Brief and concise coverage of local, regional, and national news that impacts the lives of the southern California LGBTQIA community.
By LGBTQ San Diego County Staff
LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS HONOREES FOR PRIDE 2024
Every year during Pride Month, California’s legislative LGBTQ Caucus chooses individuals from throughout the state who have made “great contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and served as exemplary role models.”
They then hold a ceremony at the State Capitol to present the awards, which took place June 3. This years’ honorees from San Diego were Araceli “Cheli” Mohamed, Paris Antoinette San Agustin Quion, and Bruce M. Abrams, Esq.
Following is what Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus shared about the honorees.
Cheli Mohamed has a distinguished background in non-profit social services and local government. She formerly served as Director of Volunteer Services and Community Leadership Development at the San Diego LGBT Community Center, where she has inspired multitudes to engage in volunteer community service. Cheli was recently appointed as a Commissioner by Governor Gavin Newsom to California Volunteers, which helps shape the landscape of community engagement.
Paris Quion is a Southern California drag entertainer, businesswoman, activist and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She focuses on fundraising, volunteering, serving on community-based boards, and training in LGBTQ+ rights and gender sensitivity in government, corporate, nonprofit and educational spaces. She shares her journey as a trans person to put a face to the possibilities when the community is given the opportunity to thrive. Her activism and leadership has led to her selection as the recipient San Diego Pride’s 2024 Champion of Pride Award.
Bruce Abrams is an activist, philanthropist and attorney who throughout his law career has worked with many underrepresented clients by providing pro bono legal services. He has fought against injustice and has served on numerous local, state and national boards including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the American Civil Liberties Union, Equality California, the National Conflict Resolution Center, the Anti-Defamation League – San Diego, the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, and the County of San Diego Social Services Advisory Board.
As Senator for District 39, Toni Atkins represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. The website of President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins is senate.ca.gov/Atkins.
HILLCREST PRESCHOOL EXPANDS, INCREASES CAPACITY 30 PERCENT
On June 2, Hillcrest Preschool had a grand opening of its new state-of-the-art facility on Cleveland Avenue. An extension of the LGBTQ-affirming University Christian Church, the preschool has been in existence since 1970.
The new facility, which is on the same grounds, now offers eight classrooms and the increased square footage of the new space allows the preschool to increase its capacity for preschoolers (ages 18 months to 5 years) by 30% over the previous classroom spaces. This was the main goal of the church leadership.
“The reality is that there aren’t enough affordable preschools with spots available for working families,” Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines, Senior Minister of University Christian Church stated in a press release. “Waitlists are extensive, which puts families in a very difficult position when they can’t find childcare. In some small way, we hope to help close the gap of unmet childcare. For us, providing affordable childcare is a justice issue.”
According to their website, despite being an extension of the church, the preschool does not mix the two.
“In order to reach the whole community, our preschool does not teach religion but does incorporate basic humanistic values such as love, respect, acceptance, and inclusion,” the website states.
University Christian Church and Hillcrest Preschool are located at 3900 Cleveland Ave., in Hillcrest (across from the Post Office and DMV).
Those looking for a tour or more information about the preschool should visit bit.ly/3XdUkXo.
CELEBRATE PRIDE AT SAN DIEGO WAVE GAME
The San Diego Wave FC (Fútbol Club) will be hosting its third annual Pride Night on Friday, June 28, at 7 pm, when the Wave takes on the Chicago Red Stars at Snapdragon Stadium.
The San Diego Wave FC is part of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which is a 12-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league, featuring national team players from around the world. Wave FC entered the league as an expansion team in 2022.
Other clubs hail from Chicago, Houston, Kansas City, New York, Louisville, North Carolina, Orlando, Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle and Washington D.C.
To help celebrate Pride Month and the local San Diego LGBTQ+ community, special “Pride Ticket Pack” event tickets are available for the June 28 game, and each ticket holder will receive a Wave FC branded “belt bag” (fanny pack) with a rainbow belt, tickets in sections 206–209, and a $5 donation will be made to the San Diego Pride organization. Note: Regular game tickets will not include the bag or the donation, only the special pride night tickets.
Snapdragon Stadium is located at 2101 Stadium Way (Qualcomm Way).
To purchase a Pride Ticket Pack for Pride Night at San Diego Wave FC, visit bit.ly/3RdNHk2. For questions call 844-739-3222.
NEW ROTARY CLUB FORMS IN HILLCREST
A new chapter of Rotary International has formed in Hillcrest, and they are looking for members interested in giving back to the community through service. Similar to Kiwanis International – Hillcrest is home to the Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive – Rotary’s mission is to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through [the] fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”
The new Hillcrest chapter recently held an informational mixer in May, and an initial business meeting on June 3, and are looking for others who may be interested in joining and helping build this club.
Leadership of the new club are excited to engage the community and develop regular opportunities to connect community members, along with creating a signature annual service/fundraising event.
Those looking to learn more about the Hillcrest Rotary Club are invited to a social mixer on Thursday, June 13, from 5:30 to 7 pm at Negociant Wine Bar, 1236 University Ave., or visit their next monthly planning meeting on Monday, July 1, from noon to 1 p.m., location to be announced soon.
For more information, visit their Facebook page at bit.ly/HillcrestRotary. Those with questions or would like more information can also send the club leadership a message through direct messaging on Facebook.
THE RAIL LAUNCHES NEW DRAG BRUNCH
The Rail in Hillcrest recently launched a new recurring brunch event, cleverly titled, “Off The Rails Drag Brunch.” Presented by Andy Santiago and guest hosted by Jackie Beat, the ticketed event includes various seating options, between $15 and $25, which covers the show, and if you want an actual brunch, attendees can purchase an “all you can eat” buffet for an additional $22.
Doors open at 1o am and the first show starts at 11 am, with a second show at 1:30 pm (doors at 1 pm).
Organizers are calling it “A star-studded brunch that will leave you wanting more!” While the cast is subject to change, here is a snapshot of the performers they are expecting: Willam Belli from Ru Paul’s Drag Race; Scarlet Envy from Ru Paul’s Drag Race & All Stars and Drag Race UK vs The World; Rock M Sakura from Ru Paul’s Drag Race; Honey Davenport from Ru Paul’s Drag Race; Becky Peach from HBO’s Legendary; and JLau Halston.
The next set of brunches are scheduled for Saturday, June 15.
The Rail is located at 3796 Fifth Ave., in Hillcrest. For tickets, visit bit.ly/3RaotTx.
LAMBDA ARCHIVES TO SHOWCASE INTERGENERATIONAL HISTORY PROJECTS
Lambda Archives of San Diego will host its second annual LGBTQ+ Student Showcase on Sunday, June 30, at the Clark Cabaret in University Heights. The event is designed to showcase the history projects that have been created by the Archives’ LGBTQ+ youth interns.
According to the Archives, this year the organization’s interns were paired with elders in the community to create a project which included a conversational style oral history interview, a historical bio, a newsletter article, and an exhibit display. All of these items featured their elder and related topics, and these will be on display at the showcase.
The event will include a formal reception and presentation from 11 am to noon in the Clark Cabaret, followed by exhibit tours and community time from noon to 2 pm in the Lambda Archives space located next door.
The event is free. RSVP at bit.ly/LambdaArchives6-30. The Clark Cabaret and Lambda Archives are located at 4545 Park Blvd.
THE CENTER TO HOST TWO SIGNATURE FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN JUNE
The San Diego LGBT Community Center has two of its signature fundraising events scheduled for this month, including the inaugural LGBTQ+ Luminaries Lunch on Thursday, June 27, along with the annual Pachanga de Frida on Saturday, June 22.
After production of the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast was turned over to a community committee, The Center has refreshed their own lineup by launching the LGBTQ+ Luminaries Lunch, which they say will bring attendees together to “celebrate our community and the amazing people who use their voices to light a path of safety, wellness, togetherness and joy.”
Last month, The Center announced the local “luminaries” who will be honored at the luncheon, including the Librarians of San Diego as “Allies in Advocacy,” Tracie Jada O’Brien as “A Trailblazer in Community Empowerment,” and Chris Shaw as “An Architect of Community.” Evan Noorani of CBS8 will serve as emcee.
Tickets for the event, scheduled for Thursday, June 27, at 11:30 am, start at $200. The luncheon will be held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Visit bit.ly/LGBTQLL24 for tickets and additional information.
Also in June is the annual Pachanga de Frida, benefiting Latin@x Services at The Center. The party is held every year to celebrate the birthday of LGBTQ Mexican icon Frida Kahlo and includes a night of food, tequila, dancing, entertainment, the popular Frida look-alike contest, and more.
Guests will gather in the auditorium of The Center on Saturday, June 22, from 5-9 pm for the event, which will be hosted by Gus Hernandez, The Center’s Senior Director of Marketing and Communications.
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online at bit.ly/Pachanga24.
More information about The Center’s Signature Fundraising Events can be found online at thecentersd.org/signatureevents.
STEPPING STONE TO CELEBRATE A YEAR OF RECOVERY
Stepping Stone of San Diego, the region’s LGBT drug and alcohol treatment center, is planning a “Celebration of Recovery” event this month at the San Diego LGBT Community Center.
The event, which takes place Friday, June 28, from 5:30 – 7 pm, is open to former patients who have completed either the residential or outpatient program within the past year (April 2023 to June 2024) as well as their friends, loved ones and supporters.
Stepping Stone, which launched in 1974, is one of the few drug and alcohol programs in the nation that specializes in the LGBTQ community.
Light refreshments will be provided, and certificates of completion will be presented to those who went through the program in the past year.
The Center is located at 3909 Centre St., in Hillcrest. For more information, call 619-763-1140 or email [email protected].
BLACK PRIDE ‘UNITY IN COLOR’
San Diego Black Pride, produced by the San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition, has announced their 2024 events, which take place Friday, July 5, through Sunday, July 7. Themed “Unity in Color,” the events will take place at Gossip Grill, Mission Bay, and Rich’s Nightclub throughout the weekend.
“This vibrant and inclusive celebration aims to bring together the community for a weekend full of pride, unity, and entertainment,” said organizers in a press release.
Friday night (July 5) the festivities begin at Gossip Grill, located at 1220 University Ave., with the Harmony Hour Kickoff Party. Hosted by Amber St. James from 6-10 pm, enjoy neon lights, black queer entertainers, food, drink, a Pride photo booth, and DJ MPC creating the mood for the evening.
At 11 pm, also at Gossip, will be the Express Your Essence Mini Ball, featuring DJ Kinny Banks and produced by Byron Keaton of House of Juicy Couture and Emani King Mack. This event will be hosted by Torie Balmain Bodega. Both events are 21+ and $15 each to attend.
Saturday (July 6) is a beach day at 1010 Santa Clara Place. This will be a free, family-oriented event with BBQ on the west side of Mission Bay from 11 am to 1 pm. Inflatables and circus games will be available and DJ AG will be spinning.
Later that day, the party gets started at the same location and for $75 you can dance the night away on Mission Bay with unlimited food and beverages. DJ Prodigee will spin from 5-11 pm. This is a 21+ event.
On Sunday (July 7) you’re back in Hillcrest for the Decadent Day Party at Rich’s, located at 1051 University Ave. DJ Nikki Giovanni and host Amber St. James will escort you through the day, which includes a drag queen competition. Cabanas and bottle service are available and this is also a 21+ event. $20.
Organizers say San Diego Black Pride is “dedicated to celebrating the diversity, culture, and history of the Black LGBTQ+ community and that their events aim to foster unity, empowerment, and pride among all attendees.” Follow them on social media and use the hashtags #UnityInColor and #SDBlackPride2024 to share your experiences.
For tickets to each event, and to learn more, visit Eventbrite at bit.ly/3VelI4U.
SD PRIDE TICKETS NOW ON SALE
The virtual ticket booths are now open for San Diego’s annual Pride festival, held this year on Saturday, July 20, from 11 am – 10 pm, and Sunday, July 21, from 11 am – 9 pm.
Join the San Diego Pride organization and its thousands of volunteers in celebrating diversity and inclusion in Balboa Park at the Marston Point festival grounds, located at Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. There will be plenty of community resources, festival vendor booths, food booths, and four stages to match every entertainment need.
Tickets are available for both days at one price – $38 (plus processing fees). VIP tickets are $219 (plus processing fees). No single day tickets are available. To learn more about the entertainment and to purchase tickets, visit sdpride.org/pride.
To submit a news brief or press release, contact [email protected].
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