Did you know that …
Major General Matthew Beevers marched in our parade with the military contingent? That the Walmart contingent had over 400 employees and families marching? That Ms. California 2017 waved throughout the parade at everyone? That the “Burning Man Festival” had a space at the festival? That our popular Sheriff Bill Gore had a recruiting booth that gave out rainbow bands to everyone? Did you notice the bigger representation from the Asian Pacific Islander community? That the Black Panthers local chapter not only marched in our parade but had a booth in the festival? That City Council members Lorie Zapf and Chris Cate (with his beautiful wife) walked the entire parade, and Congressman Juan Vargas almost danced along the entire route? That this is the first time the American Cancer Society had a contingent? That the two most popular stages were the hip-hop and Latino ones? That Harrah’s Casino sponsored the V.I.P. area all with free booze and beautiful lounging furniture? That Gloria Cruz gave one of the most rousing speeches at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally and Pride Co-Chair Bianca Burt did an outstanding job emceeing?
Not only did our Mayor Kevin Faulconer once again walk the entire parade, but became the first San Diego mayor ever to wave a rainbow flag almost the entire route, receiving cheering applause? That once again the Rich’s Nightclub float rocked and was the most sought after venue to party at? That once again Todd Gloria and Toni Atkins broke the record for Pride parade spectators’ loudest applause and cheers? That Parade Grand Marshall Russell Roybal cried with joy almost the entire parade and Grand Marshall Susan Jester wore the exact same American Flag shirt that I wore (she wore it better.) That San Diego made history being the first Pride parade in the nation to be led by over 100 Interfaith leaders (pastors, rabbis, reverends, buddhist monks, etc.) from all over San Diego County? Did you know that over 18 youth from Iraq (ages 12-17) toured the festival and 25 young people from 18 African countries also went to the festival and rally and many of their views changed about
homosexuality? That the Trans Pride Festival was bigger than ever and that Kathie Moehlig (founder of Trans Families) got one of the largest cheers for her award and so did Dr. Delores Jacobs of The Center? (Bravo to two outstanding women.)
That Pride Volunteer Coordinator Bob Leyh worked his butt off with hundreds of volunteers? That Barbara Blake and the GSDBA launched their “Buy LGBT” campaign? That the front runner for County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher had huge banners hung out in over two dozen bars and businesses and his wife Lorena Gonzalez had the best staff T-shirts in hot pink. (Runner-up Todd Gloria in royal purple). Popular Councilwoman Georgette Gomez also got a huge crowd response. That the No Justice, No Pride group had about 15 people attend their protest? (Thank you for not blocking the parade.) That Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman and the police officer contingent received thunderous applause the entire parade? Marching with the chief were LGBT police officers.
That Sunday was my pal Sherman Mendoza of the Caliph’s birthday and we celebrated by eating our way down the entire festival? That 2018 possible mayoral candidate Assemblyman Brian Maienschein had a great time and so did members of the Lincoln Club. That for the first time the Consul General of Mexico Marcela Celorio marched in the parade? That our new District Attorney Summer Stephan was well received? That America’s Got Talent finalist Brian Justin Crum was kicked out of an Uber because the driver didn’t like him kissing his boyfriend?
And lastly, did you know that San Diego Pride’s very own Fernando Lopez will be receiving a Harvey Milk Leadership Award for his years of activism at the upcoming 2017 Nicky Awards?
The San Diego LGBTQ Latino Coalition
Yes, after months of discussion with Latino leaders a new organization will be officially launched next month for LGBTQ activists. This is the long overdue San Diego LGBTQ Latino Coalition. The date and location of its first meeting will soon be announced and all Latinos will be invited. Organizers are Carolina Ramos, Fernando Lopez and I. Further information coming.
Pride Advisory Council and Parade awards
Because of all the changes in the executive director position of San Diego Pride, the forming of the Community Advisory Council was put on hold. But now it will form and be officially established. One of my first recommendations will be the establishment of the Pride Parade Contingent Awards named after LGBTQ heroes. (The Imperial Court de San Diego has offered to underwrite the cost.)
Also we will be discussing the issue about parade or march? Personally I would like marches for the next four years but I believe there could be a solid compromise … a Pride march (RESIST!) about a month before. The Pride Community Advisory Council will have a representative from all our LGTBQ organizations.
Mayors are elected. Hillcrest had no election. You are a FAKE Mayor
How come only one Sheriff in the Dept has come out….who happens to running for sheriff?
Must be a hostile environment
Ha ha ha.
Fifteen people in “No Justice, No Pride”.
That sure fizzled.
No surprises here NJNP has no leadership, no direction and is just a bunch of members of the Jerry Springer wing of the LGBT all they want is attention, good or bad, attention is all they want.
Read their disjointed manifesto.
Liz W.
I think this is the first column where Nicole didn’t use “I” 5 million times. For once, and I’m sure just this once, she/he/it put others before him/her/it. Nice change, keep it up. Yeah, like that will ever happen.