Spirits of Stonewall Awards 2025

By Cesar A Reyes

The annual Spirit of Stonewall Rally kicks off Pride weekend and commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when the LGBTQ+ community courageously fought back against state-sanctioned police violence and discrimination. Hosted by the Hillcrest Business Association, the rally is held in conjunction with the annual Pride of Hillcrest Block Party.

Each year, San Diego Pride invites the community to nominate individuals, organizations, and groups who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community through leadership, activism, and fundraising. These awardees are honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, which will take place on July 18, 2025.

This year, we had the opportunity to sit down with five of the honorees to learn more about their community involvement — and what it means to be recognized with a Spirit of Stonewall Award.

Meet 5 awardees (click on the image)

Champion of Pride Courtney Johnson

Grand Marshal Jamie Arangure

Light of Pride Rev. Dan Koeshall

Stonewall Service Award Bears San Diego

Inspirational Relationship Julie Hoffman & Summer White