Dear Pride Family, It’s that time of year and family gatherings can come with an extra layer of tension- perhaps fueled by Uncle Jared’s terribly misinformed opinions spilling out after a drink or two, or the silent weight of unspoken disagreements bubbling under the surface. It’s hard not to remain on edge, bracing for what might unfold. For these reasons and a multitude of others, chosen family is often a lifeline for our community. They celebrate our successes, hold us through our struggles, and remind us of our worth when the world–or our biological kin–fall short. They show up, not because they have to, but because they choose to. They chose us back. If any of this resonates with you, I’m here to tell you that you’re definitely not alone. As a non-binary person, I’ve navigated family dynamics carefully, trading hypervigilance for firm boundaries–or at least, attempting to. I’ve adapted…
Dear Pride Family, This winter season, as we reflect on the year behind us and set our sights on next year’s goals, we are thrilled to announce the approved grantees for this year’s San Diego Pride Community Grants program! As a community-based organization committed to fostering pride, equality, and respect for LGBTQIA+ communities locally, nationally, and globally, we are proud to root our work in a culture of abundance. It is thanks to the incredible outpouring of support, time, and resources from our community during our flagship celebrations (buy your tickets for the raddest fundraiser in town, San Diego Pride 2025, now!), year-round programs, and fundraising efforts, we are able to make this impact. Your support of San Diego Pride allows us to meaningfully partner, collaborate, and empower a diverse array of LGBTQIA+-serving programs. Together, we work toward a shared vision of a world free from prejudice and bias—one that uplifts,…
Marvens Pierre (he/they) is an events professional with a passion for creating meaningfulexperiences that bring people together. Raised in eastern Massachusetts, Marvens comes withyears of experience in event planning and operations, with a focus on advancing equity,diversity, and inclusion. He believes in fostering spaces where marginalized communities canthrive, blending creativity and operational excellence to make it happen. Prior to joining San Diego Pride, Marvens had the honor of producing complex andtransformative events nationwide through their role at BES (Build. Excel. Sustain), positivelyimpacting hundreds of educators and school communities. Since moving to San Diego in 2020,he has supported diverse communities through roles at Barrio Logan College Institute, wherethey elevated marketing, branding, and event coordination efforts, and at the University of SanDiego, where he developed sustainable programming focused on Black and LGBTQ+populations. In addition to their role at San Diego Pride, Marvens proudly serves as a board member for SanDiego Black Pride,…
Dear Pride Family, High rates of substance use, misuse and abuse are well documented in the LGBTQIA+ community and our community is certainly no stranger to stress, harassment and traumatic experiences. The holidays can often amplify the challenges we face, but they also offer an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made, especially in sobriety. I’ve been fortunate to make sober friends over the past couple of years and it has given me the opportunity to explore safe havens in sober spaces in Hillcrest, North Park, and South Park. It’s given me the opportunity to celebrate sobriety as a powerful acknowledgment of personal growth, resilience, and commitment to a healthier, more authentic life. I’ve witnessed many sobriety milestones and whether it be days, months, or years, each represents hard work, self-awareness, and the support of a community or loved ones. Celebrating these achievements not only reinforces the progress made but also…
Dear Pride Family, Pride is more than a moment—it’s a movement. Our annual parade and festival are powerful moments of joy and connection vital to the wellbeing of our community. Yet, liberation is not achieved through celebration alone — it is sustained by action, advocacy, and education. At San Diego Pride, we’re proud to be a 365, year-round organization dedicated to fostering pride, equality, and respect for LGBTQIA+ communities locally, nationally, and globally. Your support this Giving Tuesday ensures that together, we can continue to create change and build a brighter future for us all. ….and this year, every dollar of your donation goes twice as far—Tito’s Handmade Vodka will generously match all donations up to $10,000! Your contribution to San Diego Pride this Giving Tuesday helps keep our Festival and Parade community-centered and accessible. At San Diego Pride, we believe building a stronger, more inclusive community happens when we…
Dear Pride Family, It’s been a rough couple of weeks. As the season of gratitude unfolds, I can’t help but reflect on the things for which I am truly grateful. As someone who has spent some time in significantly less liberated communities (looking at you Texas) I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that we are very fortunate to have San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community. Whether a Tuesday at Urban Mo’s for Spaghetti & Showtunes, a Sunday Funday At Gossip Grill, or a hankering for something sweet at Candy Pushers, our vibrant neighborhood and the queer-owned business that anchors it, has long been a sanctuary for authenticity, love, and belonging—a place where our queer family finds community.Being a native San Diegan, occasionally I enjoy a walkabout through the fabulous gayborhood —trolling down university or cruising down 5th avenue to do a little shopping around town, or have a delicious meal. Hillcrest is filled with lively…
Dear Pride Family, In the wake of the 2024 election, San Diego Pride remains steadfast in our commitment to support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community by creating spaces, events and programs to move us forward together. While the results may bring new political dynamics, our calling is clear: to protect and empower our community through advocacy, education and celebration. This election season has highlighted the critical need for San Diego Pride and the part we play in bringing the community together. Our contribution to the community of hosting Pride programs and events in these coming months will be even more vital and important. We must unify our voices in solidarity to protect all that we have fought for and stand shoulder to shoulder to face the challenges ahead. There is much at stake and yet I still believe we have opportunity for liberation and joy. The LGBTQIA+ community is one…
Dear Pride Family, As we reaffirm our commitment to community and each other, San Diego Pride honors the bravery and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ veterans. In 2011, San Diego became the first city in the nation to have a contingent specifically for service members and veterans in its annual Pride Parade. We continue our tradition of welcoming all members of the United States Armed Forces, members of allied forces, and family members to join the Pride Parade Military Contingent. San Diego Pride is not only a proud supporter of our Military LGBTQIA+ community but welcomes volunteers for our Medical Team for the Festival and Parade. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who have served openly, embodying the spirit of Stonewall AND to those who have served without the freedom to present their full, authentic selves. Your courage defends the liberties of a nation that has not always afforded you…
Dear Pride Family, In moments like this, when many in our community are feeling exhaustion and despair, we are reminded of a comment from community organizer, Noun Abdelaziz, that “despair is a privilege you earn when you’ve done all you can. We have not yet earned that privilege.” This election result is painful, and it is a reminder that we, even more so today, have to unite together as one LGBTQIA community. San Diego Pride reaffirms our commitment to the principles of equality, dignity, and respect for all people, particularly those within our own LGBTQIA+ community. While the election outcome has left many feeling concerned about the future, especially in light of the hate-filled rhetoric and policies that target trans and gender non-conforming individuals, we will remain resolute in our determination to protect and advance the rights of all LGBTQIA individuals. Amidst the results that devastate us, we have wins…
HAPPY ELECTION DAY, Pride family! Rolling into your inbox with a few last-minute notes for you as we reach the final day of the 2024 general election cycle. WHERE TO VOTE – Vote Centers and Ballot Drop-Off LocationsIn San Diego County, you may go to ANY Drop-Off Location to drop off your mail-in ballot and you may use ANY Vote Center to vote in-person. Find your closest polling station using this link.(PS: For a special Pride-flag-themed “I VOTED” sticker, head to The Center!) KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – Voting While TransPoll workers should not question your ability to vote because your appearance does not conform to stereotypes associated with your legal name or gender marker listed on your ID. It is illegal for a poll worker to prevent you from voting. Know your rights at the polls! Our friends at Advocates for Trans Equality have created a stellar resource to ensure that…
