Stonewall Light of Pride Reverend Dan Koeshall

Rev. Dan Koeshall, Senior Pastor at The Met, aka MCC San Diego, has dedicated much of his life to creating awelcoming, inclusive, and transformative spiritual space. Known affectionately as Pastor Dan within the church, he describes his role and mission with profound humility and purpose. His work at MCC San Diego, a pioneering LGBTQ+ faith-based organization, is grounded in the church’s core values of inclusion, community, spiritual transformation, and justice.

With a rich history spanning over 55 years, MCC San Diego has been a crucial force for good in the San Diego LGBTQ+ community, providing not only spiritual guidance but also being at the forefront of social justice, advocacy, and equality. As the first LGBTQ+ organization in the area to own property, the church played a significant role inshaping and fostering other key LGBTQ+ initiatives, such as The Center and Pride. In every sense, The Met’s mission is to bring people closer to God and to one another, whether through spiritual services, outreach, or

community-building efforts. Pastor Dan speaks passionately about the church’s inclusive environment, which extends its unconditional love of God to all people, irrespective of their beliefs or backgrounds. Inclusion and openness are central to the church’s practices, and this has created a deeply accepting environment for those often marginalized or excluded from traditional religious settings.

Pastor Dan’s leadership has played a pivotal role in building and nurturing strong relationships with local governmental and law enforcement entities, such as the mayor’s office, SDPD, and SD County Sheriff. His involvement in various LGBTQ+ Advisory Committees, along with his participation in public ceremonies such as invocations at City Hall and World AIDS Day celebrations, highlights his integral presence within both religious and civic spheres. Through these connections, he has helped foster a deeper understanding between faith-based organizations and the greater LGBTQ+ community, advocating for justice and equality. Notably, Pastor Dan was instrumental in the creation of key community projects such as the Sunburst Apartments, a housing initiative for LGBTQ+ youth in transition. His role in bringing together the San Diego Men’s Chorus and San Diego Gay Chorus into a unified choir is another example of his dedication to unity and connection. These efforts reflect his commitment to both spiritual and social transformation,ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community is heard, seen, and supported in all aspects of society.

When asked about his feelings on being named this year’s Spirit of Stonewall Light of Pride Awardee, Pastor Danexpressed a sense of honor and humility. He views the recognition not as a personal achievement but as a symbol of the collective light of the community. He hopes that his own efforts have contributed to shining light on others and that this light will continue to guide future generations. His deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to the community is evident in everything he does, from his personal actions to the broader impact of the church’s outreach and advocacy.

Pastor Dan’s philosophy around worship and faith underscores the importance of inclusive spaces for all people, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. At MCC San Diego, the slogan “Come just as you are” encapsulates the church’s welcoming spirit. The church celebrates diversity and inclusivity, taking intentional steps to use inclusivelanguage when referring to God in order to create an environment that is open to all. Pastor Dan believes that language holds power and that using language that is inclusive and affirming can transform lives and communities. Hisconviction is that God’s love is vast enough to embrace everyone, and having inclusive worship spaces is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and dignity.

Over the years, Pastor Dan has witnessed a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within religious spaces. Heviews this progress as a testament to the work that churches like MCC San Diego have done in shifting the broader narrative around faith and inclusion. For him, the recognition that all people, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, are equally beloved by God is a powerful and transformative realization.

Pastor Dan’s advice to younger generations of LGBTQ+ individuals is rooted in his own experiences and his belief in the power of history. He urges them to remember and learn from the struggles and victories of those who came before them, encouraging them to continue fighting for equality and justice. His message is one of resilience: “Don’t stopfighting for equality and having our bodies and voices at the table—all tables.”

When asked to identify the word or phrase that embodies his passion and drive, Pastor Dan answered with “compassion.” To him, compassion means “to suffer with,” and he believes it is essential to seeing and respecting thedignity of others, particularly those who are marginalized. Compassion, in his view, is a force that unites people on equal ground, ensuring that no one is left behind. His commitment to compassion is at the heart of his ministry and advocacy work, shaping the way he interacts with others and leads the church. Pastor Dan’s ministry is a testament to the power of inclusive, compassionate faith and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. His legacy, woven with threads of justice, advocacy, and love, will continue to inspire and empower future generations in the fight for equality and dignity for all.