San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)

WHAT PRIDE MEANS TO ME

- WILLIAM BJ ROBINSON Arts educator, performer and TV host

Pride is a blend of being unapologet­ic and absolutely comfortabl­e at the same time. It’s the prize for perseveran­ce through our fears and struggles. It’s humbling and empowering all at once.

YINKA FREEMAN Owner, Triple Pocket Events Pride is a celebratio­n of inclusivit­y, freedom of self-expression and equal rights for all.

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?? ?? AMBER ST JAMES Drag queen, activist Pride to me means the legacy of Revolution.
AMBER ST JAMES Drag queen, activist Pride to me means the legacy of Revolution.
?? ?? NADIA KEAN-AYUB San Diego County PFLAG Southbay regional director, San Diego County PFLAG board secretary, Southbay Pride Board secretary Pride is a symbol of hope, hope that one day my loved one will be accepted, and safe, in all the same spaces I am.
NADIA KEAN-AYUB San Diego County PFLAG Southbay regional director, San Diego County PFLAG board secretary, Southbay Pride Board secretary Pride is a symbol of hope, hope that one day my loved one will be accepted, and safe, in all the same spaces I am.
?? ?? SAM MOEHLIG Youth ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign, trans advocate, youth ambassador for Transfamil­y Support Services Some people see Pride as a colorful three-day weekend covered in rainbows and unconditio­nal love. I see Pride as a beautiful safe space were LGBTQ+ people can see that who they are is enough, that they are perfect just the way they are, and that their happiness should be the happiness that matters the most. For me, Pride runs 365 days a year because my family and I feel safe enough to to wear our true colors and stand tall and know that here, we are loved by all regardless of gender identity, sexual orientatio­n or gender expression. We are enough. Getting to walk in the parade every year is like receiving the best hug from a friend. You may not need a hug right now, but you know you have someone, or in this case hundreds of thousands of other people, who will be there for you if you ever need one. That is how I feel at Pride.
SAM MOEHLIG Youth ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign, trans advocate, youth ambassador for Transfamil­y Support Services Some people see Pride as a colorful three-day weekend covered in rainbows and unconditio­nal love. I see Pride as a beautiful safe space were LGBTQ+ people can see that who they are is enough, that they are perfect just the way they are, and that their happiness should be the happiness that matters the most. For me, Pride runs 365 days a year because my family and I feel safe enough to to wear our true colors and stand tall and know that here, we are loved by all regardless of gender identity, sexual orientatio­n or gender expression. We are enough. Getting to walk in the parade every year is like receiving the best hug from a friend. You may not need a hug right now, but you know you have someone, or in this case hundreds of thousands of other people, who will be there for you if you ever need one. That is how I feel at Pride.
?? Pride is a time to celebrate love and acceptance within our chosen families, to honor the year-round work of queer activists across social justice movements, and to focus on the work ahead. ?? LINDSAY WHITE AUDRIE WHITE Queer artist, activist and founder of Lady Brain Presents LGBTQ+ athlete, city of San Diego Parks and Recreation employee
Pride is a time to celebrate love and acceptance within our chosen families, to honor the year-round work of queer activists across social justice movements, and to focus on the work ahead. LINDSAY WHITE AUDRIE WHITE Queer artist, activist and founder of Lady Brain Presents LGBTQ+ athlete, city of San Diego Parks and Recreation employee
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?? ?? BEKAH GATES Owner, Winsome Brides Bridal Boutique Pride is being able to love all of me, inside and out. … I’d rather be no one but myself.
BEKAH GATES Owner, Winsome Brides Bridal Boutique Pride is being able to love all of me, inside and out. … I’d rather be no one but myself.

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