Pride wasn\u2019t canceled in 2020, it just shifted to being online. This meant viewers could hear from LGBTQ+ organizers around the world and see diverse new performers. Still, it lacked some of the joy of being in a crowded street cheering alongside others. San Diego lifting coronavirus restrictions means LGBTQ+ people and allies get to gather once again to enjoy each other\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n
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- March going back to Pride\u2019s roots<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
There will be no Pride parade this year. Instead, everyone is invited to march from Balboa Park to the Pride flag in Hillcrest. In many ways, this is a return to Pride\u2019s origins in San Diego. On the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in 1974, a small group of gays and lesbians marched on the sidewalks without a permit and stopped at red lights to avoid conflict with SDPD. The next year, they had a permit and a much larger group of 400 paraded through the city. It was the start of annual celebrations of queerness and demands for equality that continue to this day. This year\u2019s event will be much more like that 1975 march than the 2019 parade, with LGBTQ+ walking in Pride regalia and carrying protest signs.<\/p>\n
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- Greater accessibility<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
While some are excited for in-person events resuming, the combination of virtual and in-person events lets people unable to gather in person still participate in this year\u2019s festivities. Other events, like the Pride Resilient Community March, are accessible to all mobility devices. Other events will have American Sign Language interpreters present, all in an effort to ensure disabled LGBTQ+ can take part in this year\u2019s festivities.<\/p>\n
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- First Black Pride party<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Previously, there was a section at the San Diego Pride Festival dedicated to Black LGBTQ+ individuals that included food from nearby Black-owned businesses and entertainment from the Movement Stage. Without a festival this year, the Black LGBTQ Coalition is hosting Black Pride, an all-day rooftop party at Hotel Solamar. This will be a fun way for Black LGBTQ+ to reconnect after a year in isolation and celebrate the beauty of their Blackness.<\/p>\n
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- Featuring San Diego\u2019s first gay mayor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
San Diego has had a number of LGBTQ+ elected officials since former Councilmember Christine Kehoe was first elected in 1992, but Todd Gloria is the first to hold the highest office in San Diego City. Mayor Gloria will be participating the SD Pride Live, the virtual event full of entertainment and educational content. Past mayors have participated in Pride, but none have been a part of the community so this is an important milestone.<\/p>\n
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Then Assemblymember Todd Gloria at Pride in 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n - \n
- Drag shows for all<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The most famous drag performer at this year\u2019s Pride weekend is Gottmik, the first trans man to compete on RuPaul\u2019s Drag Race. Drag has been incorrectly stereotyped as entertainment performed by cisgender gay men dressed as queens but the lineup of this year\u2019s performances push against that stereotype with Hung Real Lo, a local trans man who performs as a drag king, as well as other transgender and non-binary performers parodying gender presentations. The lineup shows drag is for everyone \u2013 on the stage and in the audience.<\/p>\n
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- Pride at the Park<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
There is no Pride festival but Pride at the Park is a great new party at a luxurious location with fantastic amenities. The event at Viejas Casino & Resort will include sets by several DJs, Gottmik and other drag performers. The venue is accessible from two bus routes and people can also stay the night at the resort so they are safe to drive. Tickets are limited to 1,000 guests so don\u2019t miss out!<\/p>\n
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- Pride in Recovery<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
It\u2019s no secret that many people spend Pride partying so an event dedicated to people battling addiction is a chance to find community outside of places where alcohol is served. This time will include encouragement for people on the herculean journey of staying sober.<\/p>\n
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- Return of the Block Party<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Not every event is new this year, some are returns of old favorites like the Pride Block Party. With its beer garden and areas for dancing, the event is a great kick-off to Pride weekend. It is also a great way to supporting local businesses in Hillcrest that have struggled throughout the pandemic and help preserve the queer bars remaining in San Diego.<\/p>\n
Children able to learn about acceptance at youth events.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n - \n
- Pride youth events<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
LGBTQ+ youth are the future and are already growing up in a world more accepting than the one of their parents. Still, they face unique challenges. The youth and family events, including picnics, story time at the library and more, are chances for young people to learn about LGBTQ+ acceptance and find new friends who share their identity.<\/p>\n
- Pride youth events<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Return of the Block Party<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Pride in Recovery<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Pride at the Park<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Drag shows for all<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Featuring San Diego\u2019s first gay mayor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- First Black Pride party<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Greater accessibility<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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