1988: “Here…And Here To Stay!” / “Rightfully Proud”

Lambda Pride Board and volunteers at Parade Fest, 1988. Doug Moore Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

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”

Pride Guide, 1987 (front). Lambda Archives of San Diego.

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”

1986: “Forward Together”

San Diego Lambda Pride car, 1986. Doug Moore Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

With a nearly new board of directors, Lambda Pride made some big changes. The budget grew to $95,000, nearly three times the budget of the previous year, and a two-day festival was planned for the first time. However, the ambitious new board experienced more turmoil than the previous year in the weeks leading up to… Continue reading 1986: “Forward Together”

1985: “Share the Pride”

Empress Nicole Murray-Ramirez on the Imperial Court float, 1985. Christine Kehoe Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

Following the turmoil of the previous year, the 1985 board of directors was comprised of mostly fresh faces and saw the return of Doug Moore. Lambda Pride again adopted an international theme, “Alive with Pride in ‘85,” and a local theme, “Share the Pride.” That Pride weekend, which took place June 8-9, was dedicated to… Continue reading 1985: “Share the Pride”

1984: “Celebration ‘84, A Decade of Pride”

First Pride Guide, 1984. Lambda Archives of San Diego.

1984 marked the 15th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the 10-year anniversary of the San Diego Pride march. As such, Lambda Pride adopted the national theme “Unity and More in ‘84” and a local theme “Celebration ‘84, A Decade of Pride.” A number of changes took place that year. The first annual Lambda Pride… Continue reading 1984: “Celebration ‘84, A Decade of Pride”

1983: “I Love Being Out”

"I Love Being Out" t-shirt, 1983. Pride T-shirt Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

In 1983, Lambda Pride officially received its non-profit status, which allowed the organization more autonomy in planning their annual event. Pride celebrations grew in participation, activities, and attendance. However, permits were once again initially denied by the San Diego Police Department. With help from attorney Tom Homann, Lambda Pride filed an appeal and contacted the… Continue reading 1983: “I Love Being Out”

1982: “Proud-Diversified-United”

West Coast Production Company's float, 1982. Doug Moore Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

With the addition of a Tijuana contingent and a “Black and White Men Together” group in 1982, Lambda Pride chose the theme “Proud-Diversified-United.” The parade took place on June 12th and featured forty-six contingents including horses and motorcycle clubs. Christian fundamentalists, referred to by parade participants as “fundies,” protested on the sidelines with signs quoting… Continue reading 1982: “Proud-Diversified-United”

1981: “United For Our Rights”

"United for Our Rights!" button, 1981. Button and Pin Collection, Lambda Archives of San Diego.

Due to the divide created the previous year by the Lesbian Solidarity March, the Lesbian/Gay Men’s Pride Alliance disbanded. With the leadership of Doug Moore, Lambda Pride formed and took over the task of planning Pride. Lambda Pride filed for 501(c)(3) status, established a board of directors, and brought about many changes to the annual… Continue reading 1981: “United For Our Rights”