by tim parks ~
When you say the word “pride,” more than likely it applies to one’s self and the individual connotations surrounding it. Imagine for a moment if you will, there was no such thing as Pride, with none of the hard-fought rights we’ve won as a community.
None of which would have been achieved if not for the brave actions of a group of drag queens, trans, gay and lesbian men and women who stood up during that fateful summer night on June 28, 1969 and said, “Enough!” Without their courage, we might not have reason to celebrate the freedoms we so enjoy each year.
Though it has been 50 years since the Stonewall Riots, it and other earlier protests became the match that lit the fire. They exploded the landscape of who we were allowed to be, demolishing barriers that seemed insurmountable and landed us at the heights on which we stand… in the mere shadow of the adversity we once knew.
Those who came before are owed a huge debt of gratitude, the pioneers and people who paved the way for us, giving us the ability to enjoy the rights that we have today.
San Diego Pride is giving credit where credit is due this year, both in its theme “Stonewall 50: Legacy of Liberation” and by honoring “The Stonewall Generation” as 2019’s Community Grand Marshals. San Diego’s own history and struggle for civil liberties had marchers taking to the streets of downtown in protest in 1974 with many facing arrest. To avoid outing themselves, they placed paper bags over their heads so as not to be identified. Avoiding the risk of being fired from jobs or potentially losing their homes and families.
The following year, community members sought to honor Stonewall and staged the city’s very first San Diego LGBTQ Pride Parade. Now, 44 years later, it has become the largest single-day civic event in the region and holds the distinction of being among the largest Pride Parades in the country, attracting upwards of 250,000 revelers.
So, while you’re out reveling this weekend, pause for a minute in gratitude. Maybe take a moment to thank someone from generations before while you’re at it. Because if not for them, there would be no “out and proud” cause to celebrate.
San Diego Pride takes place Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14. For more information about the parade, festival lineup and all the other “official events,” go to sdpride.org.
Official San Diego Pride Events:
She Fest
Saturday, July 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
North Park Community Park
sdpride.org/shefest
She Fest is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within and between the LGBTQ and larger San Diego communities.
San Diego Trans Pride
Friday, July 12 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Balboa Park
sdpride.org/event/2019transpride
This will be a free event, open to respectful individuals wanting to celebrate their gender expression however they choose in a community environment that is free of judgment/criticism. There will be resources, workshops, entertainment, and new friends.
Spirit of Stonewall Rally
Friday, July 12 from 6 to 7p.m.
Hillcrest Pride Flag
sdpride.org/event/rally
Spirit of Stonewall awardees include: Champion of Pride LaRue Fields, Friend of Pride The Very Reverend Penny Bridges, Community Service awardee Abrahán Monzón, Stonewall Philanthropy-winner Blue Shield of California, Stonewall Service-winner San Diego History Center and Inspirational Couple: Ricard Gallego and Orlando Espín.
San Diego Pride Parade:
Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m.
The parade starts at the Hillcrest Pride Flag on University Avenue and Normal Street, heading west on University Avenue, then turns south on 6th Avenue.
Pride Festival: Get Your Pride On!
Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and July 14
Marston Point, Balboa Park
Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday: nosh on some food, get your drank on at the Beer Garden, shop at vendor booths, or take in one of the cultural presentations. Additionally, there will be exhibits including the brand-new San Diego Pride Prism, features local LGBTQ artists. Look for two days of over 100 performers scheduled to appear on various stages.
For the entire lineup of performers, log onto sdpride.org/festival-lineup.
Main Stage Performances:
Saturday, July 13
Sateen – 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus – 2:45 to 3:15 p.m.
Mila Jam – 3:40 to 4:40 p.m.
Greyson Chance – 4:45 to 5:35 p.m.
Drew G – 5:40 to 6:40 p.m.
Asia O’Hara, Kim Chi and Aquaria – 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
King Princess – 8 to 9 p.m.
Drew G – 9 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 14:
Car Astor – 12 to 1 p.m.
Dorian Electra – 1:05 to 1:35 p.m.
Knights of Zion – 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
Perta – 3 to 4 p.m.
Jarina de Marco – 4:15 to 5 p.m.
Paris Sukomi Max – 5:45pm to 6:45 p.m.
Melissa Etheridge – 7 to 9 p.m.
The Movement Stage:
Saturday, July 13:
DJ Image – 12 to 2 p.m.
Urban Finesse – 2:15 to 2:30 p.m.
Zareen Anjum – 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.
Cheyenne D’ville Masters – 4 to 4:30 p.m.
K-Swift – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Hym – 6:45 to 7:15 p.m.
Kinky Loops – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Mykki Blanco – 8:45 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 14:
Jalil – 12 to 2 p.m.
Issa Simone – 2:05 to 2:25 p.m.
DJ Shorty – 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
PrettiBoiRoq – 3:35 to 3:55 p.m.
Hevrock – 4 to 6 p.m.
TT The Artist – 6 to 7 p.m.
Heabnasty – 7 to 8 p.m.
DJ Kiki – 8 to 9 p.m.
Mundo Latina Stage:
Saturday, July 13
Miss Lady D – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Queer Youth Chorus – 12:30 to 12:45 p.m.
Groupo Atlachachinolli – 12:45 to 1 p.m.
Dulcet – 1 to 2 p.m.
Z33R0 – 2:05 to 2:50 p.m.
DJ Sebastian La Madrid – 3 to 4 p.m.
Franceska w/Groupo Folklorico Herencia Mexicana – 4 to 5 p.m.
Vince Delano – 5 to 6 p.m.
Fehr Rivas – 6:10 to 6:30 p.m.
Tributo a la Reina – 7:25 to 8:25 p.m.
DJ Fariba – 8:45 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 14:
Puro Feeling – 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Miss Lady D – 1 to 2 p.m.
La Mera Candelaria – 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Jessica Wild – 3:30 to 4 p.m.
DJ Les Ortiz – 4 to 5 p.m.
Ukeim – 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Nubes – 8 to 9 p.m.
Euphoria Stage:
Saturday, July 13
Jenny Pocket – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bounce House – 2 to 4 p.m.
DJ Ana Paula – 6 to 8 p.m.
Casey Alvar – 8 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 14
Jenny Pocket – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Prince S. – 1 to 2 p.m.
Erick Diaz – 2 to 3 p.m.
Paul Cowling – 4 to 5 p.m.
Casey Alva – 5 to 6 p.m.
DJ Paulo – 6 to 8 p.m.
DJ Tatiana – 8 to 9 p.m.
Other San Diego Pride Events:
SAN DIEGO PRIDE WEEK KICKOFF MIXER
insideOUT
Monday, July 8
sdeba.org
Kick off San Diego Pride week at InsideOUT with members and friends of the San Diego Equality Business Association (formerly the GSDBA). Hosted food, new members, veteran members and lots of fun conversations. Come mix and mingle and get ready for the big week ahead.
LIGHT UP THE CATHEDRAL
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
Wednesday, July 10
facebook.com/stpaulcathedralsd
Join interfaith leaders, elected officials, and San Diego’s LGBTQ community for an interfaith event featuring Jewish activist and rabbinical student Steven Goldstein. He champions interfaith organizing as a method of combating transphobia, homophobia and anti-Semitism.
PRIDE ART SHOW
AD Libitum
Wednesday, July 10
facebook.com/events/
Hosted by The Empowered Art Society and Creation Systems Group, look for Pride and LGBTQ empowering-themed visual and interactive art, live chalk painting, with live body art. All night dining, an extended happy hour with raffles and swag giveaway in Hillcrest.
PRIDE BUSINESS MEGA-MIXER
Rich’s Nightclub
Thursday, July 11
pridemixer.com
Enjoy a festive happy hour with a diverse group of LGBTQ and allied business professionals and organizations at the third annual Pride Business Mixer. Featuring peer-to-peer networking, light music, a complimentary signature Stoli Vodka cocktail or glass of Fruitcraft Wine, hosted appetizers, door prizes, a short introductions program and a Pride kickoff ribbon cutting.
DRAG ME TO THE DEL
Hotel del Coronado
Thursday, July 11
hoteldel.com
An evening of legendary drag entertainment starring iconic headliners Willam and Lady Bunny with Gia Gunn, Shannel, Glitz Glam, Kickxy Vixen-Styles, Sasha Colby, Paris Sukomi Max and Master of Ceremonies Dangilo Gogo.
PRIDE OF HILLCREST BLOCK PARTY
Friday, July 12
fabuloushillcrest.com/pride-of-hillcrest
This year’s theme of “Free to Be You” is about being your true self, and the key word being “free,” as in attending the event at Pride Plaza free of charge. There will be performances by RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Chad Michaels, Morgan McMichaels and Mayhem Miller. There will be a craft cocktail bar, a beer garden sponsored by Coors, food trucks, a DJ dance party with the requisite go-go boys and a giant Ferris wheel.
LAUNCH
Friday, July 12
robbenzon.org
Rob Benzon Foundation celebrates 20 years of giving with its annual San Diego Pride Kickoff Party. This “party with a purpose ” has grown to be one of San Diego’s premier Pride events, returning 100 percent of the ticket sales back to supporting the LGBTQ community. This first-class fête takes place on the beautiful grounds of the historic Burnham House near Balboa Park. Enjoy some of San Diego’s top chefs and restaurants serving up their own unique creations for your enjoyment, a silent auction, along with a VIP Lounge offering tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, decadent treats and a hosted bar serving premium liquors and wine.
SUBWOOFER
Friday, July 12
facebook.com/SubwooferSD
Renowned DJ Barry Harris of Toronto spins the hits among the party people in the house. Harris, considered a pioneer in dance music for the past 20 years, is best known for Whitney Houston’s Top 5 global hit, “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay.” The party starts at 9 p.m. with food, drink, shot specials and will feature go-go bears all night long. The Merrow will take over the parking lot to create the ultimate 3,000 sq. ft. outdoor lounge, with bars and woofy bartenders. What better place to kick off Pride than under the stars in the heart of Hillcrest?
PRIDE ON THE PIER
Saturday, July 13
prideonthepier.com
Join hundreds of revelers at the B Street Pier to party on the Pacific Ocean. Take in the stunning views of the bay and San Diego skyline, superstar international DJs, sexy dancers and special performances.
PRIDE TEA DANCE & ESCAPADE
SUNSET CRUISE
Saturday, July 13
joewhitakerpresents.com
“Pride… exciting and new, come aboard, they’re expecting you…” Come and party while docked at the San Diego waterfront and then out on the open water during two amazing Joe Whitaker events, with just one ticket! Be prepared for “iconic performances” and surprise guests on the Inspiration Hornblower.
FURRAGEOUS
Saturday, July 13
musicboxsd.com
Chris Vance’s Furrageous has become one the biggest, burliest parties of San Diego Pride weekend. Join hundreds of woofy men for this incredible night with resident Bear Night DJ Jon Williams. To offer you a better experience, the party is moving to the Music Box in Little Italy. This three-level music venue boasts audiophile-quality acoustics, a spacious floor plan, outdoor patios, and air conditioning. Plus, state-of-the-art lasers, lights, go-go’s and more. Enjoy a full bar with drink and shot specials, local craft beers along with a menu of delicious small plate offerings.
OUT IN LITTLE ITALY
Sunday, July 14
littleitalysd.com
A brand-new sanctioned San Diego Pride event, OUT in Little Italy will feature an intimate brunch in the heart of the neighborhood with food offerings from the eateries of the Little Italy Food Hall and Frost Me Cafe & Bakery along with bottomless mimosas, live musical performances, entertainment and more.
DRAG YOURSELF TO PRIDE BRUNCH
Sunday, July 14
leparties.com
Rise and shine for this Rupaul’s Drag Race star-studded event at DoubleTree by Hilton Mission Valley. Hosted by Mayhem Miller with performances by Chad Michaels, Kameron Michaels, Vicky Vox, Jazmyn Simone-Échelon and Alexis Mateo.
VELVET TSUNAMI POOL PARTY
Sunday, July 14
facebook.com/Artificialpeoplela
Dance floors collide as Justin David and Artificial People bring you a mega Pride pool party experience at Andaz San Diego. Music by queer resident DJs Noir D Costas and Mateo Segade.
UNITE! MUSIC FESTIVAL
Spin Nightclub
unitesdpride.com
This three-day event, will “bring all walks of life together to laugh, dance and live.” Get ready for a Tron-inspired underworld populated with mystical creatures and music, ranging from techno, progressive trance and circuit house.
Masterbeat
Friday, July 12 – 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
DJ Eddie Martinez
Overdrive
Saturday, July 13 – 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
DJs Kristina Sky, Elof de Neve, Binomio,
Pagano & Morabito on the terrace.
Forever Tel Aviv
Sunday, July 14 – 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
DJs Dirty Kurty, Micky Friedmann, Tommer Mizrahi, J Warren & Alyson Calagna on
the terrace.
BILL HARDT PRESENTS: PRIDE PARTIES 2019
No Pride would be complete without the ever-popular Hardt Pride Parties! One of San Diego’s longest circuit-theme events, and the only one in the world held inside a world-famous zoo!
billhardtpresents.com
Circuit Daze
Saturday, July 13 – 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
House of Blues
DJ Aron with a special performance by Beth Sacks.
The Zoo Party
Sunday, July 14 – 4 to 11 p.m.
San Diego Zoo
DJ Rosabel with a special performance
by Zoe Badwi.
Fete Accompli
Sunday, July 14 – 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
House of Blues
DJ Joe Gathereaux and Leanh with
a performance by Inaya Day
