A rainbow of color will hit the streets of Balboa Park and Hillcrest July 15-17 for the 37th annual San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride rally, parade and festival. “It’s a quintessential outdoor festival in an ideal venue,” said Frank Sabatini Jr., media coordinator. “The performances, unique food vendors, exhibitors and merchandise, beer garden and dance areas combine to provide all the ingredients of a full-fledged outdoor festival.” An estimated 35,000 people are expected to attend the weekend event. Headlining the entertainment is fiercely blunt and provocative comedienne, Margaret Cho, as well as music sensation Salt-N-Pepa, known for the 1980s rap hit “Push It.” Hollywood reporter and comedian Ross Mathews will lead the festivities as master of ceremonies. Other performers slated for this year’s lineup include singer Frenchie Davis, seen on “American Idol” and “The Voice;” Selene Luna, Cho’s assistant on “The Cho Show;” Kristine W., a recording artist best known for her high-energy dance music; hip-hoppers God-Des & She recognized for their song “Lick It;” and local rock group Danielle Lopresti and the Masses. To kick things off on July 15, the annual Spirit of Stonewall rally will be held at Marston Point in Balboa Park at 6:30 p.m. Marianne Williamson, best-selling author and founder of the Peace Alliance and Project Angel Food in Los Angeles will present the keynote address. Also speaking is Tucson, Ariz. hero and political activist Daniel Hernandez Jr., who came to the immediate aid of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords after she was shot during a meet-and-greet in January. Pride award recipients will also be recognized during the rally for their activism and support of the LGBT community. “The rally is the real political arm of the weekend,” said Sabatini. “Issues like gay marriage, school bullying and ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ are discussed. It keeps people up to date and active on the hot-button issues.” An unprecedented first for Pride festivals nationwide, 2011 San Diego LGBT Pride will include a parade contingent to recognize members of the military. On the heels of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal signed by President Obama in December, more than 100 out-of-uniform servicemen and women will be leading the parade, many having spent years in silence while carrying out their military service. “We’re not here to attack the process of repeal,” said Sean Sala, organizer and recent veteran. “This is not a political statement, we’re just trying to do the right thing.” Specifically targeting active-duty military, Sala believes the contingent is a constitutional right, and hopes San Diego’s large military installment will share in what will be a historical celebration. “Members of the military should be able to receive recognition and it’s disturbing that they haven’t been able to be represented in the past,” he said. Beginning at 11 a.m. on July 16, the mile-long parade will start at University Avenue and Normal Street and continue down Sixth Avenue toward Upas Street. Actress Meredith Baxter will serve as the celebrity grand marshal, and will be joined by community grand marshal Chris Shaw, owner of multiple Hillcrest businesses. “This is a fun outdoor event for the LGBT community and their supporters,” said Sabatini. “We welcome the local community and encourage everyone to participate. This is not a closed event and we do not shut anyone out. The parade is a show of visibility reflective of the current struggles and milestones of the LGBT community,” said Sabatini. “It’s a very colorful event that combines festivity with a call for equality.” For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sdpride.org.
