The community gathered at Martinis Above Fourth for The 38th Annual Nicky Awards Nomination Party July 8. The crowd was all smiles as they cheered each other on. It’s great to see so many organizations and community leaders being recognized for their hard work. It’s an honor to be nominated among them in several categories. Thank you for your support!
Pride seems to get bigger and bigger every year. Many people came out to Normal Street for the Stonewall Rally that kicked off the weekend festivities. We still remember when it was at Balboa Park and there’d be a few empty seats. Having a central location by the flag made a difference; more people were in attendance and it was hard to find a seat or even a spot to stand. Congratulations to all those that were honored during the rally. George Takei gave a wonderful speech that gave us the history of the LGBT struggle and triumphs. He implored everyone that not only should we be fighting for LGBT rights but for everyone’s rights, including immigrants. We are, after all, one nation. Therefore, we all should have equal rights no matter what your sexual orientation or color of your skin. He said exactly what many had been thinking. And don’t forget to check out the new monument that was unveiled if you missed the event. It’s the base of the rainbow flagpole on Normal Street.
The next day we woke up bright and early to cheer and see the Run and Stride with Pride participants bolt from the start line. Overall winner Trent Taylor finished with a time of 00:17:01. Lauren Manero finished in 00:19:012 and was the first female to reach the finish line. It was a hot day for a run/walk. With more than 625 registrants, it was the biggest Pride Run yet. Kudos to the runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters.
During Pride weekend, there were so many “Just Married” or “Getting Married” signs that it was hard not to get emotional. What a sight! It was also great to see new additions to the parade such as Fashion Week San Diego with Designer Andre Soriano and Marketing Director Rhiannon Marquis. La Toya Jackson was a big hit as parade watchers ran toward her car to get a good picture. Seeing the military participate again was also a major highlight especially seeing those that were allowed to walk in their uniforms. The unity displayed when the community ran to help carry the huge flag that ended the parade was a great reminder to always keep the faith. We’re winning battles because we’re working together.
The Pride Festival had so many choices in entertainment we didn’t know where to go first. We did see many acts at the main stage including headliners Monica and a set by Morgan Page. We danced at the Alma y Ritmo Latino stage during a set by Banda La Parrandera. They highlighted a lesbian couple that made a song request and had everyone circle around them as they danced; they’d traveled from Los Angeles to be here.
The dance floor that was always packed, regardless of the time of day, was the Hip-Hop Reloaded dance floor. We loved the music and the impromptu dance classes. We caught a glimpse of Culture Shock’s performance. They brought in some of the audience to participate. It was another Pride for the books and we’re still recovering.
