In 1996, San Diego Pride focused on politics, as a presidential election was to take place in November. At a national level, the LGBTQ+ community was celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Colorado Amendment 2, which rescinded state and local laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and prevented the future… Continue reading 1996: “Spotlight on Freedom”
Author: sdpride
1995: “Out & Free”
The 1995 San Diego Pride theme “Out & Free” was selected to highlight the importance of coming out. The 1995 souvenir program states: “Coming out is the essential first step we must all take to show not only what we have in common, but that the uniqueness of our people is a gift the world… Continue reading 1995: “Out & Free”
1994: “Honoring Our Past, Securing Our Future”
In 1994, former San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock, who had declared Human Rights Day in 1983 to overlap with Pride weekend, shifted more sharply to the right and began advocating for homophobic action on his conservative radio show. Inspired by Hedgecock, a right-wing group called the “Normal People” organized to protest San Diego Pride and… Continue reading 1994: “Honoring Our Past, Securing Our Future”
1993: “A Family of Pride: Our Family, Our Values, Our Celebration”
In his 1992 presidential campaign, Bill Clinton promised to lift the ban on gays serving in the military. However, the Clinton administration met considerable resistance in implementing this change. San Diego’s 1993 Pride weekend coincided with the anticipated announcement of the new policy on this issue. Some viewed this Pride weekend as an opportunity to… Continue reading 1993: “A Family of Pride: Our Family, Our Values, Our Celebration”
1992: “Pride=Power”
In 1992, Pride saw increased representation of law enforcement and political officials. San Diego Chief of Police Bob Burgreen was awarded the new honorary title “Friend of the Year.” He rode in the parade, which took place on July 18th, along with Mayor Maureen O’Connor and Councilman John Hartley, leading a contingent of city employees.… Continue reading 1992: “Pride=Power”
1991: “Together In Pride / Conjunto En Orgullo”
After serving as Pride’s executive director for two years and stabilizing the event, Tim Williams stepped down upon learning that he was HIV-positive. He confided in Barbra Blake, who had served on the board since 1989, and she assumed the role, although she contends that Maryanne Travaglione essentially served as co-director. Although now taking place… Continue reading 1991: “Together In Pride / Conjunto En Orgullo”
1990: “Look to the Future: A New Decade of Pride”
With the success of the previous year, the 1990 Lesbian and Gay Pride followed a similar structure. The weekend consisted of the Front Runners Pride Run, parade, rally, and a two-day festival. The theme “Look to the Future: A New Decade of Pride” was selected to emphasize the continued fight for equality moving forward. Indeed,… Continue reading 1990: “Look to the Future: A New Decade of Pride”
1989: “A Generation of Pride”
With Lambda Pride and Parade Fest now dissolved, San Diego Lesbian and Gay Men’s Pride formed anew with Tim Williams as the first executive director. After years of controversy surrounding finances and a surviving debt, SDLGP sought to improve transparency with their accounting practices by releasing a financial report to the community following Pride weekend.… Continue reading 1989: “A Generation of Pride”
1988: “Here…And Here To Stay!” / “Rightfully Proud”
Following the festivities of the previous year, Lambda Pride organizers once again had a falling out. An ad-hoc committee was formed in January 1988 to produce that year’s Pride events, which they dubbed Parade Fest. The national theme of “Rightfully Proud” was adopted to emphasize the importance of the gay vote, as 1988 was an… Continue reading 1988: “Here…And Here To Stay!” / “Rightfully Proud”
1987: “Making History”
In the year leading up to the 1987 Pride weekend, Lambda Pride meetings were heavily occupied with issues including lawsuits, debts and organizational upheaval. As a result, a “New Lambda Pride” was formed with the goal of producing an excellent event and paying off the debts of the previous year. The new board selected “Making… Continue reading 1987: “Making History”