Pride Under Pressure. Power in Community – A Call to Rise 

By Joslyn Hatfield

Dear Community, 

It is a critical time for Pride organizations across the nation and around the world. From California to the Midwest and beyond, we are hearing the same message: the slow erosion of our rights is not subtle; it is strategic. Many Prides are at risk, with costs getting higher and some communities experiencing a loss of sponsors and support. We all need to remember when Pride is at risk, so is the power and visibility of our community. 

But let us be clear—we will not back down.

San Diego Pride, one of the oldest and largest Pride celebrations in the country, is actively preparing for a Pride Week that will uplift, inspire, and galvanize. We are creating space for protest and for celebration, for joy and for healing, for remembrance and for resistance. We are here for you; to march with, to fight beside, and to rise up with in community. We also want to thank our sponsors who, for years, have supported our community and who will continue to do so for 2025. 

Rooted in the power of Stonewall and shaped by decades of struggle and resilience, yes Pride has its moments with glitter, rainbows, and joy. It is also truly about fighting for freedom, dignity, and our future. We have persisted through attacks on our rights before, and we will again—but only if we do it together.

As Prides across the globe face mounting political and financial pressure, some are being forced to scale back or even shut down. In this critical moment, it is more important than ever to support the Prides that remain and the sponsors who support them. At San Diego Pride, we do not take our place in this movement for granted. We are proud to be a year-round, community-based, volunteer-driven organization. We carry that responsibility with humility, knowing that what we build here helps inspire and sustain others around the world.

We are all watching the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric evolve into dangerous policies. We are seeing education censored, trans people targeted, bodily autonomy attacked, and families harmed. We cannot wait for these orders, bans and policies to become life-changing. History has shown us time and again: silence will not save us, comfort will not protect us, and waiting is not an option.

Now is your time to rally. To find joy with your friends, family, allies, and chosen family. It is a time to remind the world that our pride is unbreakable and our power is unshakeable. 

When you buy a ticket to the San Diego Pride Festival, you are not just celebrating. You are sustaining and supporting one of the oldest, largest, and most community-driven Prides in the country. Your support helps fund our year-round programs, advocacy, and community-building efforts that empower LGBTQIA+ people every day.

San Diego Pride is a movement powered by you. Whether you are an artist, a volunteer, a community partner, or a passionate supporter, there is a place for you in this work.

Here is how you can show up and make an impact:

*Volunteer: Join the team that makes the magic happen behind the scenes.

*Donate: Your gift helps fund year-round programs, advocacy, and events that uplift and empower our LGBTQIA+ community.

*Sponsor: Partner with San Diego Pride to support equity, visibility, and joy — and reach thousands of Pride-goers.

Act now and be part of something bigger. Get involved. Because our Pride is unbreakable. Our power is unshakeable. And so are we.