1995: “Out & Free”

Parade participants carrying "Out & Free" banner and balloons, 1995. Lambda Archives of San Diego.

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”

Pink Cadillac in San Diego Pride parade, 1994. San Diego Pride Photo Collection 1994-2008, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

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”