We do not have Pride because we are free. We have Pride because we are not.

We have Pride because the brave pioneers of our movement stood in the face of legal state-sanctioned violence and said, “Enough!” We found each other. We fought back. We organized. We carved celebration from our oppression.

Pride is more than a celebration in our community. It is a joyful defiance, a revolutionary refusal of hate.

This Pride season, as we face increasing threats and dangerously false narratives, we are not just celebrating our identities but affirming our shared resilience in the face of adversity.

We have fought and won these battles before. We will do so again. Extremists have misunderstood who we are. We are the LGBTQ+ community, born from the crucible of systemic adversity, tempered by vibrant resilience, and forged by radically unwavering love.

We will not greet history like a stranger.

This Pride may we drop our shoulders, allow ourselves to exhale, and breathe in love. Let’s un-wring our hands to extend them, embracing found family. Claim freedom from the open air and dare to dance in daylight, so our affection sees the sun rather than shadows and shame.

Pride is a reminder that our celebration is justice, our joy is defiance, our love is insubordinate, our revelry is resistance, and our hope will never be silent.

I invite you to bravely discard fear. Seize hope. Be free.

Whether you’ve been with us since Stonewall, or this is your first, welcome to Pride. Welcome home. Together, we are stronger, we will win, and we will Thrive! Now, more than ever, it’s time for Pride!

With Pride,

Fernando Z. López
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Executive Director
San Diego Pride

SAN DIEGO PRIDE FESTIVAL LINEUP!

Last chance for discount 1-Day SD Pride Festival tix! Or celebrate all weekend for just $6 more!

Get tickets now: sdpride.org/tickets

When: July 15-16, 2023
Where: Balboa Park, San Diego

Artist Schedule >> sdpride.org/schedule

SPIRIT OF STONEWALL RALLY

You are invited to join the Spirit of Stonewall Rally. The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is a time to recognize and honor leaders who are working hard to preserve our gains and meet the many challenges still facing our community.

When: Friday, July 14, 6 pm
Where: Hillcrest Pride Flag
1500 University Ave, San Diego, 92103

SAN DIEGO PRIDE PARADE

Cheer on colorful floats & parade participants as we celebrate and honor the LGBTQ community at the annual San Diego Pride Parade in Hillcrest!

When: Saturday, July 15, 10 am
Where: Hillcrest Pride Flag
1500 University Ave, San Diego, 92103

San Diego has so many great organizations and non-profits that host LGBTQ events throughout the year. Be sure to check out our full calendar of events to find ways to celebrate your Pride year round.
Event Calendar
TRANSTOPIA @ SD PRIDEProject TRANS at The San Diego LGBT Community Center invites you to Transtopia!
Enjoy the All Trans Talent Showcase, a free store to shop for gender-affirming clothes, and other opportunities to meet other folks in our community!

Where: SD Pride Festival @ Balboa Park
When: July 15 & 16

SD PRIDE ZEN GARDEN

Take a break from the noise and enjoy San Diego Pride’s Zen Garden with yoga, dance, and meditation classes. Hosted by San Diego Pride, Queer Conscious, and Dharma Bum Temple.

Where: SD Pride Festival @ Balboa Park
When: July 15 & 16, 12 -5 pm

Thank you to our 2023 sponsors!