrowed Cat Woman (or Bat Girl) costume that she attended Pride in.
Where my fond memory of this ties in was at the festival. Of course since it was Pride, I was out in the world as a Sister. I was told to find them in one of the beer gardens and I found the trio dancing with an array of people, all enjoying the joy of just being and dancing. After all the hugs and hellos, my wonderful daughter, who had been dancing with some random girl, told me she had been asked what kind of girl she was into.
As proud as many of us in the community are for how we represent our part of the LGBTQ, my daughter is just as proud of who she is. She, like myself, loves people for who we are in life. Having the family that I raised to now be at Pride, was a special moment for me. JJ only knew me as Dad. She had never seen me as my inner spirit, Sister Ida. She plays a huge part of my own “coming out to family” story. But that is for another message.
Joe Martinez Bartender, retired I’ve always worked Pride weekend for over 40 years. It was always hard work to set up and get places ready for the crowds to have fun. Everyone was in a happy and joyful mood and full of smiles and pride.
So this year I will enjoy Pride more than ever, because I’m retired and will be able to participate in Pride 2024.
Jerry McCormick Journalism Professor
San Diego Pride has always been special to me. But in 2002, it became more special after me and the man who would later become my husband went on one of our early dates to the parade. It was the first time I held a man’s hand in public and felt safe. He’s always made me feel this way and this month we celebrate 22 years together and I love him more than the day we met.
Walter G. Meyer
Author, Adventurer
My favorite Pride celebrations were the ones that made me feel the freedom of coming out and accepting that I was gay and I was among people who would accept me for who I am.
And a great reminder of that feeling was the year of the deluge.
In 2015, I, along with thousands of others, walked in the parade as the sky rained upon us as though we were walking through a car wash. The water poured relentlessly from the sky and all we could do was laugh about how drenched we were getting.
I shared that Pride parade via Facetime with a friend in Algeria. Growing up in a small town in that country where being openly gay was out of the question, he had never been to a Pride parade or any gay event.
Through my phone, he was able to observe the party atmosphere, which the rain made even more fun. He could marvel at the crowds and cheering, sopping wet rainbow flags everywhere.
Along the parade route, whenever I encountered a friend, I told them what I was doing and asked them to say “Hi” to my Algerian friend, and offer some words of encouragement to a young gay guy who wanted to vicariously experience his first Pride. Seeing his joy reminded me of my own joyous memories and that for those of us who struggled to come out, Pride gave us hope of a better tomorrow.
As LGBTQ+ rights are under threat across the US and the world, Pride is still necessary to give us hope that there is a rainbow after the rain.
Manuel Parcero
Former chef, Customer Service
I think it was in 1992 and I kind of remember that it was the San Diego Lesbian and Gay parade, maybe it wasn’t called Pride parade yet, but I’m not sure about that.
It was already a big event then, and I went with a group of my friends with HIV. They were brave enough to make themselves visible in the parade, and I pushed one of my best friends who was dying of AIDS in his wheelchair, and some people looked at us as if he was a martian, and he kept smiling and saying “Hi” to everybody.
Lots of people said “Hi” back to him, and that fulfilled my heart with love, because no matter that there were some people who rejected people with AIDS in those days, there were a large number of people in the LGBT community who were very accepting, loving and cheerful, and that is my fondest memory of San Diego Pride.
Big Mike Phillips Bartender, activist, fundraiser
As a 67-year-old man watching Pride develop over these many years to what it has become, especially in San Diego, is beyond mind-boggling.
I think my fondest was the year that I had the honor to share being Grand Marshal with Ben Dillingham in 2005. I’ve never been in a parade in my life, and that was the first time and the last time I’ve ever been in a parade, I had to pinch myself.
It was one of the most incredible days that I’ve ever experienced, having people that you know in the community yelling and saying “I love you” and congratulations and just showing appreciation meant everything to me.
Pride has a lot of history. I just hope people take the time to learn that history so they can appreciate their Pride like I did mine. Know that it isn’t just a party, it is saying we are all equal and we all deserve the right to love whom we choose. Play safe, show respect, and give those that you love a big hug. Happy Pride
Brandon Potter Comedian, Customer Service
I have attended Pride gatherings at least once a year, every year, for half of my life. My first Pride was when I was 18 (you do the math) in Washington D.C. I had to drive an hour and a half from where I lived with only directions I printed out at home since GPS and smart phones weren’t common yet. I went by myself and nobody knew where I was going. I was so nervous, but once I arrived, I’ll never forget the emotions I felt after seeing so many LGBTQIA+ people in the same place, in the daylight, unashamed of who they are. It was the first time in my life I truly felt connected to others and unashamed of who I was and still am. Every year at San Diego Pride I experience the same emotions that I first felt at my very first Pride and I’m reminded why it’s still so important today.
RD Riccoboni Artist Extraordinaire
The first time I saw San Diego’s huge pride flag coming down University Avenue in Hillcrest, it brought back so many memories of other Pride celebrations, how far we've all come, and a special journey I took in 1994. A group of friends from California got together and flew to New York City for Pride and Stonewall 25 and the Gay Games. It was a tribute for us and we all packed photos of friends we had lost to AIDS and brought them along so they could March with us.
Then it all came together. Seeing the mile long Rainbow Flag unfurling on Second Ave in Manhattan then marching with them into Central Park as Liza Minelli was on the main stage singing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” her mother’s signature song. I mean, how gay was that … someone pinch me!
I still tear up when I think about that day. Being an artist, I painted the experience that my friends and I shared which came out in a book called Rainbow Nation in 1996. You can see the signature painting from that day “Rainbow River on 2nd Avenue”
In 2009, for the first time in my life, I discovered the magical world of San Diego Pride – and also learned that sunscreen is not optional. Picture this: I had just moved to San Diego and found myself at the Pride parade, surrounded by more rainbowcolored outfits than a unicorn’s wardrobe.
Now, I had never stood in the heat for so long before. I mean, seriously, I was sweating more than a snowman in a sauna. But it was worth it because at the end of the parade, the pièce de résistance made its grand entrance – the BIG pride flag. This thing was so huge it could’ve doubled as a circus tent for a family of elephants. My friends and I jumped at the chance to help carry it down to Balboa Park. And let me tell you, I felt like I was floating on a cloud of glitter and good vibes. It was like I had just a little bit of pixie dust in my heels and I was ready to sprinkle that magic all over San Diego.
exhibited in my space at the Studio Door gallery in Hillcrest.
Preston Sunderson Kiwanis Club member
Happy Pride from First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden
Remarks at the White House Pride Month Celebration, June 26, The South Lawn
I’m grateful to be joined by so many members of Congress, along with Governor Polis and elected officials from all across the country. And we also have with us incredible leaders in Joe’s Administration like Secretary Buttigieg and Chasten.
To the Gill Foundation, thank you for making this moment possible. Joe and I are so grateful for Tim and Scott’s friendship and vision.
DJ TRYFE, you created the perfect, joyful soundtrack for this event.
I’m so happy to be here with my daughter as we celebrate your families – those families you’re born into, the ones you build, and the ones you choose.
Looking out at all of you, I see America. And it’s an honor to welcome you to our home.
But home isn’t always a place.
It doesn’t always have an address or a parking spot. It isn’t always four walls with just the right color couch inside. Sometimes, home is the bonds we build through choice and chance – the communities we create together.
It’s those people whose love you feel, deep in the marrow of your bones. The ones who will always pick up the phone when days are long and times are hard. The ones who lift up our joys and breathe life into our hopes. The ones who don’t ask us to be strong or brave, who don’t need us to explain who we are, because they already understand. I hope all of you feel that freedom and love on the South Lawn today –because your home is here too.
But even as we celebrate, we know that this community is under attack.
Many of you know that all too well – and have come here from states that are passing laws targeting LGBTQ Americans.
And it feels like we are caught in the push and pull of progress.
There are those who see our communities and our families and wish to tear them down. Those who can’t see that the world is so much bigger and more beautiful than they know.
But when our homes are threatened, when they strip away our rights and deny our basic humanity, we say: Not on our watch.
Pride is a celebration. But it’s also a declaration: That we will not be silenced.
That we will show up – for ourselves, for each other, and for the country we deserve.
Happy Pride from District 3 Councilmember, Stephen Whitburn
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2024 San Diego Pride celebration!
As we come together to honor our diverse and vibrant community, it fills me with immense pride to stand with you as we celebrate this year's theme “Make History Now.”
This year’s theme encourages us to reflect on the strides we have made, recognize the battles we are still fighting, and most importantly, take action to shape a future where everyone can live authentically and freely.
As your Councilmember, I am committed to ensuring that San Diego remains a beacon of inclusivity and progress. Our city has a rich history of advocacy and resilience, and it is through the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations that we have achieved significant milestones. Yet, we know that our work is far from over.
“Make History Now” is a call to action for each of us to be the changemakers of today. Whether through grassroots activism, community engagement, or simply being visible and vocal about our identities, we have the power to make a lasting impact. Together, we can address the challenges that remain and pave the way for a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent such a dynamic and passionate community. Your strength, creativity, and unwavering spirit inspire me every day.
Let us use this Pride celebration to honor those who came before us, to uplift one another, and to commit to making history in ways that will be remembered for generations to come. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Let us march forward with pride, love, and determination.
Our victories testify to that strength.
Nine years ago today, the Supreme Court legalized samesex marriage across the country. And now, thanks to Joe, marriage equality will remain the law of the land. His administration ended the ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood. He’s standing firmly against conversion therapy.
And almost 14 years ago, Joe stood beside President Obama as he signed the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Then, as President, he made it possible for trans Americans to serve openly in the military.
Just this morning, Joe took another step to right those decades of injustice – pardoning many service members who were court martialed for the crime of simply being themselves, honoring those heroes and the service of the many other LGBTQ troops, veterans, and their families who have given so much for our country.
Joe will never stop fighting for this community.
These are big victories – ones that bloom across history. But our triumphs live in the small moments too – moments that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago: Walking down the street without fear. Co-workers who use your chosen name and pronouns. Kids with two moms or two dads at the playground. Celebrating Pride together on the White House South Lawn!
Yes, outside these gates are those who want to send our country backwards.
And tomorrow, we will face them with the courage and strength we always have.
But, today, we’re here to find joy, to feel at home, to be free. To say loud and clear, that you belong, that you are beautiful, that you are loved.
To all the kids here, you can tell your parents that I said to make sure you enjoy the best lawn in America – eat some good food, run through the grass, do cartwheels, have fun!
When you leave here, to go back into a place that still needs so much change, take that with you. Let it be a reminder that you don’t face these battles alone.
You are never alone.
I love you. Your President loves you. Thank you, and happy Pride!
Happy Pride, San Diego!
Stephen Whitburn
San Diego City Councilmember
District 3
San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride Month Proclamation
Presented by Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
WHEREAS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer San Diegans are commemorating their community’s rich history of courage, spirit, achievement, and activism by organizing San Diego’s 50th Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride celebration with the theme of “Make History Now” from July 13- 21, 2024; and,
WHEREAS, history is filled with hard-fought victories on the shoulders of LGBTQ+ leaders such as Harvey Milk, Chris Kehoe, and Leslie Feinberg, revolutionaries like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, and artists like Stormé DeLarverie, RD Riccoboni, and Frida Kahlo, who have built, fought, and created, reminding us that we are part of a continuous legacy of courage and activism; and,
WHEREAS, Christine Kehoe was the first openly LGBTQ+ person to be elected to the San Diego City Council in 1993 and blazed the rainbow trail for Toni Atkins, Todd Gloria, Chris Ward, Georgette Gomez, Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn and Marni von Wilpert; and WHEREAS, we recognize that this moment calls upon us all to do what we can with what we have to build toward more liberation and justice, for ourselves and future generations, which is why the theme for 2024 is “Make History Now,” emphasizing the importance of building on the legacy of those who came before while making history in our own right; and,
WHEREAS, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first marches in San Diego, we honor our past victories and recommit ourselves to the work ahead, understanding that this work has been entrusted to us by the visionaries who have come before us; and, WHEREAS, we honor our future by ensuring opportunities for future generations to blaze their own trails and make their own history, continuing the fight for dignity, understanding, and mutual respect for all; and, WHEREAS, the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has also been rising in the San Diego region, primarily targeting some of our most marginalized community members – our transgender and gender non-conforming siblings and our LGBTQIA+ youth, in opposition to San Diego values that date back to the original indigenous stewards of this land; and,
WHEREAS, San Diego Pride’s full week of celebrations and events include the region’s largest single-day civic event, the Pride Parade, as well as She Fest, Light Up The Cathedral, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, and the Pride Festival, creating opportunities to joyfully work toward LGBTQ+ justice alongside community organizations, activists, artists, entertainers, faith leaders, and community members; and, WHEREAS, while our city, state, and nation have progressed in our journey toward equality, understanding, and mutual respect for all, we still have a long way to go in eradicating the prejudice and discrimination that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit people and their families encounter, and to this end, we continue working for both legal and social justice and liberation for the entire LGBTQ+ community; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of San Diego, for and on behalf of the people of San Diego, does hereby proclaim the month of July 2024, to be “San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride Month” in the City of San Diego.
Councilmembers Raul Campillo, Marni von Wilpert, Stephen Whitburn, Kent Lee, Jennifer Campbell and Henry Foster, along with Mayor Todd Gloria, Council President Sean Elo-Rivera and Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava, present the 2024 pride proclamation to San Diego Pride's Interim Co-Executive Directors Jen LaBarbera and Sarafina Scapicchio.
san diego Pride Weekend events
“As Pride organizers, it’s our job to create [the Pride] celebration every year, and that celebration is vital. We need these spaces of joy, these spaces to be so unapologetically ourselves, in order to shore ourselves up for what feels like a constant battle.
And that unbridled queer and trans joy and unabashed embrace of our identities is itself its own form of resistance.
“And: Pride commemorates the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, when our community members fought back against state-sanctioned police brutality and sparked what is now the global Pride movement.
“Pride is a celebration, yes – and it is also a protest – the purpose of this celebration is liberation.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in antiLGBTQIA+ rhetoric and policy across the country, including here in San Diego, over the past few years. “We have made progress that deserves to be celebrated, yes, and we still have a lot of work to do to achieve full pride, equality, and respect for all LGBTQIA+ people locally, nationally, and globally.
“That work requires intentional reconnection to our roots as a movement for social justice and to our roots in throwing the first brick (*or penny, or punch, or shot glass – the stories vary!) at Stonewall 55 years ago.
“During San Diego Pride, we come together to reconnect to those roots, especially at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, where we get to honor the folks in our midst who are doing the work and come together to take action.”
–Jen LaBarbera (they/them), interim co-executive director, San Diego Pride
July 13
– she fest 2024 (10th anniversary)
She Fest, which for years was hosted by the North Park Community Park, is now taking up space at the base of the Hillcrest Pride Flag in the heart of the LGBTQ community.
She Fest’s annual event includes workshops, vendors, community organizations, performers, and community-building activities. All aspects of She Fest’s annual event center on 2SLGBTQIA+ women, non-binary people, and people who find community with these identities.
Join the fun Saturday, July 13, from 12-3pm, with 10 workshops from 1-5 pm.
The workshops include:
The Art of Self-Seduction - In Our Nature; Bad-ass Boundaries Workshop: Tools to Get Your Needs Met - Your Therapy Room and Coach Alex Ray; Everyone belongs in the fitness world, including YOU! - The Experience Fitness & Mobility Studio; Matayuum Kahnop: Storytelling “is” Resistance! - Queer Sol Collective; Perinatal Mental Health Education - Emily Beltran, LCSW; Play with Your Queerness: Games to Connect with Yourself & Our Community - Kaleidoscope Training Center; Queer Ecosystems: Weaving Our Future Together Through Climate Collapse - Mothers Out Front & Honeycomb Collective; Reclamation Rope Lab - The Rope Collective; Sustainable Printmaking - Ratas Rags and Soledawg; Weaving with Words - Great Oak Press.
For details of each workshop and facilitator bios, visit bit.ly/45SZxpK
The Hillcrest Pride Flag is located at 1500 University Ave., in Hillcrest (corner of Normal Street).
July 17 – light uP the cathedral
Community members from all backgrounds and faiths are invited to join LGBTQ faith leaders and other faithful at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, July 17, as they gather together at 7 pm to participate in the annual interfaith Pride celebration, sponsored by San Diego Pride.
St. Paul’s Dean Penny Bridges, LGBTQIA+ Faith Leaders and Allied Faith Leaders, will perform an Interfaith Pride Celebration service at St. Paul’s Cathedral. After the service, the Cathedral will be lit in rainbow colors, viewable from a distance.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral is in the Bankers Hill neighborhood, adjacent to Balboa Park, where the San Diego Pride Festival will take place on Pride weekend.
It is the formal seat of the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and traces its origins to the first Protestant church in San Diego, founded in Old Town in 1853. The Very Reverend Penny Bridges is the Dean of the Cathedral.
St. Paul’s is located at 2728 Sixth Ave., with the cathedral entrance on the Fifth Avenue side. Limited parking on site and on local streets.
July 19 – sPirit of stoneWall rally
“Our Pride celebrations began as a protest. Pride is still a protest, and our work is not yet done.”
–San Diego Pride leadership
“I was often asked ‘Why do we need to have a rally? It’s so boring.’ Pride has always tried to be as inclusive as possible. There are segments of our community who aren’t interested in marching or parading. We have the Rally to let them have a part in Pride. Besides, I feel it’s important for the community to be aware of the issues that impact our lives.
“The Rally has been held in many places: Juniper and Balboa Drive; the top lot at the festival on Hancock Street [WCPC]; bottom of Marston Point; the Organ Pavillion, in front of the Normal Street [Gay & Lesbian] Center; the current Center’s parking lot (we had fireworks one year) and where it is now by our [Pride] rainbow flag pole.
“The day was moved from the end of the march/ Parade to Friday to give more people a chance to attend.”
–Doug Moore, former executive director, Lambda Pride (precursor to San Diego Pride in the 1980s and 1990s)
The Stonewall Inn Riots happened in NYC in 1969. San Diego’s first rally was held in 1975. San Diego Pride’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally is a time to recognize and honor the 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. There will be an awards ceremony for this year’s Spirit of Stonewall honorees, speeches, live performances and an official Pride Flag raising ceremony.
This event is free to the public and there is limited seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Accessibility seating is available in the front of the seating area near the stage.
Note: Those who purchased tickets for the separate Hillcrest Pride Block Party will be able to view and hear the rally from the adjoining block party grounds.
Presented by San Diego Pride, the rally includes a number of speakers. Erica Pinto, chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village, will first offer an acknowledgment of the unceded Indigenous territories on which we celebrate.
The 2024 Spirit of Stonewall Rally’s keynote speaker will be Kierra Johnson, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force.
Also included are two of the 2024 Spirit of Stonewall awardees, Ady Huertas, a longtime librarian (lesbrarian) at San Diego Public Library who has championed and overseen LGBTQA+ programs in our library system year-round, will talk about what is at stake when LGBTQIA+ books are banned and challenged.
Christine Kehoe, San Diego County’s first out LGBT elected official in 1992, who later made more history in the California State Assembly and Senate, is also part of San Diego Pride’s Founding Leadership. Kehoe will give remarks about the history
Staying safe during Pride
In the past, there have been some security concerns during Pride (such as cell phone theft). Let’s all work together to keep everyone safe during Pride weekend. San Diego Police will have officers out during events doing their best to watch for suspicious activity, but as we all know, Hillcrest is safer when we all work together.
Here are some helpful hints to staying safe during the weekend:
• Keep your phone secure. Thieves often target cell phones in back pockets or open bags. Keep your phone in your front pocket.
• Keep your bags/wallets/purses close to your body and zipped or snapped at all times.
• Stay aware of your drinks. People are often victimized through tampering with drinks. Always keep your drinks close.
• Stay with your friends. Come together and leave together. Use “find my friends” features on apps to make sure you know where your group is.
• If you see something, say something. Bar staff, security, and the SDPD are all working together to keep you safe. You can help by keeping security in the loop if you see something. Take note of details for suspicious people, their license plates, vehicle makes, and clothing type and colors worn.
• Be aware of catfishing. People are victimized by online stalkers and during Pride the LGBT community is often targeted. If something is too good to be true, check with your friends, and proceed with caution.
Law Enforcement Contacts:
SDPD LGBTQ Liaison
• Lisa Hartman, lhartman@pd.sandiego.gov, 619-288-1512
• Michael Gonzales, michael.gonzales@sdsheriff.gov, 858-974-2464
Transportation, Parking and Shuttle
options
Getting yourself to the festivities can be a struggle with so many in our community trying to do the same. Make it easy on yourself by finding other, less stressful options.
Self Park
• Take a bike or scooter to the festival and park it at the bike and scooter corral, located at the corner of Balboa Drive and El Prado, just outside the festival and sponsored by San Diego Pride.
• Drive your car and use the free parking lot located at the Old Naval Hospital (Park Boulevard and Presidents Way) and take the free shuttle to the parade and festival. See hours below.
RideShare (Uber/Lyft/taxi)
• Take a ride share to the festival and get dropped off near the entrance at the corner of Laurel Street and Sixth Avenue.
PRONTO - by MTS (or sdmts.com)
• Riders are encouraged to use the MTS PRONTO app to travel to the event by using the bus and/or trolley. Plan ahead.
• Ride directly to the parade route with bus routes 1, 3, 20, 11, and 120.
• Catch routes 3 and 120 to Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street OR Fourth Avenue and Laurel Street for direct service to the festival entrance.
• Youth with a registered PRONTO card or app account can ride free with the Youth Opportunity Pass. Remember to tap or scan before every ride – even when you transfer between stops.
• Senior/Disabled/Medicare: only $1.25 each way or $3 for a day pass.
Rapid 215 Bus (sdmts.com)
• Great option for folks coming from northern areas within the county
• Service every 15 minutes or better throughout most of the day.
• Direct service to University Avenue and Park Boulevard centerlane bus stop, just two blocks from the Parade.
• Connect to the free Pride shuttle service at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way. (215 northbound stop: Park and Naval Hospital. 215 southbound stop: Park and Inspiration Point Way).
• Last 215 bus leaves downtown/Hillcrest (both directions) after midnight.
Saturday, July 20 Pride Parade and Festival
Free parking lots are available courtesy of San Diego Pride, both Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, at the Old Naval Hospital at Park Boulevard and President’s Way.
Pride Parade Route 7 am – 3 pm
• Catch a free ride from the Old Naval Hospital parking lots to the Pride Parade. The Shuttle will drop parade goers at the corner of Essex and Richmond streets, one block south of University Avenue.
Pride Festival Route 8 am – Midnight
• Catch a free ride from the Old Naval Hospital parking lots to the Pride Festival at Sixth Avenue and Juniper Street.
Festival Express 12 – 4 pm
• Catch a free ride from the Pride Parade to the entrance of the Pride Festival. Pick up the Shuttle at the corner of Essex and Richmond streets and get dropped off at Sixth Avenue and Juniper Street.
Sunday, July 21 Pride Festival
Pride Festival Route 8 am – 11 pm
• On Sunday, Shuttles to the Festival will run continuously from 8 am – 11 pm to and from the Old Naval Hospital parking lots.
Pride Accessibility Vans
ADA Accessible vans are available on call at any Pride (festival, parade, parking) Shuttle stop on Saturday, July 20 from 8 am –12 midnight and Sunday, July 21 from 7 am – 10 pm
To hail an ADA Accessible van, contact the Pride volunteer
FROM PAGE 9
TIMELINE 3
(bolstered by his radio show), the community still had some cause for celebration. A week before Pride, a San Diego Superior Court judge ruled in favor of police officer Chuck Merino who had been ousted from a Boy Scouts Explorer post for being gay. On July 9, 300 lesbians marched down University Avenue in a Dyke March organized by the Lesbian Avengers.
That same year, the organization received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and underwent some identity changes. Although still officially called “Lesbian and Gay Pride,” the weekend of July 15-17, 1994, was described as “a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people” in the souvenir program. Additionally, the event saw an increase in corporate Pride sponsors, including Motorola, 92.5 “The Flash,” and Starbucks Coffee. The annual rally was newly named “the Spirit of Stonewall Rally.”
1995
The Pride theme “Out & Free” was selected to highlight the importance of coming out. Greg Louganis, four-time gold medalist Olympic diver, was honored as grand marshal. Louganis, originally from El Cajon, came out the previous year as gay and HIV positive. Louganis was the first internationally-known figure to be selected as a grand marshal, which undoubtedly contributed to the large turnout at that year’s Pride.
1996
San Diego Pride focused on politics, as a presidential election was set for November. The Republican National Convention was scheduled to take place in San Diego from Aug. 12-15 and the GOP at large held an anti-gay position. San Diego Pride launched a “Rainbow Flag Campaign” to encourage widespread display of rainbow flags demonstrating San Diego’s strong gay presence to RNC attendees. Additionally, Pride weekend was pushed back to the end of the month (July 26-28) to lead into the convention.
1997
Former Pride Festival Coordinator Mandy Schultz was named executive director after Brenda Schumacher stepped down to pursue new challenges.
In the weeks leading up to Pride, national and international media swarmed into town due to serial killer Andrew Cunanan’s connection to San Diego. Cunanan, a San Diego native, went on a cross-country killing spree which began with the killing of his friend Jeffrey Trail on April 27, and ended with the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace on July 15, 10 days before San Diego Pride. Rumors swirled around the community that Cunanan might return to San Diego in time for Pride. The possibility of a return was serious enough for a swarm of media and law enforcement to descend on Hillcrest.
1998 Transgender activist Leslie Feinberg was the keynote speaker at the Pride rally, marking the first time a transgender person was spotlighted at San Diego Pride in this way.
1999
The parade started at noon and was well underway when a tear gas bomb was thrown into the crowd near 10th and University avenues, as the Family Matters contingent was passing by. Chaos ensued as people rushed to get away from the danger, while others ran to the aid of victims incapacitated by the chemicals. The parade resumed approximately 25 minutes later.
2000
Although the LGBT community suffered a defeat when the Knight Proposition (Prop 22) was passed, San Diego Pride held a commitment ceremony on Sunday afternoon at the festival. Couples could express their love and commitment to each other in a ceremony officiated by Rev. Tony Freeman of Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of San Diego.
2001
To show its commitment to diversity, San Diego Pride printed the annual Pride program guide in both English and Spanish.
2002
San Diego Lesbian and Gay Pride made its last name change to date, becoming San Diego LGBT Pride. The change, considered by many to be long overdue, recognized the diversity within the community.
2003
The parade had grown so large that its start time was moved up to 11 am.
2004
San Diego Pride celebrated its 30th anniversary. The festival expanded north almost to Laurel Street in order to acquire more room for the growing crowds.
2005
One of the biggest crises in San Diego Pride’s history took place in 2005 when anti-gay/ ex-gay crusader James Hartline released to the press that his research had indicated that two of the volunteers for Pride were registered sex offenders. The revelation kick-started a series that engulfed the community and threatened the very foundation of the Pride organization. Certain members of the press vilified the Pride board and staff over these revelations, not only for the decision to allow the people in question to remain with Pride, but for not performing criminal background checks on all staff and volunteers in the first place. This is despite the fact that background checks were not common practice among any of the community organizations at the time.
The Pride events went on as scheduled with record numbers of people attending. Afterward, a town hall was organized at The Center by members of the community who were calling for a clean sweep of the Pride organization. Things turned ugly as the moderator lost control of the conversation, but Update! newspaper later estimated that 80 percent of those present supported Pride’s actions and behavior. In the end, the scrutiny and criticism from vocal members of the community had a big effect on the Pride organization, which was run by an unpaid board, numerous volunteers, and a few staff members. Executive director Suanne Pauley, many members of the board of directors, and a number of staff and volunteers resigned.
2006
Ron DeHarte takes over as executive director of the San Diego Pride organization. On Saturday night, three young men went on a gay bashing rampage near the festival grounds. Six men were attacked by the three using baseball bats. One of the victims, after his attackers moved on to other targets, called 911 on his cell phone and followed his attackers before stopping to give aid to another one of the victims. These events led to several community conversations and meetings about safety, and was the impetus for the creation of the Stonewall Citizens Patrol, which remained in operation until 2020.
2007
San Diego Pride added a new category to its annual Spirit of Stonewall Awards - the Inspirational Couple. This paid homage to long-time couples within the community, and the first honorees were Cynthia Lawrence and Peggy Heathers, a couple of over 35 years, and Jerry Peterson and Dr. Bob Smith, a couple of 40 years. The category has been renamed in recent years to “Inspirational Relationship” to broaden its scope and include different sorts of personal relationships that exist in the community.
2008
Marriage equality was front and center at this year’s Pride events as Proposition 8 was on the November ballot. Kathy Griffin headlined the festival attracting one of the largest crowds to date.
2009
The 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots was celebrated throughout the parade.
2010
The San Diego Pride organization was once again ousted by the community, requiring a team of former leaders to take over and produce a successful Pride celebration. Online media San Diego Gay & Lesbian News had released a scathing investigative report accusing the president of the board, Dr. Phillip Princetta, of “dipping into the til” to his own benefit. Executive Director Ron DeHarte resigned over the news and moved to Palm Springs, where
(Photos, l to r) Toni Atkins (left) and Renee Rickets at the 1992 festival supporting the Lesbian Health Fair booth before she was in politics; the banner at the start of the festival in 1996; Susan Jester speaks at a rally in 1985. (Courtesy Lambda Archives)
(Photos, l to r) Bronski Beat during a break in their set at Pride 1995; Gloria Johnson in the parade as Woman of the Year in 1996; Trans Family Support Services (TFSS) march in the parade in 2023, their eighth appearance. (Courtesy Lambda Archives/TFSS)
FROM PAGE 14
TIMELINE 4
he has overseen an incredibly successful Pride celebration each November in the decade and a half since.
2011
Attendee Will Walters was arrested on the festival grounds (for indecency) by the San Diego Police Department for wearing a leather gladiator outfit that didn't fully cover his buttocks. Walters sued the police for anti-gay discrimination but a federal jury ruled against him. He died by suicide in 2016.
2012
San Diego Pride celebrated the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” with the first active-duty military contingent marching in uniform, thus capturing the local, national and global media spotlight.
2013 Stephen Whitburn takes over as general manager of the Pride organization.
2014 Stephen Whitburn is promoted to executive director.
2015
Despite the rain, our community remained strong and made the best of the situation by dancing, cheering and celebrating many milestones, including Pride naming the transgender community as the grand marshal. Republican Mayor Kevin Faulconer and his wife Katherine marched the entire parade in the rain. Despite the downpours, thousands showed up Saturday night for Ruby Rose’s DJ stint at the main stage.
2016
Following the 2016 Pride celebration, the board of directors terminated then-executive director Stephen Whitburn. The board did not share any reason for Whitburn’s termination with the community, although one board member shared with local media that Pride “wanted to go in a different direction.” Dozens of community members rallied in support of Whitburn, who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the organization in 2018. Whitburn was elected to the City Council representing San Diego’s District Three in 2020, and is currently running for a second term.
2017
After a long search and vetting process, Eric Heinritz, an applicant from the Midwest, was selected as the new executive director weeks before Pride weekend. He resigned six months later.
2018
Fernando Z. Lopez became executive director of San Diego Pride, after working for the organization since 2011. They were the first Latinx and first nonbinary leader of the organization.
2019
To accommodate the even larger number of parade contingents, the parade start time was moved up to 10 a.m. and San Diego Pride became the first Pride in the world to have a military jet formation fly over the parade route.
2020 - 2021
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 and 2021 parades were moved from an in-person live event to an online virtual parade.
2022
The Pride Parade was back, and San Diego Pride was the first Pride in the continental United States to welcome the Marine Corps Marching Band to the pride parade.
2023
Lopez abruptly left the organization in November 2023 with the board of directors giving no reasoning behind their departure in a series of town hall meetings to discuss San Diego Pride’s future.
2024
Pride staffers Jen LaBarbera and Sarafina Scapicchio were named interim co-executive directors and are currently serving in those roles until the board completes its search for the organization’s next leader.
This year, San Diego Pride will celebrate 50 years since the first march in San Diego. For the first time ever, the San Diego Pride Parade will be aired on TV, as CBS8 will broadcast it live on their affiliate The CW San Diego from 10 am to 2 pm. ▼
Out actor Wilson Cruz was Grand Marshal of the parade in 1996, and a teenage Benny Cartwright saw this photo in the Union Tribune the following day and realized there was a whole gay life in Hillcrest he didn’t know existed. (Courtesy Lambda Archives)
City Councilmember Christine Kehoe was the first LGBT person elected to public office in San Diego in 1993. (Courtesy Lambda Archives)
Imperial Court Empress Nicole waiting to ride in the 1985 parade. (Courtesy Lambda Archives)
In 1983, Doug Moore read a proclamation from then-Mayor Roger Hedgecock calling the day “Human Rights Day,” to attendees of the festival at West Coast Production Company. It was the first time a proclamation was made, but the mayor’s office purposely left out the words “Gay Pride.” (Courtesy Lambda Archives)
A reported 8,000 attended the rally in 1987, where 289 white crosses were on display to signify those who died of AIDS in San Diego. Speaker Nicole Murray Ramirez (above) encouraged attendees to take the crosses to City Hall and thousands did so. (Courtesy Nicole Murray Ramirez)
(and future!) of San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ movement.
In addition to the speakers, a number of creatives will be part of the festivities, including: spoken word artist (and alum of the Pride Youth programs) Espi Ouapou (pen name Espi Love) will perform bringing together arts and advocacy; performing artist ViRR will share the Black national anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing”; and Larissa Balzer from the San Diego Women’s Chorus will perform “America The Beautiful” while a group put together by Pride’s Military Department present the colors in an all-veteran honor guard.
The Pride Youth Marching Band will perform during the start of the rally and also to close it out during the ceremonial raising of the giant Pride flag by Hillcrest Business Association to kickoff Pride Weekend.
The rally takes place Friday, July 19, from 6-7 pm at the Hillcrest Pride Flag, located at 1500 University Ave., (corner of Normal Street).
For more information, including details about the Spirit of Stonewall honorees, bios about each of the individual speakers and performing artists, accessibility and parking options, visit sdpride.org/rally-2024
July 19 – hillcrest Pride Block Party
The Hillcrest Pride Block Party, presented by the Hillcrest Business Association (HBA), is an annual event that gets the public dancing and ready for the weekend of Pride-related festivities.
Doors to the Block Party open at 5pm so you can grab a drink and find the best vantage point for the San Diego Pride Spirit of Stonewall Rally, which takes place starting at 6 pm in an adjoining area.
After the rally and the flag raising, the dancing, networking and fun begins at 7 pm and continues until 11 pm, with a performance by Aliyah’s Interlude. According to the HBA, “Performer, fashionista, influencer, Aliyah's Interlude is poised on the eve of greatness with her hits like Fashion Icon and It Girl.”
DJs spinning from the Block Party stage this year are Jinx Mirage and Kinky Loops. Jinx Mirage, originally from the East Coast, has made a name for himself in the nightclub scene in Palm Springs over the last four years and looks forward to bringing their high energy style and blend of classic, disco and tech house to San Diego to kick off Pride weekend.
Popular local DJ Kinky Loops is known for her infectious smile, heart-thumping beats and energetic performances showing her pure love of music. “DJing is about creating the energy of a crowd as a collective, letting people take that moment to let loose and dance, getting lost and free of stress on the dance floor… there is no happier moment as a DJ,” she said.
The massive Ferris Wheel is back, there will be vendors to peruse, the Stonewall Rally and flag raising, performances and dancing, and Red Bull is sponsoring an expansive Craft Cocktail Bar. Bartenders will be using spirits from event sponsors Jim Beam, Effen Vodka,
san diego Pride festival
The Pride Festival is San Diego’s largest two-day event, highlighting the best in LGBTQ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources.
In its early years at Marston Point, the festival was below Juniper Street; now it stretches all the way to Laurel Street. The main stage was at the base of the big curve (right under the planes landing at Lindbergh Field) for many years, but for at least the last 10 years it has been at the top of the festival, close to the entrance.
When:
Saturday, July 20, 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday, July 21, 11 am – 9 pm
Location: Marston Point in Balboa Park (Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street)
Regular Tickets – available until July 19, 2024
•Weekend Pass – $38
•VIP access – $219
Day Of/Box office Only – Last Minute Tickets – Pride Weekend
•Weekend Pass – $42
•VIP access – $239
High-school-aged youth and younger: FREE at Box Office only
Seniors (65+): $15 at Box Office only
Volunteers: FREE with a completed 5-hour shift (register at sdpride.org)
VIP passes include:
•Weekend VIP Access
•Branded VIP credential and wristband
•Exclusive entrance
•Expanded VIP lounge
•Enhanced views of mainstage
•Upgraded VIP restrooms
•Catered food from 1 – 7 pm in VIP lounge
•Four hosted drinks per day redeemable at any festival bar
entertainMent
With four big stages at the festival, there are so many DJs and performers, we can’t possibly identify them all, but here are some highlights. For more info, visit sdpride.org.
Stonewall Main Stage – Todrick Hall, Rico Nasty, and Sheila E. Fusion Stage – DJ Fariba Movement Stage – Coco Channel and KSwift Mundo Latino Stage – Betty Bangs
Hornitos Tequila, and the BarKeep Company, along with beers from Coors Light and Blue Moon, with craft beer from Hop Valley Brewing.
Note: This is an all-ages event; if you plan on purchasing alcoholic drinks, IDs will be mandatory.
Tickets for the Hillcrest Block Party are $30 (plus a small fee) for the 5-11 pm event. To purchase tickets or to learn more about the event, visit bit.ly/4bwNHmL
July 20 – Pride 5k run & Walk
Bright and early before the Pride Parade starts, San Diego’s very own Front Runners and Walkers club will be setting the stage along the parade route for the annual Pride 5K Run & Walk.
More than 1,700 participants from around the world (there is a virtual option!) bring in approximately $40,000 every year in donations for Front Runners, San Diego Pride, and The Center’s Youth Housing Project.
The race and other activities begin at the corner of University Avenue and Centre Street, adjacent to the San Diego LGBT Community Center.
All ages and abilities are welcome to register. Festivities begin at 6:45 am with active bib-pick up (for live participants, only), a vendor village to peruse, a free “kid’s dash” at 7:30 am, and the 5K kicking off at 8 am.
Pre-race bib pick-up is on Friday, July 19, from 2-630 pm at The Center, located at 3909 Centre St. You can also pick up your bib on race day, between 6:30-7:45 at vendor village.
If you can’t pick up your bib Friday but want it in advance of race day, you can have someone else pick it up but they must have a photo of your photo ID, no exceptions.
So gather your friends, families, co-workers, and allies, and form a team. Or run by yourself, you’ll meet plenty of kindred spirits along the route. Come out to cheer! Or become a sponsor and support the community.
To learn more about the 5K, visit sdpride.org/5k. To learn more about Front Runners and Walkers, visit frwsd.org
July 20 – san diego Pride Parade
The San Diego Pride Parade steps off at the corner of University Avenue and Normal Street, the location of the Hillcrest Pride Flag, at 10 am, Saturday, July 20.
This is San Diego’s largest one-day civic event, which sees more than 100 parade entrants and close to 300,000 spectators along the 1.5 mile parade route in support of the local LGBT community.
The route, which always starts with loud vroom of the women motorcycle contingent, continues west on University to Sixth Avenue, where it turns south and marches down to Upas Street and turns left onto Balboa Drive into Balboa Park and continues down to Quince Street, near the entrance of the Pride Festival at Marston Point.
This free event provides entertainment to spectators for nearly five hours, ending at 3 pm, when the streets are cleaned and opened back up for traffic.
Many attendees love to wait until the bitter end and be part of the enormous 300 feet-long Pride Flag that is carried by spectators from the start of the parade down the entire parade route and into Balboa Park.
Every year I like to reflect on some element of Pride, since it has now been such a huge part of my life since I was 16 years old and I first learned that there was a thing called a Pride celebration. For 25 years now –half of the time Pride has existed in San Diego – I have been volunteering for the San Diego Pride organization in a variety of capacities and I couldn’t imagine not being involved.
Another milestone this year is the 10th anniversary of the annual Pride Kickoff Party that Rick Cervantes and I host to bring our community leaders, service industry workers, Pride staff and volunteers, and anyone else together to celebrate on the Monday before Pride weekend, before we all get so busy with pride responsibilities or playing host to visitors.
Rick and I absolutely love putting on this celebration, and consider it our gift to our friends,
Celebrating friendship and community this Pride
supporters and community that we love so much.
And so for this year’s Pride reflection, I’m thinking about the 18 years that Rick has been in my life and all that we have created together for the community. I’m thinking about the importance of friendships and special relationships and bonds that we can build with people, and how incredibly lucky I am to have someone like Rick in my life.
This community has gotten me where I am today, by giving me platforms (like the one you’re reading) to share about my life; it has given me jobs and income; the ability to put my organizing skills to use; and most importantly, some of the most amazing people I have ever met.
Rick, too, also shares his love for this community, as it was where he found acceptance when his blood family didn’t approve of him being gay. He moved to San Diego from Central California specifically to be in Hillcrest, and he doesn’t want to live anywhere else in the world.
Because of this love for the community, we give back constantly in as many ways as we can. While we’re quite comfortable, we’re not wealthy, so writing checks and giving financial donations is not something we can do often, but we love organizing community clean ups, celebrations, our Hillcrest Honors program, and so much more – including Rick’s very popular @HillcrestSanDiego
Instagram account that has become a go-to for neighborhood news and updates.
Like we say at most of these events, they all have a two-fold purpose. A community cleanup does a great service by keeping trash off our streets, but more importantly, it’s a community building activity where neighbors get to know each other while doing something good. Same goes for our Hillcrest Honors awards program. We get to spotlight people doing great things in the community, but we also use social media to announce the honorees so community members can see who is who.
I absolutely love that Rick shares my joy in doing these things. I couldn’t imagine doing these things on my own today.
I’ve been an LGBT community organizer since I was 18 at SDSU and I was running all kinds of activities and events even then on campus and in Hillcrest, and I did most of that organizing alone (with the help of great volunteers). It seems like such an ancient time and strange to think there was a period of time when I was doing this stuff without Rick. We’re a natural fit for each other and each have our own unique talents to lend to our community building work.
Together, our special bond and love for each other helps us each keep going – we both get burned out sometimes (often!) and there are times when community naysayers have been
so vile that we’ve just wanted to call it all off. But we get each other through it, and we always remember that we do what we do because we love this community and believe in vibrant, close knit communities.
Certainly, like any pair of people with incredibly close bonds – we’re basically family – have rough patches. We fight, we disagree on things, and sometimes I’m not good at giving Rick space when he wants/needs it (I am one of those who thrive off the energy of others, while he needs absolute peaceful alone time to recharge sometimes). I can be annoying and chatty, too, but we all have our quirks and we work through them. Our history together, our deep understanding of each other and our care for each other keeps us strong – and we want to be strong for our community!
This year, I celebrate Rick and our commitment to the community and each other as I go into this San Diego Pride season!
With all that said, Rick and I are so excited to invite the entire community to our 10th annual Pride Kickoff Happy Hour, scheduled for Monday, July 15, from 5-9 pm at The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest.
The event is always a blast with high energy music, drink specials, dancing if you choose, some popup drag performances, and much more! While we don’t do politics or fundraising at this event by design, we always
get several elected officials, candidates for elected office, and other movers and shakers who stop by, so you’ll have the chance to interact with them if you’d like. The co-interim executive directors of San Diego Pride will also share welcoming remarks to kickoff the week.
This year, we’ve also added a special feature the hour before the party. Guests who arrive from 4-5 pm will have the opportunity to hear a special presentation we’re hosting called “Power in Pride.” Participants will learn about how to keep each other safe during Pride weekend, including Narcan, sexual health, and so much more. We’re really excited to provide this educational component to our party.
We’d really love to see you there as most of us don’t get to be together during Pride weekend because there are so many different things to do and places to be. Let’s celebrate this vibrant community we have here and our love for it!
Whether or not you are able to make it to our party, I do hope to at least bump into many of you during the weekend celebrations and events, and wish everyone a very happy Pride!
–Benny Cartwright is a longtime activist and community leader. Reach him at community @lgbtqsd.news. Follow him on Instagram @BennyC80. ▼
55th AnniversAry of stonewAll
Editor’s note: The following is the keynote speech given by Nicole M. Ramirez in New York City at the historic Stonewall Inn, on June 27.
I bring you greetings from the oldest LGBTQA+ organization in North America, the International Imperial Court System, founded in 1965 by Empress 1 Jose Julio Sarria of San Francisco. Jose was a proud Latino and World War II veteran who in 1961 was the first openly LGBTQ candidate to run for public office and who last year was inducted into the California Hall of Fame by Gov. Gavin Newsom. There are now over 65 Court chapters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and
next year we will be celebrating our 60th anniversary.
The Imperial Courts proudly led the national letter-writing campaigns that not only resulted in the Harvey Milk U.S. postage stamp, but the United States Naval Ship (U.S.N.S.) Harvey Milk. We also proudly partner with the National LGBTQ Task Force and established this National LGBTQ Wall of Honor. It is also important to note that we have established a Canadian National LGBTQ Wall of Honor, which was spearheaded by Emperor John Ribson and resides in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at The Well Hamilton nightclub.
I also bring you official greetings from San Diego and our first elected mayor of color and a member of our LGBTQ community, the Hon. Todd Gloria, who is right now in China bringing back panda bears for our world-famous San Diego Zoo. Mayor Gloria was also last week elected as vice president of the United States Conference of Mayors.
Our California State Senate President Pro Tempore, the Hon. Toni Atkins, wanted me to also extend her greetings. We in California are working to make Toni Atkins our first elected woman and LGBTQ governor of California.
Many times I am asked why I wanted to establish this historic Wall of Honor and I say to all as I have for many decades: “A community, indeed a movement, that does not know where it came
from or whose shoulders it stands on, does not really know where it is going.”
I want to acknowledge that this wall would not have happened without the strong support and love for their community by Kurt Kelly and Stacy Lentz of the Stonewall Inn, and the dedication and hard work of co-chairs Empress Coco LaChine of New York City, and Cathy Reena of the National LGBTQ Task Force and her hard-working staff.
I also want to also acknowledge Emperors Russell Roybal, John Carillo, Scott Seibert, members of the Imperial Court of New York, Emperor Jeffrey II, and King Father Terry Sidie.
My friends, as we stand here today, we have not seen our country as divided since the days of Lincoln, nor the future of its democracy as challenged since the days of Roosevelt.
We stand here today as our LGBTQ community has not seen such hate and campaigns against us since the days of Joe McCarthy and Anita Bryant.
The Human Rights Campaign last year declared that a “State of Emergency” exists in the LGBTQ America. Well, with all due respect to the HRC, I say to you that a “State of War” has been declared on us by the ultra-Radical Right. And our message to them by the hundreds of thousands who have been and are marching in the Pride Parades across this nation is
simple: “Read my silicone lips: We are never ever going back into the closets.”
Yes, the ultra-Radical Right has indeed declared war on us. But we are not the only ones. And my main message to you today is that we must build stronger bridges and solidarity with other communities and causes under attack.
As I look upon this National LGBTQ Wall of Honor, I hear the voices of many of those trailblazers, pioneers, and heroes whose shoulders we stand on:
• I hear Donna Red Wing telling us to stand with a woman’s right to control her own body;
• I hear Bayard Rustin telling us to stand with the African American community as they try to suppress their vote and erase their history;
• I hear Sylvia Riveria and Marsha P. Johnson telling us that defending and standing with our transgender community must become a priority and is an obligation of all of us.
• I hear Harvey Milk telling us we must speak out against the rise of antisemitism and hate against the American Jewish community, not seen since the Holocaust;
• I hear Urvashi Vaid telling us we must stand against the rise of hate crimes against the Asian Pacific Islander community and, yes, the Muslim community as well.
• I hear today’s honoree Larry Baza telling us that we must
stand for Dreamers, refugees, the undocumented now more than ever before; And I hear David Mixner telling us we must make gun control also our fight. And most important of all come November, we must come out of the closets and into the voting booths.
• And lastly, I hear Matthew Shepard telling us all to stop saying LGBTQ youth “are our future” because they are here and now. They must become our number one priority.
In closing, I say to you all that Pride must become more than just a parade and celebration. It must become a call for the renewal of our activism and resistance. Progressive America must wake up and know that the ultra-Radical Right has declared war on all of us. Only by working and supporting each other and starting to extend our hand to each other will history be on our side.
Thank you and God bless you all.
–Nicole Murray Ramirez is a lifelong Latino and LGBT activist and advocate, a longtime city commissioner, and is the Queen Mother of the International Imperial Court of the Americas. He can be reached at nicolemrsd1@gmail.com ▼
Nicole speaks at the historic Stonewall Inn, where what we know as ‘Pride’ began
(Photo by Bob Lehman)
As our San Diego Pride season is getting underway, I have been reflecting on how our trans community in San Diego seems to have lost its pride.
It makes me sad to think back on all of the work we did in past years. We, the San Diego trans community, had a vibrant coalition of community members who were proud and excited to show our pride in ourselves and our community by organizing some amazing events.
In the earliest years, starting in 2014, we held our first Trans Pride and March. We met at Balboa Park – where there was food, games, resource tables and more – then we marched like a parade to join in the San Diego Pride Spirit of Stonewall Rally at Normal Street. We had an amazing number of people show
What happened to Trans Pride?
street waved and hooted with love for us. Horns honked and shouts of “We love you!” were heard all around through the march. It was exhilarating and made me burst with pride for our community. We held several more Trans Pride events in the following years. Then the pandemic hit and everything came to a halt. It was difficult to restart our lives after that, as everyone had to readjust to face-to-face contact with people. The San Diego LGBT Community Center didn’t re-open for quite some time and I think we lost many links to each other.
Today, most trans groups at The Center still meet on Zoom rather than in person. I feel we lose a great deal of social interaction and a closeness to others on a Zoom call. But at least the groups go on.
Now that the pandemic is over and life is back to “normal” (whatever that means to you) but the trans community seems to be thrown to the wind. Except for the big events, like Transgender Day of Remembrance and Trans Day of Empowerment, there are no other gatherings.
Those two events are made possible by the leadership of a very few people. We used to invite any community member to join in the planning and really had some great meetings and ideas with so
Tracie O’Brien always emphasized at Day of Empowerment that it was time to let the young ones lead, that trans elders should step back and allow them to blossom. But in reality, it seems to still be the elders who are leading the way to make community events possible.
Let’s take Trans Pride for example. What happened to it?
Well first there was the pandemic and then it took the next couple of years for many to venture out and feel safe. Now it’s 2024 and I have heard nothing about anyone organizing a Trans Pride event. Our community, now more than ever, needs to come together, to support each other, to lend a hand in the battle for our rights, but no one seems to answer the call.
With over 400 anti-trans pieces of legislation across our country, I know it scares me. I can’t believe others in our community aren’t feeling the same way. But wouldn’t it be nice to have space to get together, talk to each other, support each other. Maybe even do a rally!
Over the years I have and still do organize beach parties and picnics, often with very little help to put these on. My co-facilitator, Shawn Burgh, is always the only one who helps me organize these. He is a great example of a young leader. He can’t be the only one though?
to be me anymore. Where are the other young leaders we waited for? Where are the younger people with ideas, creativity and ambition to create community?
Anyone can create an event, anyone can conceive an idea and anyone can be a leader. You just have to step up and do it.
I have noticed among folks I interact with, that when I mention that San Diego Pride needs volunteers, the room falls silent. When other events come up and I say that this event could use some volunteers, again, silence. I am trying to understand why the generations of 20 on up to 40, react this way.
Has our world changed so much that no one feels like they should help create a strong vibrant community as we had in the past? Do folks nowadays feel no need for community? Do people today have no sense of giving back?
It seems that very few have the sense anymore that it’s all of our responsibility to lend a hand and be part of things greater than ourselves. Is leadership a dead fish in our world? It’s as if no one wants to actually do any work to make these things happen.
Why don’t I see any leadership within our trans community? I’m sure I am missing something because we are a community of such talent, such passion, such
and get things together, like let’s do Trans Pride again!
Now here are some great opportunities to give back to our community. Yes, San Diego Pride does need more volunteers this year, with lots of different jobs and shifts to choose from. Just go to sdpride.org/volunteer
Also on Saturday, July 13, SheFest will be held again on Normal Street, where the Hillcrest Farmers Market takes place each Sunday. This event is put on by women for women and everyone is welcome.
I have heard people say in recent years that they heard “trans men and cis men were not allowed in” to SheFest. That is absolutely not true. All welcome means everybody. Respect for the women and their efforts is of course implied. There will be music and vendors, workshops and more. Come out and support this great event!
Finally, don’t forget to visit the Trans Area at San Diego Pride. Relax and chat with friends, visit all the great resource tables, hang with your homies. Should be a great area this year. Happy Pride, everyone! Be safe and have a wonderful Pride and a safe summer.
–Connor Maddocks (he, him, his) is a Transgender activist, trainer, speaker, and advocate. You can reach him at
When I decided to make the food and beverage industry my career back in 1974 (right after I graduated from high school), I never imagined how this work force would change my life in so many fascinating ways.
I fell into this business when I was a junior in high school. I wanted to go to the Junior/Senior Prom that year and realized the only way I would ever get to go was by getting a weekend job. I had a good friend, Dawn, whose father owned one of the most successful restaurants in Texas, called “Country Corner.” It always had a line outside the door because the food was so delicious. They were known for having one of the best chicken fried steaks in the state. Dawn asked her Dad if they needed any extra help and it just so happened he needed a dishwasher in the kitchen. I went to meet him and filled out an application and was hired immediately, starting that same weekend. It did not hurt that Dawn and I had the same birthday, January 18.
I was so happy to have this opportunity to work. I started at the beginning of the school year so I could make enough money to go to the Prom. Now you must realize, it was 1974 and the minimum wage was $1.10 an hour.
I never realized what hard work it was to wash dishes and scrub those pots and pans. OMG.
After about a month of working there, the owner came
The power of loyal customers
into the kitchen one Saturday morning and said to me, “You need to get on the floor and start taking food orders.” Only two of his waitresses had shown up to work that day.
I was scared to death and said, “I’ve never done anything like this before.” He replied, “Just go out there and write down what they would like to eat and bring the order back to the kitchen.”
The first few orders I took were disasters, the kitchen helped me out a lot. But as the day went on and the fact that it was so busy, I was forced to get the hang of it very fast. I could not believe how much fun I was having and especially seeing and picking up the tips.
By the end of my shift, I counted my money and could not believe I had made $150 that day. I’d never made that kind of money before. God knows I wanted to wait tables again on a regular basis. There were only two things that stood in my way: about 75% of his waitresses were the most popular and beautiful girls from all the surrounding high schools; and he only had female waitresses. I certainly was not in either classification.
The owner did in fact put me on the floor as a waiter later on because several customers were requesting “the tall young man who waited on us Saturday.” This was when I learned the meaning of regular and loyal customers. It made me feel so special and I went out of my way to make them feel that I truly appreciated their loyalty.
Fast forward to my last 36 years bartending in the gay bars here in San Diego. Getting my very first bartending job as the day bartender at the Brass Rail, I had to find ways to attract day drinkers to come see me during my shifts. I did and I was fortunate enough to build that day shift with very kind and loyal customers, a lot of them are still my customers to this very day.
In fact, my dear friend Robert, who I met over 40 years ago in San Antonio, Texas, was a customer of mine there; then when I moved to San Diego, he happened to move here around that same time, and when he learned I was bartending in the gay bars, he has been my loyal customer ever since. Forty years of friendship and as Robert’s bartender.
I moved on from the Brass Rail to Rich’s for 12 years, and then Bourbon Street for nine and a half years, and I was blown away with the loyalty of my regular customers who would graciously wait in my line to receive one of my drinks.
I always spoke to and acknowledged every single person who approached my bar with a hello, and never without saying thank you. So many of them have become great friends over these years and are still supporting me.
I Googled the definition of the words “loyal customer” … Customer Loyalty describes an ongoing emotional relationship between you and your customer, manifesting itself by how willing a customer is to engage with and repeatedly purchase from you versus your competitors. Loyalty is the byproduct of a customer’s positive experience with you and works to create trust.
After 50 years in the food and beverage industry, especially in San Diego, I have been honored to have so many of you as loyal customers, and because of your dedicated support, you have helped me pay my bills, and given me a lifestyle of comfort that I will always be grateful for. Because of all of you who have given me your loyalty, I have a beautiful home, have been able to travel, and the best part is that we have become friends, even if it was only at the bar, but many of you have become very good friends outside of the bar.
My customers were also there for me during those early
days of Ordinary Miracles, when bartenders gave half or more of their tips back to the cause; it was our loyal customers who came out in force to tip us bartenders and waiters even more than normal. For that, I will always be grateful knowing we live in such a kind and generous community. I know how fortunate I am to be blessed by so many of you who show your loyal support towards me and to so many other wonderful bartenders and waiters in this town, who make you feel special as you deserve to be treated.
This has been my standard as a person in the service industry these last 50 years: “I will always do my best to recognize your presence with a hello, be kind, and attentive to your needs, and give you the best product you are asking for. To always show you my appreciation for choosing me as your bartender, and standing in my line. I am so grateful to you. Thank you.”
So many of you have also opened doors for me in many ways, by getting me extra work on the side with bartending and photography gigs. We are all customers at some point, we go out to have fun, go to a store or restaurants and bars. We depend upon the help of the individuals who work at these businesses we support for service.
I have learned as a customer myself, kindness and patience are key to getting better service. If you are going out and the place you choose to be at is very busy, please do not blame the person who is working hard by taking your frustration out on them.
Overall, I would say 95 percent of our guests are amazing and I personally have always appreciated every one of you who has ever ordered a drink or food from me. I realized years ago how much I love what I do, and the main reason for that has always been that I enjoy all of you and I am and always will be grateful for your loyalty, support, friendship,
and your love. And in return I love all of you. Thank you.
I have met so many amazing, kind, and generous people. I have always said, “I live in the best city in the world, because it has the best people in the world.” Lucky me.
As we celebrate LGBTQ Pride this month here in San Diego, I would like to say how much I appreciate these last 35 years of Pride and all those we honor for those shoulders we stand upon in our community. I have bartended all those years during Pride and once again it is our customers and welcomed guests who come from all over the country to celebrate with us. San Diego LGBTQ Pride turns 50 years old this year and witnessing these last 35 years has educated me of our LGBTQ+ sheroes and heroes. In 1969 the Stonewall riots gave birth to the first Pride marches held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, one year later, June 28, 1970.
So, on our Golden Anniversary here in San Diego, as we honor the new LGBTQ honorees, let us never forget our past and make sure we tell these stories correctly and never allow anyone past or present to ever not be included. Our history is the foundation to our success.
I want to congratulate all who have been chosen to be recognized this year, a huge congratulations on your honor. I pray we have a safe, kind, and loving LGBTQ Pride this year. We are all deserving of our freedoms, Equality and Unity as Americans, God’s children, and human Beings. These are the shoulders we stand upon.
–Big Mike Phillips is a local photographer, bartender, and longtime LGBT activist and fundraiser. You can reach him at bmsd1957@gmail.com ▼
(l to r) Big MIke, Chris Barone, Joey Arruda, and Courtney Ray at Jimmy Carter’s Cafe (Courtesy Big Mike Phillips)
4
I felt like I belonged and I felt like I had finally found my tribe. Also, I might have developed a slight tan line in the shape of a rainbow flag – but hey, worth it!
Donna Walker
Co-owner, South Park Dog Wash
It was back in the 1980s that I first got brave enough to watch the Pride parade in person. I say “ watch” and do not use the word “attend” or "participate" in the festivities because at that time I was still in the Navy and being gay was not allowed. I would heavily disguise myself by bundling myself up in hats, jackets and sunglasses despite the summer heat. I would then ride my bicycle along the outside perimeters of the parade route seeing as much as I could and generally enjoying the vibe of all the happiness the celebration exuded.
I think back now that my trying to be covert actually drew more attention to my presence there. Undercover yet over clothed does not mean incognito, but I was young and tried my best to go unnoticed.
After my experiences of being under investigation in the Navy for being gay I did not want to take any chances. I was drawn to the celebration and outpouring of love despite the danger I felt by observing what was considered off limits. I braved the parade route but never ventured into the festival at the end of the route. I figured that I could always say that I was just passing by if I was ever caught. It would not be so easy to explain why I was seen inside of a gated and fenced in festival, so I enjoyed it from the outskirts, looking in.
So my happiest memory was after I retired from my 20 years of service in the Navy. My business partner Lisa Vella and I opened our business, South Bark Dog Wash. I now decided to live my life open and free. I became more involved in the LGBTQ+ events and community. I attended the parade, festivals, events and celebrations freely. It was strange to be so open but I reveled in it.
Sometime around the mid 2000s, South Bark had become known within the community as an established gay-owned business and my business partner and I decided to put our own float in the parade. We decorated a truck like a giant dog.
people loved our business and accepted us, was very powerful and pure. I have experienced so many happy moments celebrating Pride, so many memories with so many people. Really good times with good friends at Pride parties, connecting, engaging and celebrating love and freedom. My favorite memories of the Pride celebration are the feelings of acceptance, love, commonality and understanding that gave me the strength to become a whole person.
Bridget Wilson Retired; Activist (50 years)
It is hard to pinpoint just one of the Pride celebrations. Pride is always my favorite event of the year. Perhaps the first Pride after the demise of DADT. The creation of the military and veterans contingent is something that I have enjoyed a great deal. Our Pride after marriage equality was joyful as well.
I have been able to share 50 years of Pride with this community. This is when we celebrate ourselves and replenish the fuel that we need to move forward. There is probably no more important Pride than this one. We are once again facing danger and we all need the fuel to move forward.
I am grateful to share yet another Pride with all my friends. I am so grateful for those who have carried this forward year after year. Happy Pride!
What does Pride mean to you?
Brenda Aguirre LGBTQ community activist
As a queer mom of a trans child and a pansexual child, and someone who was exiled from a conservative Catholic family and grew up in an unaccepting environment, Pride means everything to me.
a community that welcomes and cherishes us. This journey is the fuel that has made me the activist I am today. I will never let my community down. I fight not only for my kids but for us all, to keep celebrating our truth with Pride.
Rikke Bahena Photographer, Bar Manager
Pride for me means the opportunity we have to keep thriving as a community and the pursuit of working hard to be the best version of ourselves, to realize we have the power to change our own life stories, our mindset and future. We need to do it for all those who didn’t make it, for all those keep hiding for fear and sorrow, for all those who don’t have the chance to be themselves, and for all the old versions of ourselves who didn’t believe we were enough, worth it and deserving of love.
Let’s change the narrative and translate the pain of our struggles into a relentless power of love and kindness. Because we all deserve to be happy.
Michael
Donovan President, POZabilities
For me Pride is a celebration of the power of community. As individuals we are heard as a whisper, when we act together we roar! We, with our chosen families, have the power to drive change. I’m proud of what we have and will accomplish.
Edgar
For me, San Diego Pride is the perfect time to celebrate who I am and what I enjoy being most, my loved ones, my family and my way of being and thinking. Without a doubt, San Diego Pride was the first event where I was able to freely express my love for myself ▼ FROM PAGE 11
Our South Bark crew, friends and allies walked alongside the dog float and we took turns riding in the back of the truck wavering to the crowds and throwing out free South Bark logo tennis balls and women’s boy short panties with our logo on them.
The happiness I felt being so out and open, surrounded by love and gratitude and that
Our community does not choose this path; it is a journey filled with challenges and hurt, but it is one we embrace with resilience and love. All we seek is to belong and to be accepted for who we are. My children and I have faced many challenges, like not having blood family, but our resilience and desire to belong have only strengthened our bond and now we have a wonderful chosen family.
Pride is a celebration of our authenticity, self-love, beauty, and the unconditional love that binds us. It is a testament to our strength, the power of love and acceptance, and the joy of finding
Look at Me, I’m MTG
ACROSS
1 Ironically straight singer Marvin
5 Generosity’s opposite
10 Irene of “Fame”
14 Shaft output
15 Bea Arthur’s TV maid Esther
16 Mapa of “Switched at Birth”
17 Frat hazing sounds
18 “This ___ my fault!”
19 Stew in one’s own juices
20 Start of MTG’s self-description in Rainbow’s “Look at Me, I’m MTG”
22 More of the quote
24 Bear and Berra
26 Kilmer of “Batman Forever”
27 Cicero’s birthplace
30 Bygone subcompact
35 More of the quote
36 Full of suds
37 Satisfied cries, perhaps 38 Seaman’s unit of speed
39 Songwriter Rainbow
40 Do a nocturnal activity
41 And so forth
42 In doubt
43 “The L Word” creator Chaiken
44 Some male deer
Gallego TV News Reporter
sales@lgbtqsd.news • editor@lgbtqsd.news
46 More of the quote 47 Tops of arenas
48 Eighths of a gal. of milk
49 End of the quote
56 Alpert of “Mame” fame
57 Prefix that means “queer”
58 Intercourse while surfing?
59 Nonheterosexual conception
60 Drag queen’s application
61 Concerning one’s coming out? 62 Tending to stick in one’s proboscis 63 Big name in pumps
Main melody in a musical
DOWN
1 Seaman, slangily
2 Gaza Stripper, e.g.
3 Linda Hunt’s “The ___ of Living Dangerously”
4 Francis Bacon, for one
5 Yankee, in Frida’s land
6 Martini’s partner in Vermouth
7 She, in Rio
8 “Enchanted” Disney girl
9 Result of breeder sex 10 Dancer Irene 11 He or she with a degree 12 Trust in, with “on” 13 Comics outburst
21 Skye of “Say Anything”
23 Village People’s “In the ___” 25 Snippets from a Cukor film 27 “Pussy, King of the Pirates” author Kathy
28 Approach in a hurry
29 Operations
31 Lamarr of Hollywood
32 She hoped Gibson was gay in “What Women Want”
33 Use your head 34 Cosmetics name 36 Bottoms
39 Samurai drink
40 Wing for Julia Morgan
42 “What a ___!” (Bette Davis)
43 “That really wore me out”
Former name of Mumbai
“Let’s call ___ day”
Mapplethorpe work
Watered down
What “let” means to Mauresmo
Butch lesbian accessories
Log Cabin does this to candidates
“The
As we approach Pride season, it’s been quite a busy month for me as we prepare Baja Betty’s for our 20th Pride, however, I was still able to enjoy two great productions right here in our own backyard.
I will never be too busy to spend an afternoon or evening at the theater. For me, the month of June included the direct-fromBroadway production of Mrs. Doubtfire at The San Diego Civic Theater and the world premiere musical, The Ballad of Johnny and June at La Jolla Playhouse.
Hellooooooo!
First, let me discuss Mrs. Doubtfire. For the most part, it was the movie live onstage with all of the beloved scenes from the film. Not a shocker. The book writers, Karen Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, definitely kept that in mind when constructing this and it didn’t disappoint the audience. They knew their audience going in and stayed true to the source material. Many of the jokes and the physical comedy are a tribute to the late, ever-so-brilliant Robin Williams, who originally created the role.
In this day and age, where so many movies are being adapted for the stage, this was really an enjoyable one. It manages to capture the two most important aspects of the movie: heart and humor. I feel like several of the “cookie cutter” shows or jukebox musicals lack that, so I was pleasantly surprised.
What else can I say except that Tony nominee Rob McClure is a tour de force as the title character. Wow! He would have 100% gotten my vote for “Best Actor in a Musical” if I was a Tony voter when he was nominated in 2022. He never stopped moving and owning both of his characters; Daniel Hillard and the one and only, Mrs. Doubtfire. I’m still baffled how he could switch back and forth between his characters with such honest and believable ease. I absolutely adored him. Kudos. With that being said, I have a great story to share about the amazing Rob McClure … I was scheduled for my annual spring jaunt to The Broadway at the end of March 2020. Well, we all know what happened and needless to say, my butt sat on my couch in San Diego instead of inside a theater in NYC. The world closed down and I was stuck at home in my apartment when I should have been roaming the streets of New York and checking off all of the Broadway shows that I was waiting to see. One that I had tickets for was Mrs. Doubtfire. Anyway,
Johnny, June, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Dolly
knowing how sad I was, I got the most wonderful and thoughtful gift from my pals, Darcy and Joey. Imagine my surprise when I get a personal Cameo from Rob McClure himself! He said the kindest things and shared my sadness for the closure of Broadway. I’ll never forget his optimism and hopefulness about the return of Broadway because at that point, we had no idea how long it would be closed. Who would have ever guessed that it would close down for 18 months?
The young actors that portrayed the kids were fabulous. It’s quite impressive to see the huge amounts of talent in the youth on stage these days. They’re the future of musical theater and were all very promising. The supporting characters (including McClure’s real life wife, Maggie Lakis, as Miranda) were all great in their portrayal but honestly, I couldn’t focus on anyone else if Daniel/Mrs. Doubtfire was in the scene. The ensemble were all fabulous, too. A strong company of actors that could sing, dance and keep the show’s transitions moving effortlessly.
Also included in the cast is the incomparable Jonathan Hoover, who is the best Patti LuPone impersonator ever. Please check out his Instagram, @inappropriatepatti. A night at the theater is even better when you have a friend in the show. Thanks, Jonathan!
Cashing In
Next up was the world premiere of the musical, The Ballad of Johnny and June at The La Jolla Playhouse, directed by Tony award winner and LJP favorite, Des McAnuff.
As a lifelong fan of country music, I was already familiar with the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. I’m a sucker for a love story and this one is definitely one for the ages. With a live band onstage playing all of their greatest and most memorable songs, the deep and often complicated story of Johnny and June unfolds before the audience as a tale told by their son, John Carter Cash. I knew right from the time that the band started and Johnny and June appeared that we were in for a toe-tappin’ time. I wasn’t wrong.
Created with the support of the Cash family, this new musical covers it all: their childhoods, their epic 1956 meeting at the Grand Ole Opry, the storied on-stage proposal in 1968, the soaring highs and whiplash lows of fame, life on the road, addiction, arrests, controversies, marriage, family and devotion. Reminds me of an episode of one of my soaps, only a real life version. This is a whole-hearted and clear-eyed telling of one of the most iconic love stories in music history, complete with a soundtrack of beloved hits — I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Hey Porter, Jackson, I’ve Been Everywhere and many more.
A story as iconic as this one needs the right actors to bring the larger-than-life characters to fruition. The folks at La Jolla Playhouse got this one right. As Johnny Cash, Christopher Ryan Grant, did right by “The Man in
Black.” His swagger and deep baritone painted a very effective portrait of Cash. He definitely made you not want to like him but when all was said and done, you couldn’t help but like him. His story reminds me of the saying, “hurt people hurt people.” I could see what June saw in Johnny and the very palpable chemistry of the lead actors made it all the more believable. Patti Murin’s June was a hoot and a spitfire right out of the gate from the very top of the show. Her performance was grounded, playful and full of charisma; a perfect balance to Johnny’s brooding and darkness, especially when he hit his lows.
As the story’s narrator, John Carter Cash (played by Van Hughes) beautifully illustrates his parent’s 47 years together; from their first meeting on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry through the ending of their love story, leaving this world only four months apart. His character worked well in establishing a storyline of his parents beyond what is known in the press and from the movie released several years ago.
His guitar picking onstage and song, “The Ballad of Johnny and June,” the only original tune in the piece, fit well and propelled the story. It worked seamlessly how the character weaved in and out of the story as the voice of it but then easily became part of the scenes and blended right in. His scene with June discussing her addiction was heartbreaking, especially seeing the love a son has for his mother.
I can’t forget to acknowledge a very solid ensemble of supporting characters and musicians who bring the story to life. Pamela Leggett Chase has always been a standout in anything I’ve seen her in; it’s nice to see her in her first LJP performance. Also a huge shout out to the entire production staff and crew for creating this special piece of theatre. The book by Robert Cary and Des McAnuff, who also serves as director, complements the musical soundtrack nicely, courtesy of Johnny and June Cash, along with a host of other artists and legends.
If this show goes to Broadway, which I think it probably will, it definitely needs a little fine tuning. While the whole first act was entertaining, it did run a bit long. I don’t usually get antsy but I found myself getting a little fidgety (and the seats at LJP are comfortable with plenty of legroom, too). But nothing some small revisions and tightening up can’t fix.
The pacing of Act 2 worked perfectly, so hopefully, the production team can do the same for the first act. If/when it makes its way to Broadway, I’ll be buying tickets. I always enjoy seeing the changes/updates but most importantly, supporting all of the incredible theater right here in San Diego. We are so lucky.
The only other very small thing that I noticed was June’s hair. I come from the school of big, country queen hair and I felt
Christopher Ryan Grant’s swagger and deep baritone painted a very effective portrait of Cash, doing right by “The Man in Black.” (Photo by La Jolla Playhouse)
Patti Murin’s June was a hoot and a spitfire right out of the gate. (Photo by La Jolla Playhouse)
Rob McClure is a tour de force as “Mrs. Doubtfire.” (Photo by Joan Marcus)
Nicole speaks (Photo by )
Unexpected fusion
It isn’t uncommon to spot a can of Japanese honey-ginger IPA parked alongside a plate of rigatoni with Italian sausage at the gay-friendly women-owned CinKuni in North Park. What seems like a culinary mismatch turns even odder when you learn that the marinara sauce draping the pasta is miso-infused.
The artfully appointed restaurant offers a rare Japanese-Italian concept. If you’re torn between a shrimptempura dragon roll, and let’s say, a Margherita pizza dotted with fresh mozzarella, then go ahead and get both. This is your one-stop culinary oasis for breaking the rules.
Owners Kuniko Holmes of Japan and Cinzia Zolfanelli from Italy have been friends for more than 20 years. After working in the industry for some time, they opened CinKuni two years ago in July.
“Some people are skeptical before they try our food because they don’t know what to expect. But a lot of people give us great comments afterwards,” said Holmes. while noting that the restaurant recently hosted a trivia night for the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association.
In addition to its curious menu, the restaurant holds spirited events every week. At 7 pm on Thursdays, for example, customers can partake for free in radio bingo. Instead of marking off numbers, players check off song titles from a card as the games are led by recorded tunes and a comedian emcee. A variety of other weekly happenings, plus happy hour and occasional cooking classes, are listed on the website. 3025 El Cajon Blvd., 619-233-3072, cinkuni.com
Little Sisters coming to North Park
Ever since LGBT ally Emily Green Lake opened Sisters Pizza five years ago in Hillcrest (3603 Fourth Ave.) in honor of her late sister, Kate Green, she hoped to eventually present a smaller offshoot of the business somewhere in San Diego.
With her husband, Trevor Lake, that wish is about to come true “hopefully by late summer,” she told us.
It will be called Little Sisters, which Green Lake says will focus exclusively on pizza and dough products such as stromboli and calzones. The latter two items will be exclusive to the North Park shop.
The offshoot venture replaces the former Sicilian Thing Pizza Green Lake points out that the space is smaller than her Hillcrest location, where she is able to serve soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. The new digs will be fully remodeled and also feature a design that pays homage to her sister, with whom she shared a passion for pizza and television sitcoms. Pizzas at Little Sisters will be available by the slice, as well as whole sizes, and also in pre-packaged frozen form. 4046 30th St., 619-255-4200, sisterspizza.com
Iconic hArry’s coffee shop expAnds to del MAr
Since 1960 the locally-owned Harry’s Coffee Shop in La Jolla has been a destination for bacon-crowned waffles, house-made corned beef hash, “surfer milkshakes,” and a proprietary blend of hardy coffee. The eatery has enjoyed national recognition by The Food Network and USA Today for its steadfast presence. Just recently it opened a location in Del Mar, marking the first expansion in its illustrious history. Situated near the ocean, it greets with a retro-diner vibe and offers indoor-outdoor seating. 1454 Camino Del Mar, 858-454-7381, harryscoffeeshop.com
Not all gloom and doom at Rubio’s
Despite the closure of 48 locations throughout California, the famous San Diego-born taco chain known as Rubio’s Coastal Grill has partnered with two of the country’s top professional surfers in crafting an impressive “All-World Breakfast Burrito.” Created in collaboration with surfer brothers Griffin and Crosby Colapinto, the burrito packs 47 grams of protein and contains eggs, bacon, toasted cheese, guacamole, french fries and white sauce. Most San Diego County locations of Rubio’s remain open, stretching from Vista and Oceanside to Point Loma, Mission Valley, El Cajon and Chula Vista. rubios.com
Spice mix with a dash of politics
Wisconsin-based Penzey’s Spices is agitating conservatives with a newly released product called Florida Seasoned Pepper of Hope. The salt-free spice blend comes with a message that encourages consumers to rise up for transgender kids, women’s rights, Black history, and “a future that shines on us all.” The seasoning contains robust Tellicherry black pepper, garlic, onion, and citrus peel. It is available online and at all stores nationwide, including in Hillcrest at 1274 University Ave.
–Frank Sabatini Jr. has been writing about food in San Diego for over 35 years. He launched his own food blog during the pandemic, called, “The Hash Star,” which you can follow at thehashstar.com. He can be reached at frank.sabatini92108@gmail.com
(l to r) Kuniko Holmes and Cinzia Zolfanelli of CinKuni (Courtesy photo)
Get your caffeine fix at the new Harry’s Coffee Shop. (Facebook)
A trial-size bag of Penzey’s latest product release (Courtesy Penzey’s Spices)
The “chickie chickie parm parm” pizza at Sisters (Courtesy Sisters Pizza)
Murin is small in stature, I guess they didn’t want her swallowed up by a Dolly Parton sized mound of hair. The higher the hair, the closer to heaven!
The Ballad of Johnny and June is a must see if you are a lover of the Cash legacy. It continues at La Jolla Playhouse through Sunday, July 7. Tickets are very limited through the rest of the run; however, more are being released daily, so please check their website at lajollaplayhouse.org
Oh Dolly
And since I happened to mention Dolly Parton above, have you heard the news that she has written her life story as a Broadway musical!? Called, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” it depicts her life story from her upbringing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to her journey of becoming a global icon. It is set to premiere in 2026 in conjunction with Dolly’s 80th birthday. I promise you that I will be in the audience on opening night. Mark my words!
As I always say, until next time, friends. Be happy. Be kind. Go to the theater. It makes for a great recipe for life.
–Originally from upstate New York, Chris Barone (aka “Miss B”) has been a part of the San Diego/Hillcrest community for 20 years. You probably know him mostly from Baja Betty’s, where he has worked since opening in 2004. Keen eyes may even remember him from his now retired drag persona, “Shalita Buffet.” Besides theater, his interests include cooking, traveling, New York Yankees baseball and anything involving Dolly Parton. You can reach him at christopher5409@yahoo.com ▼
(l to r) Heather Sue Adams, Courtney Ray, Joey Arruda, Darcy Carson, stage actor Jonathan Hoover, Curtain Call author Chris Barone, and Freda Horton after “Mrs. Doubtfire’”at the Civic Theatre. (Courtesy Chris Barone)
(l to r) Patti Murin and Christopher Ryan Grant as June Carter and Johnny Cash (Photo by La Jolla Playhouse)
“We always have a great time celebrating with a diverse group of neighbors, community leaders, industry staff, elected officials, and more.”
Co-founders Cartwright and Rick Cervantes say the event has “no agenda, no fundraising ‘asks,’ and no politics,” which is welcome news in these otherwise challenging times.
The duo says to “come as you are” and stay as short (for busy industry workers) or as long as you like and they promise drink specials, DJ sounds spinning by Kinky Loops, and Jell-O shots for purchase, which will benefit Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive, who most recently put up the US Flags throughout Hillcrest for the Fourth of July.
For more information, contact Benny Cartwright at benny. bc.cartwright@gmail.com
SAN DIEGO THEATRES ANNOUNCES
LGBTQ-THEMED SEASON
San Diego Theatres, the official management of San Diego Civic Theatre and the historic Balboa Theatre, recently announced an expansion of offerings in its “ongoing commitment” to the LGBTQ community. The arts and culture organization released a schedule of LGBTQ friendly productions that they say “will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.”
“From its inception, the iconic Balboa Theatre and San Diego Civic Theatre were envisioned as community epicenters, a place where people could come together to experience the magic of the performing arts,” the announcement stated.” Over the years, the theaters have evolved, continually adjusting its content, productions, and offerings to reflect the vibrant diversity of San Diego's community.”
Mark your calendars for these important dates that feature a variety of performances that San Diego Theatres say “champion LGBTQ+ stories and themes.”
Aug. 3: Let’s Get Loud by San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus – This fun-filled Pride-infused show will be full of pop anthems from over 200 queer singers who will unite in song in a spectacular all-gender choral community.
Aug. 8: Sibling Rivalry – Two powerful drag queens Monét X Change and Bob the Drag Queen, will host a live taping of their popular, award-winning podcast.
Oct. 11: Rocky Horror Picture Show – Patricia Quinn (Magenta) will attend a screening of the original unedited movie with a live shadow cast and audience participation. This 49th anniversary tour includes a costume contest, and more!
Dec. 6: A Drag Queen Christmas – It’s the 10th anniversary of the longestrunning drag tour in America, hosted by Nina West. Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage for this holiday spectacular.
March 29, 2025: Killer Queen – A fascinating tribute to the infamous band Queen, as performed by this internationally popular tribute band, the first
ever tribute to have a show in the West End.
Additional shows to be announced late July.
“San Diego Theatres remains committed to its mission of enriching the community through the performing arts and looks forward to welcoming audiences to experience the transformative power of theater.”
Both in downtown San Diego, the San Diego Civic Theatre is located in Civic Center Plaza at 1100 Third Ave., while the Balboa Theatre is located at 868 Fourth Ave., just a few blocks away. For more information on this schedule and other upcoming productions, visit sandiegotheatres.org
NEW AWARD-WINNING
‘COMING OUT’ FILM HAS LOCAL TIES
Benjamin Howard’s high school struggle in San Diego’s East County is one many of us have experienced. He was trying to understand who he was and how he fit in. The additional layer was that he was also a popular athlete.
“While I was playing, I was struggling internally with my identity, with my sexuality,” Howard told CBS 8 News. “From some of that struggle came a lot of shame about who I was as a person, who I was as an athlete, even.”
Howard is now a filmmaker and has written and directed a piece of cinema to share his experience with the world.
The film, “Riley,” about a closeted football player who grew up in San Diego’s East County, just won eight awards at the San Diego Film Festival, and has been picking up accolades on the international film festival circuit.
Howard told CBS 8 that the film “is like a love letter” to his upbringing in East County. Many scenes in Riley’s life take place in areas where they actually happened in real life for Howard; including one at the top of Mount Helix Park.
“I used to take girls [there] when I was in high school.” Howard told the news station. “I would take them on dates, and we would drive up there and kind of park the car and just like, look out into the city.”
CBS 8 sports anchor John Howard is the filmmaker’s father, and he and his apartment have scenes in the film.
“To see him recognized this way, I couldn’t be prouder, no doubt about it,” his father said.
Howard not only hopes this film will be available for streaming later this year or early next year, he also hopes it is seen by those who need to see it.
"To someone who was like I was 10 years ago, when I was going through what I was going through, I kind of want them to see this movie, to see themselves,
because I kind of made the movie that I needed to see, you know, about 10 or 15 years ago," he told CBS 8. "And that's, you know, that kid back then was who I was writing this film for and trying to tell the story for.”
To learn more about the film and keep an eye on where it may be screening next, visit windsorfilmcompany.com
BIDEN PARDONS LGBTQ VETERANS WRONGLY CONVICTED
As part of his Pride month actions, President Joe Biden “righted a historic wrong” on June 26, by pardoning any LGBTQ veteran, whose sexual orientation or gender identity became known while serving in the US military and caused them to be criminally charged, subjected to court martial, and convicted. That result would have meant that no matter how long or how honorably these service members had otherwise served, they were not eligible for veterans benefits of any kind; and they have carried that conviction on their record for decades. This pardon has the power to change both of those burdens.
“Our Nation’s service members stand on the frontlines of freedom, and risk their lives in order to defend our country. Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Biden stated in his remarks. “Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial, and have carried
the burden of this great injustice for decades.
“As Commander in Chief, I am committed to maintaining the finest fighting force in the world. That means making sure that every member of our military is safe and respected – so they can focus on their mission.”
Biden used his clemency authority, found in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, to grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon” to those veterans who were convicted of a variety of possible “unaggravated offenses” based on consensual, private conduct with persons age 18 and older. He identified a number of potential acts under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) that are covered under his pardon.
“This is about dignity, decency, and ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation. We have a sacred obligation to all of our service members – including our brave LGBTQI+ service members: to properly prepare and equip them when they are sent into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they return home. Today we are making progress in that pursuit.”
The president’s proclamation applies to any convictions that occurred between May 31, 1951, through Dec. 26, 2013.Those who fall under convictions identified may apply for a certificate of pardon through the Military Department that conducted the court martial. Those who were serving in the Coast Guard at the time of their conviction would
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apply through the Department of Homeland Security.
The proclamation states the following: “If the relevant Department determines that the applicant satisfies the criteria under this proclamation, following a review of relevant military justice records, the Department shall submit that determination to the Attorney General, acting through the Pardon Attorney, who shall then issue a certificate of pardon along with information on the process to apply for an upgrade of military discharge. My Administration strongly encourages veterans who receive a certificate of pardon to apply for an upgrade of military discharge.”
Those who upgrade their discharges will be offered veterans benefits that they’ve been denied for decades.
Vice President Kamala Harris to0k to Instagram to share the news.
“Every person in our nation must have the freedom to love who they love, openly and with pride — including our brave service members who sacrifice so much,” she wrote.
“Today, @potus is pardoning thousands of former service members who were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation. They are finally receiving the justice they deserve, and we recommit to our fight for equality for all Americans.”
To learn more about how to apply for the pardon, visit bit.ly/4cBncOo. ▼
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