San Diego Black Pride: Creating Spaces for Joy

By Jordan Daniels

Black. That’s the word. Black joy. That’s the phrase. Black queer and trans joy. That’s the movement.

At San Diego Black Pride, we’re a nonprofit that centers this movement in all of our programming and resources. It’s essential for us to create, facilitate, and sustain Black LGBTQ+ spaces in our region, because few are doing it, and even fewer have the resources. As one of the few organizations focused on the Black LGBTQ+ experience in San Diego, we’re continually asked to do more with limited capacity. We’re a small, volunteer-led team, with no paid staff and minimal funding, especially now, amid rollbacks in DEI support and corporations retreating from their public commitments.

We’re not just underresourced—we’re underestimated and undercounted.

According to the U.S. Census, roughly 5.6% of San Diego’s 1.38 million-person population is Black. A 2022 report from the county’s Health and Human Services Agency states that approximately 9% of residents identify as LGBQ. But data about our trans community is missing from the Community Health Interview Survey, and data on Black LGBTQ+ individuals is considered “statistically unstable.” How can we fully support and invest in a community that lacks complete representation? That’s why we’re doing the work we do.

Facilitating Better Data

Part of my role as President is fundraising. My goal is to raise $200,000 this year, in part to commission a community study of San Diego’s Black LGBTQ+ population. The current data gap misses an essential story: who we are, where we are, what we do, what we like, what we need, and how to support us. Both qualitative and quantitative data matter, and we aim to gather both with trusted, equity-centered research partners. Our goal is to better inform local governments and organizations on how to serve us.

Building Self-Sufficiency

This year, we launched two new initiatives: financial literacy and self-defense courses. As the cost of living rises, we’re investing in our community’s ability to manage its finances. We partnered with Hillcrest’s Financial Haus to offer our first workshop, covering the basics of debt, investments, and future planning. Fifteen participants attended, and we plan to expand this program for free at multiple education levels.

We also worked with Sagaz Jiu-Jitsu to offer beginner self-defense courses, giving attendees tools to de-escalate danger and protect themselves. We don’t promote violence—we promote harm reduction. LGBTQ+ individuals face disproportionate violence, particularly Black trans women, who accounted for 73% of gun-related murders of trans people over the last decade. Our goal is to equip our community with the tools to stay safe.

Creating Spaces for Joy

As a newer nonprofit, we’re taking big swings to be seen, heard, respected, uplifted, and funded. For five years, we’ve hosted our Annual Black Pride Festival, growing from a one-day event to a multi-day celebration throughout San Diego. This year, we return August 8–10 with the theme: Fierce and Fearless at Five! Everyone is welcome—especially those who believe in centering Black experiences.

We kick off Friday, August 8 with a mini ball at Gossip Grill, one of our strongest event partners. Ballroom houses from both traditional and kiki scenes will showcase their legacy. Whether you’re voguing, walking body, serving realness, or just spectating, come witness one of the longest-running traditions in Black and Brown LGBTQ+ culture.

On Saturday, August 9, we host Back Room Rewind at Urban Mo’s—a night to throw it back and celebrate Black joy with two fire hip-hop DJs spinning old-school favorites. Come ready to dance.

Then on Sunday, August 10, we close with our Sunset Cookout at Rich’s—our biggest event of the weekend. Your ticket includes a BBQ meal and access to two stages: Bold and Belonging, our artist showcase featuring spoken word and drag performances, and Fierce and Fearless, our main stage featuring musical acts and DJs. Headliners include musician Virr and DJ Succubus. The event also features a vendor marketplace, community service booths, and—for VIPs—a bourbon tasting lounge hosted by Fierce and Kind with premium seating.

Tickets are on sale now and available throughout the weekend. We encourage advance purchases, as prices rise at the door and some events may sell out. This is our largest fundraiser of the year, with every dollar going back into our programming.

Support Us

If you can’t attend, there are other ways to help. You can donate via the PayPal Giving Fund or sign up to volunteer. We always need support at events and in the community. Contact us at info@sdblackpride.org to get involved.

We hope to see you soon, and we hope you’ll stand with us in sustaining joy, safety, and community for Black LGBTQ+ San Diegans.

With gratitude,
 Jordan Daniels, President
 San Diego Black Pride