2026 Spirit of Stonewall Awards

San Diego Pride is honored to announce the 2026 Spirit of Stonewall Awards, a tribute to the fierce love, relentless mobilization, and unwavering leadership that has fueled our movement for decades.

As anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and the erasure of trans folks escalate across the country, it is vital to uplift the voices and power of LGBTQIA+ advocates fighting for our very existence. Our theme this year, Pride Shines On, recognizes that amid ongoing attempts to erase and silence us, organizers continue to show up, fight back, and celebrate queer joy.

Our movement has faced moments like this before, and we remember those who stood boldly in the face of injustice. From the trans women of color who led the Stonewall uprising, to the Blood Sisters who organized, advocated, and cared for their communities throughout the AIDS crisis that began 45 years ago this year, our history reminds us that LGBTQIA+ people have always met fear and oppression with courage, compassion, and collective action.

This year’s awardees reflect the leadership in our community. From grassroots mobilizers and direct service providers to culture-shaping artists and faith leaders, these individuals and organizations remind us that our pride is rooted in love, resistance and unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Over the past year, immigrant rights, trans justice, and many other civil liberties have come under increasing threat, with major legal battles unfolding at the local, state, and federal levels. Actions here in our own communities are shaping outcomes nationwide. For example, Mirabelli v. Olson, filed by Escondido teachers and parents, made its way all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. At the state level, the California Attorney General, alongside parents of transgender youth, have taken various legal actions against Rady Children’s Hospital over its plan to discontinue gender-affirming care for young people.

These cases demand immense investments of time, expertise, and financial resources. They are being fought, and often won, thanks to the unwavering commitment of LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Defenders: attorneys, legal professionals, and law firms across California and the nation.

This year, we proudly honor those who are defending our rights in the courts, from San Diego to the highest court in the land.

2026 Spirit of Stonewall Honorees:

• Champion of Pride: Jackie Han
• Community Grand Marshal – LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights:
  • ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties
  • Impact Fund
  • National Center for LGBT Rights
  • Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association
  • Transgender Rights Project
  • Western Center on Law and Poverty
• Community Service Award: Joe Fejeran 
• Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award: Pamuela Halliwell
• Inspirational Relationship Award: Dr. Eric Rafla-Yuan & Dr. Sean Kenmore
• Stonewall Service Award: Stepping Stone of San Diego
• Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award: Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego
• Light of Pride Award: Santee United Methodist Church

We invite you to join us in celebrating these outstanding honorees at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally — the official kickoff to San Diego Pride weekend that commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when the LGBTQIA+ community fought back against state-sanctioned police violence and discrimination. Thank you to our 2026 rally partner, The Brass Rail!

Save the Date:
Friday, July 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM
535 Robinson Ave, San Diego, CA | Across from the Brass Rail

Together, we rise. Together, we resist. Together, we shine on.

With Pride,

Brock and Esmé 

San Diego Pride Advocacy

Stop the Cuts

The Mayor’s May Revision for the FY27 budget proposal still includes $11.8 million in cuts to the arts through the elimination of critical Arts and Culture grant funding in FY27 that San Diego Pride and hundreds of other nonprofits rely on to operate.

For San Diego Pride, these cuts would reduce city funding in the current fiscal year from nearly $400,000 to zero. This funding primarily supports festival talent, the majority of whom are local and BIPOC artists. Other LGBTQ+ organizations, including Lambda Archives of San Diego and Diversionary Theatre, would face similar impacts should these cuts move forward.

Over the past several weeks, hundreds of advocates have attended budget hearings and spoken out against these drastic reductions, yet the proposed budget still fails to reflect the priorities voiced by San Diegans. There is still time to make your voice heard and let City Council and the Mayor know that they should not approve any budget that does not at least partially restore funding to Arts and Culture.

Attention all active duty service members, veterans, and their dependents! It’s time to register to march with the San Diego Pride Military Department in the upcoming 2026 San Diego Pride Parade!

Now more than ever, it is essential that we stand strong as a community and remain steadfast in our commitment to one another. The strength of our community has always been rooted in connection, resilience, and the willingness to continue showing up for each other—both in and out of uniform.

**Join us in making a powerful statement of unity and courage!**

**Register now at sdpride.org/military to secure your spot and be part of this historic celebration of diversity and inclusion. Together, we can make a difference and inspire others to embrace their true selves!**

For more information, visit our website or contact us directly.

Let’s show our community and this nation that we serve our country with pride.

Vote with Pride – Volunteer to GOTV
Primary Election Day: June 2, 2026

The June 2026 Primary is in full swing and San Diego Pride is launching our Vote with Pride campaign to get voters to turn out this election! LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across the country and we need your help to ensure our community makes their voice heard at the ballot box. From the next Governor of California to your local school board, each race will impact our vibrant queer community across San Diego. We have phone banking, text banking and canvassing opportunities for you to join!

All events are suitable for first time volunteers or experienced folks! We’ll set you up with the tools/info you need to succeed!

TEXT BANKING
Friday, May 29 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Monday, June 1 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

CANVASSING
Thursday, May 28 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday May 30 | 10 AM – 4 PM (Santee)
Sunday, May 31 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

There will be free refreshments provided at all volunteer opportunities!

Please sign up for any shifts that you are able to work at the link below:
https://forms.gle/1pQZsfkmc5E5m7Ej6

Volunteer Sign Ups Now Open! Pride doesn’t just happen—it’s built by an incredible community of volunteers! With Pride Week 2026 on the horizon, now is the time to jump in and be part of making it all happen! Whether you’re a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, there are so many ways to get involved, connect with community, and help create a safe, joyful, and unforgettable experience.

Learn more and sign up at sdpride.org/volunteer!

Get tickets before headliners and major announcements are revealed and save.

When:
Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday, July 19, 2026 @ 12 PM – 9 PM

The countdown to Pride Month is ON! And we’re teaming up with OUTLOUD Music Festival + WEHO Pride to send our San Diego fam to WeHo with an EPIC ticket giveaway. Buy your OUTLOUD Music Festival ticket and you’ll automatically be entered to win an Artist Guest Pass upgrade.

• Winners selected weekly
• Exclusive upgraded festival experience
•  More chances to win every week

Winner announcement dates:

May 29

Your Pride weekend just got a whole lot louder !

OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride is a multi-day, award-winning LGBTQ+ Music Festival, happening June 5-7 & with a star-studded, high-energy line-up celebrating and advocating for queer voices! This high-energy concert features show-stopping performances from the OUTLOUD Main Stage. Guests can enjoy tasty food and beverage areas, craft cocktails and beer gardens, photo ops, surprise appearances, and world-class stage production.

OUTLOUD is proud to be hosted by the City of West Hollywood as the kick-off to Pride.