We are a group who has fought long and hard for the EVENTS:
MORE PRIDE
right to exist—not just that, but for the right to flourish. The LGBT community is adept at joining forces in a common cause and in doing so, has gained confidence and changed social norms. Coming together in celebration at Pride, for the many joyous rallies around gay marriage, or the myriad of other LGBT events across the country, is the best way to take ownership and enjoy those gains made. It is also, the most effective way to march and have our voices heard, in order to right losses that we must continue to stand up for. Historically, we have always gathered in an effort to find
Krave and Kulture’s Pride Kick-Off Party
Thursday, July 16 at 6 p.m. at Uptown Tavern
connection, even when it was in a society that often reviled us. We sought each other out in the ways that humans do, to find comfort and to alleviate the ravages of isolation. It was covert and always with great risk professionally, so- cially and sadly, more often than not, physically. That didn’t stop us, because isolation exacts such a great price. Lonely closets were (and for some, still are), places filled with dark- ness and terror. We learned to gather in spite of those fears, because
Trans* Pride
Friday, July 17 in Balboa Park at 6th and Quince starting at noon
even in dark times, we understood that there was safety in numbers. Secrecy and hiding were still deeply ingrained re- alities, but those moments of connection made us stronger and were the beginnings of the freedoms we enjoy now. Wisely learning along the way that there is great power in those numbers. One voice can indeed change things, but can also be easily silenced. The volume of ten is harder to ignore, a hundred even more so… the voices of a hundred thousand, impossible. Many dismiss LGBT Pride events as a debaucherous spec-
LEZ Pride Dance For Ladies
Friday, July 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Brass Rail
tacle, but I believe that they are a hard-won and vital part of what it means to be out and free. We have earned the right to celebrate our bodies, our loves and our community. We have earned that celebration, because we have fought so hard, in order to leave behind the indignities of those dark closets. And, when few would reach out to help, we fought even harder to survive the ravages of HIV/AIDS. Even now, on the other side of yet another hard-fought, long battle, even in victory, we must continue to gather and fight if necessary. Because... Somebody, somewhere out there, still needs us to.
So, my friends, celebrate this victory, show your Pride, get
out there and love what we have achieved… and what is to come. As you do, take a minute to remember the many unique facets that make up our glorious community. Look out across at all those beautiful colors in that rainbow and take a minute or two out of your revelries to reach out to someone not as familiar to your daily life—you as an indi- vidual and we as a community—will be so much stronger for it.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT SAN DIEGO PRIDE 2015 HAS IN STORE:
Spirit of Stonewall Rally San Diego’s first “gay gathering” was back in 1975. It was
created as a way to commemorate and honor leaders, who where working hard to promote and preserve community gains and meet the many challenges still being faced. This year’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally has returned to the
Pride Festival location at Marsden Point and will take place on Friday, July 17. The event featuresMaster of Ceremo- nies Stephen Whitburn, Executive Director of San Diego LGBT Pride, with this year’sKeynote Speaker Tony Atkins, Speaker of the California Assembly. This year’s awardees include; Champions of Pride Connor Maddocks as well asTracie Jada O’Brien; asFriend of Pride Darlene Tando, LCSW and as Community Grand Marshal, The Entire Trans* Community. Connor Maddocks, the Project Trans Coordinator at the
San Diego LGBT Center, offered this about winning his award, “I am incredibly honored, to have been selected as one of San Diego Pride’s Champions of Pride. I have been volunteering with San Diego Pride for 11 years and know so many of the past recipients. My predecessors have done so much for our community and to be included with them humbles me.” He continues, “My work in the community is something I do because I feel such a deep need to help make this world a better and safer place for all transgender people. To be a part of a system that is open to and work- ing towards equality, more resources, medical assistance, etc., is incredibly important. I had none of this growing up,
Bearracuda San Diego
Friday, July 17 starting at 9 p.m. at The Merrow
JULY 2015 | RAGE monthly 43
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