Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Pride: The 2026 Spirit of Stonewall Awards

By Cesar A Reyes

Since San Diego’s first Pride rally in 1975, the Spirit of Stonewall Awards have celebrated the individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and advocacy have strengthened the LGBTQIA+ community. Presented annually by San Diego Pride, the awards honor those creating meaningful change through activism, community building, education, the arts, and public service. This year’s honorees include Champion of Pride Jackie Han; Community Grand Marshal LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Defenders; Community Service Award recipient Joe Fejeran; Julia Legaspi Leadership Award honoree Pamuela Halliwell; Inspirational Relationship recipients Dr. Eric Rafla-Yuan and Dr. Sean Kenmore; Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award recipient Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego; Stonewall Service Award recipient Stepping Stone San Diego; and Light of Pride Award recipient Santee United Methodist Church. Their stories reflect the resilience, compassion, and dedication that continue to move our community forward. Click on the images below to view our full interviews with the honorees