SAN DIEGO — Westfield Horton Plaza and Westfield Mission Valley shopping centers have announced their partnership with GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, to offer in-center initiatives in celebration of San Diego LGBT Pride Friday, July 11 through Monday, July 21. The centers will show their support with fun, interactive installations and festive décor.
The 40th annual, 3-day San Diego Pride event will take place Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20 in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood and fosters pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, locally, nationally and globally. This year’s San Diego Pride will commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a definitive historical moment often recognized as the catalyst of the modern gay rights movement.
Westfield Shopping Centers are growing their support this year of the LGBT community with two centers participating in ‘Celebrate With Pride.’ Westfield Horton Plaza will be taking part in the initiative for the first time, while Westfield Mission Valley will be inviting the community to join in the celebration for the second consecutive year.
“Westfield strives to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and welcomes any opportunity to connect with the local community in a meaningful way,” says Westfield Mission Valley Marketing Manager, Brandon Matzek. “We received an overwhelmingly positive response to our San Diego Pride initiative last year and are thrilled to include Westfield Horton Plaza in the celebrations this year.”
“The LGBT community has much to be proud of in 2014 as marriage equality continues to surge forward, transgender people gain historic visibility, and more Americans than ever before side with equality and fairness for all,” says GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “GLAAD is pleased to once again join Westfield Mission Valley and Westfield Horton Plaza to ‘celebrate with pride’ in recognition of how far the LGBT community has come, and as a reminder of how far we have left to go – together.”
In-center offerings at Westfield Mission Valley and Westfield Horton Plaza from Friday, July 11 to Monday, July 21 will include an ‘I’m Proud Of…’ interactive art installation embodying this year’s event theme- Reflections of Pride. The collaborative crowd sourced artwork is intended to spark conversation as guests contribute what they are personally proud of. Photo opportunities will also be located at both centers. The event hashtag #westfieldSDpride, will make it easy for guests to connect with others in the social sphere. A rainbow garden will complement the center décor at Westfield Mission Valley, while colorful yarn bomb ‘street art’ will brighten Westfield Horton Plaza public spaces.
For more information on Westfield Mission Valley’s Celebrate With Pride initiative and upcoming events, visit http://www.facebook.com/WestfieldMissionValley, call 619.296.6375 or follow Twitter updates at @WestfieldMV. For more information on Westfield Horton Plaza’s Celebrate With Pride initiative and upcoming events, visit http://www.facebook.com/WestfieldHortonPlaza, call 619.239.8180 or follow Twitter updates at @WestfieldHP.
