In addition to the parade, the celebration features parties, concerts and the raising of a rainbow flag on a new 65-foot flagpole in Hillcrest, the center of San Diego's LGBT community. It was my first time going in a very long time, so I was beyond excited to get involved and celebrate the LGBTQ community of San Diego. "And now that I can march freely in uniform, I think it's a great display for the navy."Ībout 200 active-duty troops participated in last year's San Diego gay pride parade, but they wore T-shirts with their branch's name, not military dress.Ībout 200,000 people were expected at this weekend's annual parade and festival in Balboa Park. Nobody's leading a second life," he said. "We've all been able to talk more freely about our lives. The 47-year-old said that since last year's repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" law barring gays from serving openly, he has received unconditional support from his fellow officers. The defense department said Thursday it did so because organizers had encouraged military personnel to march in their uniform and the parade was getting national attention.Ĭommander Kent Blade, who will retire this fall after 26 years in the navy, said being able to march in uniform was a perfect culmination of his career. In a memorandum sent to all its branches this year, the defense department said it was making the allowance for the San Diego event even though its policy generally bars troops from marching in uniform in parades. It's something I'm incredibly thankful for." "It's about putting on my uniform and taking pride in my service, my fellow service members, my family and myself. "Today is so important," said navy lieutenant Brian McKinney, who marched with his civilian partner, Hunter Hammonds. Pride was many things – none of it was what I expected, but I loved every second of it.Spectators waved signs reading, "Thank you for your service." A woman held a placard that said: "My gay son is a naval officer." READ ALSO: MUA and YouTube star, Bretman Rock, should actually start a career in motivational speaking We also can’t forget about TLC (way too good), who headlined on Sunday and gave a hip-hoppin’ performance decked out in neon orange construction outfits.īut, it’s really cool to know that LGBTQ+ communities everywhere had celebrated the same way we did and with the same music and live performances. That means that people in every Pride Festival city got to be graced by the presence of performers like Jojo (who I’ve decided is a literal angel, btw), and more. Her voice seriously gave me the feels, and when she sang her hit song “Leave (Get Out),” the crowd’s energy was infectious!
READ ALSO: Raisa Flowers and other young LGBTQ+ faces join ASOS and GLAAD in celebrating love, pride, and unityĪfter having the time of my life at the viewing party (without actually viewing much of the parade, lol), I went to the festival and parade for the first time ever and all I can say is OHMAHGAH it was lit! It was made very clear to me that here in San Diego, the LGBT community and the blossoming cannabis industry are very closely intertwined! Events like Garden of Weeden are great, because they increase public awareness around cannabis and diminish the stigma surrounding the amazing, little plant.
PICS OF GAY PRIDE SAN DIEGO 2018 FREE
There were tons of booths handing out free drinks, they served the best mac n’ cheese lumpia I have ever had, and they freebie-d tons of cool products! I walked into the event and I was blown away. Quilt to first Pride parades and wedding photos, these are the individual experiences that, when shared, create a community. The event was gorgeous, and totally eye-opening about the cannabis industry. San Franciscos LGBT pride parade 2018 in pictures Revelers, activists and politicians gathered for the 48th annual event, one of the largest in the US, as celebrations took place around the.
READ ALSO: Drag Diaries: Babydoll talks to us about getting harassed on IG for wearing makeupīetter yet, my friend invited me to Garden of Weeden – an exclusive parade viewing party where the LGBT community and our allies collide with the wonderful world of cannabis (California life).
It was my first time going in a very long time, so I was beyond excited to get involved and celebrate the LGBTQ community of San Diego.