The LGBTQ+ community needs your support now more than ever. I think many of us are tired of hearing that word. Perhaps as exhausting as it is to hear that we are living in unprecedented times. But here we are. Across the country, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer rights are under attack, especially against the trans community. We are witnessing a resurgence of the easy labeling of “groomers” online and in public spaces, and the labeling of queer people as pedophiles. The art of drag and the freedom of expression that comes with it are under threat of censorship. Access to life-saving and gender-affirming health care for transgender youth is restricted or prohibited in some states.
Here in California, and for that matter in San Diego County, we are not immune. Last year, several Rancho Peñasquitos residents tried to remove a Pride exhibit from a local library branch (fortunately, it backfired and the failure was covered in the New York Times). Hate crimes in San Diego increased by 73 percent in 2023, with one-third of those crimes related to sexual orientation, according to newly released data. School districts across the country are pushing back against LGBTQ+-affirming policies and services, which are seen as a “political issue.” Anti-LGBTQ+ candidates are now running for local school boards hoping to abolish inclusive curriculum and strip protections for students.
In the current situation, getting involved in the community is very important. While these issues may not directly impact anyone in your immediate social circle, they have real-world consequences and a collective impact on the psyche of LGBTQ+ people. Thankfully, there are many ways you can support members of our community by giving back to organizations like the San Diego LGBT Community Center, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and San Diego Pride. You can also volunteer, donate, or get involved in grassroots organizing.
There are many ways to give back to the LGBTQ+ community, and one of the best ways is to participate in the enriching community events held throughout the year. One such upcoming event is Dining Out for Life. On April 25, participating restaurants in San Diego County will donate a portion of their sales to local HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs. The San Diego and Chula Vista locations will benefit the San Diego LGBT Community Center, and the North County location will benefit the Resource Center. Giving public support to events like this shows our community that we are not going backwards and that we are stronger together.
As a San Diego Pride officer, you’ll also be encouraged to volunteer at our mission-driven annual events and programs, including the San Diego Pride Parade and Festival. This year, San Diego Pride will be held on July 19th and 20th, celebrating his 50th anniversary since the first march in San Diego.We pay our respects to our past victories and will redouble our efforts in the future.. Pride celebrations are as much a celebration as they are an act of protest, and are essential to building community.
Each year, San Diego Pride relies on more than 1,000 volunteers to help plan and execute Pride festivals, events, and programs. With over 30 different volunteer departments, there’s something for everyone, and your skills are needed to run some of our city’s biggest civic events and year-round advocacy programs.
If you’re not sure how to use your voice and power, the upcoming San Diego Pride Power Summit is for you. This day-long conference is aimed at LGBTQ+ justice advocates who want to learn grassroots organizing skills, build community connections, and directly participate in intersectional social justice movements. Masu. Training includes field organization, storytelling, power mapping, campaign development, and more. We welcome people of all skill levels to join us!
Everyone can contribute some of their time, talent, and treasure to building a more inclusive community. It can be daunting to step into the culture wars we find ourselves in, but we all have an opportunity to step up. Now more than ever is that time.
