1990: “Look to the Future: A New Decade of Pride”

Jess Jessop's AIDS quilt panel, 1990. Lambda Archives of San Diego.

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”

1980: “In Celebration We Are…”

"In Celebration We Are..." button, 1980. Button and Pin Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

In January of 1980, the Center for Social Services was renamed the Lesbian and Gay Community Center, a move spearheaded by lesbians to address sexism. The success of the Gay Pride Picnic and Olympics the previous year seems to have influenced the 1980 Pride parade. That year the event took on a tone more celebratory… Continue reading 1980: “In Celebration We Are…”

1979: “Remember Stonewall”

“Remember Stonewall” button. Button and Pin Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

After nearly a decade of activism with a handful of victories, 1979 was a tumultuous year for the San Diego gay community. In February, five officers from the San Diego Police Department raided the Fourth Avenue Club and charged twenty-three patrons with lewd conduct. In response, lobbyist George Raya and activist Fred Scholl organized a… Continue reading 1979: “Remember Stonewall”

1975: “Gay Pride (Come OUT To A Celebration)”

Flyers for the 1975 march. John Eberly Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

The Center for Social Services (CSS) again hosted gay pride events in June of 1975, but that year, they sought permits with the help of volunteer attorneys. Not without struggle, permits were obtained, marking 1975 as the year of the first permitted march and rally. Although government officials were predominantly not yet vocal in their… Continue reading 1975: “Gay Pride (Come OUT To A Celebration)”

1974: Gay Pride Week and the First March

Flyer for March to Defend Civil Rights, 1974. Bernie Michels Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

The Center for Social Services (CSS) established committees to provide a variety of services for the gay and lesbian community and veterans.* In June, CSS held another Gay Pride Week that included a yard sale and a potluck to celebrate the anniversary of Stonewall. This event was followed by an impromptu, unpermitted march along the… Continue reading 1974: Gay Pride Week and the First March

1972-73: The Center is Born and the Final “Gay-In”

Organizers in front of the Center for Social Services, 1973. Lambda Archives of San Diego

In 1972, Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) continued to hold services and events and the Catholic support group Dignity returned to San Diego. The Monday Night Lesbians also formed in the early 1970s. Significantly, Stephen Bell and Jess Jessop of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) attended a national conference in Chicago organized by the Gay Activists… Continue reading 1972-73: The Center is Born and the Final “Gay-In”