VIDEO: San Diegans are getting ready to show their Pride this weekend
July 12th, 2010
SAN DIEGO – Get ready to party, San Diego, and show your Pride.
San Diego’s largest civic event is expected to attract almost 200,000 people to Hillcrest for the Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, the popular Pride Parade on Saturday, and the Pride Festival on Saturday and Sunday at Balboa Park.
Join the parade grand marshals – legendary actress Cloris Leachman and human-rights activist Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk – for the mile-long trek through the heart of Hillcrest.
Dance to the sounds of Devo, Eve, Blake Lewis, Erica Jayne, Kimberly Cole, Bitter Sober and a host of other entertainers. This is just the tip of the iceberg for a weekend devoted to celebrating the rainbow community.
At the same time, reflect on this.
“Pridegate” nearly derails organization
Just a few months ago, many in the community wondered whether San Diego LGBT Pride would even happen this year.
After last January’s scandal (dubbed “Pridegate” by local media) rocked the organization and sent shockwaves through the community, there was concern that with all of the leadership changes that followed, there would not be enough time to organize the parade and two-day festival, which is a year-round process.
Never fear! Just days from the scheduled events, it is clear that San Diego Pride will happen, possibly with a better lineup than ever before.
With a new board of directors in place, alongside a hard-working staff and an army of volunteers, all of the necessary steps have been taken to produce what is San Diego’s largest civic event, expected to attract nearly 200,000 people to Hillcrest over the course of the upcoming weekend.
San Diego Pride is known internationally for being one of the most exciting events of its kind, attracting visitors from all over the world. Organizers are hopeful that this year’s events will not disappoint, and believe that the events will happen as planned, with “Pridegate” being simply a nightmare that has long passed.
When asked how she feels about how the events have come together in the few short months since her board took over, Judi Schaim, co-chair of San Diego Pride, is “tremendously emotional.” She noted that when the board first met in late January, they could not envision how it would all come together. “It is absolutely tremendous.”
Schaim and her fellow board members never doubted that a celebration would happen this year, but they simply wondered how. She discussed the strengths that each individual board member brought to the table, and supported by such an incredible staff and volunteers, they were able to make this happen.
In an interview with Aaron Heier and local drag personality Ophelia Later on the online talk show, “He Said / sHe Said,” Pride board member Chris Shaw noted that Pride is “going back to the basics this year.” While exciting events are booked for this year, Shaw said the previous board, composed of “very well-intentioned people,” had some grand visions that they were simply trying to implement too fast.
The 36th annual San Diego LGBT Pride celebration is themed “One World. One Heart. One Pride.”
The 2010 theme was set by InterPride -- the International Association of LGBTI Pride Organizers. This weekend’s events, which will kick off with the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, will play off of this theme in attempt to unify the community, and LGBT people worldwide.
The Spirit of Stonewall Rally
Once a long-standing tradition of San Diego Pride, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally was discontinued by Pride organizers a couple of years ago, citing low attendance at the event.
The current Pride board of directors, who officially took over the organization on Jan. 27, decided that the rally was a necessary part of the celebration and re-instituted the event.
In past years, the rally was held in a number of different locations, including on the street in front of the San Diego LGBT Community Center’s former location on Normal Street, at the Balboa Park Organ Pavilion, and most recently, at the Pride festival site’s main stage area.
This year’s rally -- themed “One World, One Heart, One Pride and Two Feet, One Cell Phone and One Computer!” -- hopes to inspire activists young and old to get engaged and be a part of the community.
The event will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, July 16, at the festival site’s Main Stage area, located at Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street in Balboa Park.
This year’s Pride award recipients, who have been previously featured on San Diego Gay & Lesbian News, will be honored at the event.
The rally will close with a “call to action” by activist Robin McGehee. Known nationally for her work within the LGBT community, McGehee is a co-founder of the recent March on Washington and was a leader in the fight to defeat Proposition 8. She is currently working with GetEQUAL, a new national direct-action coalition active in the fight to overturn the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and to get ENDA passed.
The event will also include musical performances, speakers and a pre-rally reception sponsored by Albertson’s.
The Parade
While accounts of San Diego’s first Pride march vary, long-time activists say that the first San Diego march took place in 1974.
Those brave individuals, who risked their safety, careers and relationships, most likely had no idea that what they were doing would become the glittering spectacle that it is today.
The San Diego LGBT Pride Parade has become the largest civic event in San Diego County, attracting about 160,000 people to the streets of Hillcrest to celebrate the strength and diversity of our community.
Nearly 150 contingents will participate in this year’s parade, which will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 17. The parade route, known as The Rainbow Mile, will run from University Avenue at Centre Street to Sixth Avenue at Upas Street.
Pride Stonewall Award winners will ride in the parade, along with grand marshal Stuart Milk and celebrity grand marshal Cloris Leachman.
There will be nine reviewing stands along the parade route, hosted by local radio stations and community personalities.
A “50 and Better Cool Zone,” presented by The Center’s Senior Services, will be on Sixth Avenue at Pennsylvania, and “The Deaf Pride Reviewing Stand” with ASL interpreters, presented by San Diego Youth & Community Services, will be on University Avenue between Vermont and Richmond.
Many in the community recall that last year’s parade was wrought with problems, including large gaps between contingents. Pride organizers have worked especially hard this year to figure out “what went wrong” and to ensure that this year’s parade is gap-free, smooth and enjoyable.
Jennifer Turner-Minotti, Pride events manager/parade director, along with Ben Orgovan, parade manager, have spent countless hours putting systems into place to make sure the parade is a “well-oiled machine.” Some changes include new check-in and lineup procedures, and volunteers along the parade route to ensure that the parade does not stop moving.
Turner-Minotti’s goal is to have the parade finish by 1 p.m.
Pride’s 300-foot Rainbow Flag will close out the parade and spectators are invited to grab hold, or follow it to the end of the parade route, which leads to the Pride festival site.
With so many people descending upon Hillcrest at one time, it is advised to arrive early to find a parking spot. While parking is always limited in the area, it is especially impacted during Pride weekend.
For the parade, the best option is to park at the Old Naval Hospital parking lt (on Park Boulevard at Presidents Way) and take the free Parade Shuttle. Service will run from 7:15 to 11 a.m. before the parade, dropping people off at the start of the parade route. After the parade, until 2 p.m., the shuttle will return to the Old Naval Hospital parking lot or the festival site.
The Festival
The two-day Pride festival will open at noon on Saturday, July 17, and run through Sunday, July 18.
Thousands of people are expected to descend upon Balboa Park’s Marston Point to check out the various vendor and community information booths, eat, drink, dance, celebrate and people watch.
Festival attractions include “The Art of Pride,” a juried exhibit showcasing local LGBT talent; a farmers market, featuring fresh fruit and flowers presented by Vons; a Children’s Garden sponsored by Family Matters; and several stages, beer gardens, and dance areas with something that will appeal to just about everyone.
Entertainment is a key component of the Pride festival, and the community has been abuzz about this year’s lineup.
The Saturday headliner is Grammy-winning rap and hip-hop artist Eve Jihan Jeffers, known as Eve. She will perform at 8:15 p.m. at the festival’s Cox Communications stage.
Blake Lewis, a beat-boxing artist who was discovered on “American Idol,” will take to the Cox Communications stage at 4:55 p.m. Sunday, July 18. Following Lewis’ performance will be the legendary band Devo at 6:15 p.m. Devo is most well-known for its popular 1980s song, “Whip It.”
Dozens of other entertainers will perform throughout the weekend on Pride’s main stage, 21+ Stage, Women’s Stage, Viva La Diversidad Latin Stage, HiNRG Dance Tent and Country Dance Tent.
The full lineup is available in the Pride Guide, which can be found at various locations throughout Hillcrest or online at www.sdpride.org.
Many in the community are ecstatic about this year’s entertainment lineup, especially since some have called last year’s performers to be “subpar.”
Jennifer Dorfson, a 24-year-old designer, said she did not even attend last year’s festival because there was no one she wanted to see. “I love Eve. She is an amazing artist that I respect and love to dance to. I am still in awe that she is coming to San Diego Pride,” Dorfson said.
Tickets purchased before Friday, July 16, are $15 for one day, $25 for both days, and $10 for seniors/students. Tickets purchased at the gate are $20 for one day, $30 for two days, and $10 for seniors/students.
Free admission will be granted to all active duty military personnel. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.sandiegopride.org.
Other events
Pride Week in San Diego is an exciting time of year. Numerous events and parties are organized to coincide with our community’s most fabulous celebration.
For the first time ever, an exhibit will spotlight San Diego’s diverse LGBT community at San Diego City Hall. The 1,100 square foot display, prominently placed in the lobby of the building, will feature stories and information about San Diego’s LGBT history and those people who have been a part of it.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 13. The free exhibit will run Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through July 23. Visit www.lambdaarchives.org for more information.
In conjunction with the San Diego LGBT Community Center, San Diego Pride will host the All Community Pride Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Friday, July 16. San Diego Pride Board co-chairs Judi Schaim and Larry Ramey will be on hand to announce this year’s grand marshal, celebrity grand marshal, Champions of Pride, and Stonewall honorees.
The celebratory event will include a full-breakfast and champagne for a $10 donation. The event will take place in the auditorium of The Center, 3909 Centre St.
The Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) will host its annual Pride Mixer at Bourbon Street at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15. The annual event gives local business people a chance to connect, network and celebrate Pride. The event is sponsored by U.S. Bank. Visit www.gsdba.org for more information.
What is next for Pride?
Schaim said she is excited for the future of San Diego Pride.
After this weekend’s events are finished, the board will be back to work trying to figure out where to go next. Shortly after Pride weekend, the board will come together for a strategic planning meeting to figure out what direction the organization should go in, and what the priorities of the organization’s next executive director should be.
“Many people have called us ‘dinosaurs’ who are stuck in our old ways,” Schaim said.
She noted that the current board of directors is open to new ideas, and will continue to seek, listen to, and take action on the input of the community.
“We also have three young, new board candidates in place, and look forward to their participation.”
Schaim says the board hopes to have a new executive director in place by early 2011.
“There are many qualified people out there in the community that could probably step into the job right now. We, however, want to make sure that we have the priorities of the organization in order first, so that the executive director is a good fit, and knows what direction to lead with.”
For more information about San Diego LGBT Pride, visit www.sdpride.org.
Parties
No San Diego Pride is complete without a great lineup of parties. From bars and nightclubs, to bay cruises, there will be no shortage of things to do. Rest up tonight because the fun begins tomorrow evening!
Check out Jim Winsor’s blog on SDPIX for more information and the schedule.
SDPIX Pride Kick-Off
The fun begins on Tuesday, July 13, as SDPIX and The Flame present “The Dirty Jock Party.” This sports- themed event will celebrate our local LGBT sports teams, but everyone is invited to come out and party with the jocks. With two large dance floors, three fully stocked bars, lounge areas, DJs Michael Paul and Luis Perez spinning, hot jock go-go boys, and a hip vibe, The Flame will be the place to start off Pride right.
Players in San Diego's LGBT sports leagues who come in their jersey or league T-shirt will pay no cover and receive a free drink ticket. Others who attend wearing any sort of sports gear will receive a free drink ticket. The party will go from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Flame, 3780 Park Blvd. in Hillcrest.
WET Foam Party
SDPIX’s popular Thursday night WET contest, will have an added pride twist, and is expected to draw huge crowds, for this exciting, sexy party. Partiers will be able to dance the night away, covered in foam, on Bourbon Street’s patio starting at 10 p.m. San Diego’s hottest wet undergear contest will begin at midnight, hosted by Rufskin’s Jason Wimberly.
There will be half-price drink specials all night long, no cover, audience giveaways, $1 shot specials following the show. Bourbon Street is located at 4612 Park Blvd. in University Heights.
Pride T-Dance on the Bay Night Cruise
Michael Mack Presents T-DANCE ON THE BAY Night Cruise, with DJ Kimberly S above deck, and DJ Marcel Hetu down below spinning the latest Top 40 and hip-hop, along with amazing sound and lighting.
Boarding time is 7:30 p.m., departure time is 8 p.m., returning to dock at 11. This is one of the five Official San Diego Pride Parties, which is included on the San Diego Pride VIP Pass, which will give free admission to this event. Tickets are $45 for non-pass holders. Visit www.sandiegopride.com/t-dance.php for more information.
Rich’s Pride Weekend Kick-Off Party
Rich’s will be hosting the official “after-the-boat” Pride Kick -Off Party on Friday night. Look for expanded capacity this year with a beer garden in the side parking lot and both dance floors going off all night. DJ Dan De Leon from Los Angeles headlines the main dance floor with uplifting tribal vocals and local favorite DJ Will Z keeps the front room hopping with pop and hip hop videos. They’ll also have hot go-go dancers, great lighting, and a special laser show. Cover will be free with the San Diego Pride VIP pass, or $15 without. Rich’s is located at 1051 University Avenue in Hillcrest.
The Pride Parade Viewing Party
SDGLN and SDPIX have teamed up with Jake’s on 6th Wine Bar, which is conveniently located along the parade route, to present a Pride Parade Viewing Party. There is no cover, however, this event is expected to reach capacity so people are encouraged to arrive early. 2010 San Diego VIP Pride Pass holders receive priority entry. There will be drink specials on wine, sangria, and beer, as well as promotional give-a-ways from Blue Moon Brewing Company. The party begins at 11 a.m. at Jake’s, 3755 Sixth Ave.
Popsicle and Salvation
The 4th & B will be the exciting place to be on Pride Saturday and Sunday nights, for two of the most anticipated parties of the year. On Saturday, July 17, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., SDPIX and SDGLN present “Popsicle Pride.” DJ Nikno & DJ Casey Alva of Los Angeles will spin, as special themed performances, incredible state of the art light shows, and a towering LED light wall will stimulate your senses. Special guests Kimberly Cole and Erika Jayne will perform live. Admission is free with the 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass, or $40.
Salvation Pride will take place on Sunday, July 16, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. DJs Tracy Young of Miami & DJ Oscar Velazquez of Mexico City will spin at this exciting Pride closing party. Special performances, jaw-dropping themed performances, an incredible state of the art light show, and a towering wall of fire, will make the event one of the most exciting of Pride weekend. Admission is free with the 2010 San Diego Pride VIP pass, or $50. 4th & B is located at 345 B St. in Downtown San Diego.
Mary Buckheit of FlawLes recommends women’s events
If you're coming to town for San Diego Pride 2010 and looking for the ladies, there are plenty of events designed with your needs in mind.
Like every Thursday in San Diego, Meaghan Yaple and the 607 Productions crew will set fire to Rich's on Thursday, July 15. If you like to dance, sweat and drink, the 4th Annual Blackout Party has your name on it.
Friday night offers a few entertainment options. Whether you land inside the Soul Kiss Red Carpet Party at The Flame, R-Night at The Brass Rail, or Stand Up for Equality (an evening of comedy at Birch North Park Theatre), you're destined to be in love with Friday. TGIF and proud.
On Saturday you'll want to put your tennis shoes on (and perhaps only your tennis shoes?) and take to the streets for the San Diego Pride PARADE.
The FESTIVAL in Balboa Park runs both Saturday and Sunday; highlights include: Lauren DeRose (4:55-5:35) and MC Flow (7-8 PM) both on the festival main stage Saturday ... right before Eve. (For FESTIVAL tickets and event info, visit SDPride.org).
Saturday night, two parties are bumping 'til 2 AM at the East end of University Ave. Check out U*NI*TY kicking off at 8 PM inside, outside and spilling over True North Tavern (30th St.) or Femme Fatale at Numbers night club (on Park Blvd.) which kicks off at 9 PM.
Sunday, go to church and seek forgiveness for what you did on Saturday night, OR, just wash them away at the FlawLes Pool party at the Ivy Rooftop of the Andaz Hotel downtown (600 F St). The ladies will be splashing and sunning from Noon 'til 8 PM on Sunday and enjoying live entertainment from DJ tandem Dirty Stilettos and percussion from Josh Kane (of Pink and Uh Huh Her). On Sunday you can also hear a few of my favorite girls in town at Day 2 of the Festival. Look for Steph Johnson (2:10-2:50) and Bitter Sober (4-4:40) rocking the main stage.
For a complete and comprehensive run down of events plus ticket information, visit www.FlawLes.com/Pride.
Free shuttle for partygoers
A free party shuttle will be available on Saturday and Sunday nights for those headed to our official San Diego Pride parties.
This year, there will be rotating limo buses running on Saturday and Sunday nights of Pride weekend, with pickups about every 20 minutes from 12 locations:
VIP Shuttle Bus Schedule
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:00PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:10PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:20PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:25PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:30PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:00PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:10PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:20PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:30PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:40 PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 10PM. Last shuttle between 3:30AM & 4AM
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 10:20PM. Last shuttle between 1AM & 1:30AM
The limo buses are free to all holders of the San Diego Pride VIP Pass, as well as individual ticket holder to both the Popsicle Pride and Salvation Pride parties downtown at 4th and B.
Without having to worry about parking and driving safety issues, using this service is a great way to make Pride weekend less stressful while you're bar hopping about.
Of course, all of the bars and clubs in town will host fabulous Pride events throughout the weekend. It suggested that you arrive early at any venue in town, because no doubt there will be lines everywhere. Most of the bars and clubs will have special Pride theme parties.
For more information about all of the Pride parties, events, and specials, visit www.sandiegopride.com.
SDGLN Nightclub Columnist Jim Winsor and FlawLes columnist Mary Buckheit contributed to this report.
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