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AANHPI Heritage Month

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In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, we celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities whose culture and history continue to shape our world. This month is especially important for Queer and Trans folks of Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Desi descent.

In a world where hate and bigotry seem prevalent, creating joy, belonging, and community is not just meaningful, but necessary. This is why forming spaces like QTAPI Week is vital. It’s not just a symbol of resilience, but QTAPI week creates a collective solidarity by giving a space where LGBTQIA+ APIMEDA folks can connect, celebrate themselves authentically, and build community together.

Being represented and seen matters. It’s important to hold spaces where people feel safe to be themselves and celebrate their culture and identities. AANHPI Heritage Month celebrates the beauty, diversity and contributions of QTAPI voices, stories, work, and experiences. Through art, advocacy, friendship, or culture — QTAPI individuals continue to make powerful contributions that not only deserve recognition but also deserve to be celebrated.

For this year’s AANHPI Heritage month, let us commemorate the intersection of cultural heritage and queer identities by making queer voices visible and fostering a space that uplifts QTAPI individuals. Join us on May 30th and May 31st as we continue to amplify those voices and cultural lived experiences, underscored through our Queer and Trans joy!

QPIMEDA Coalition

Stop the Cuts

Yesterday, the Mayor released the May Revision for the FY27 budget. To address a more than $118 million deficit, the 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. While we appreciate the restoration of some funding for libraries and parks, it is deeply disappointing that arts organizations continue to be treated as expendable despite their enormous cultural and economic contributions to our city.

The arts are not a luxury. They are a core part of San Diego’s identity and economy. San Diego Pride alone generates an estimated $27 million in economic impact for the region each year. Under the current proposal, however, Pride would lose all city funding support while still being responsible for nearly $200,000 in city expenses associated with producing the Pride Parade and Festival. This creates a challenging dynamic for organizations like ours and raises important questions about how the city can continue to support the arts and cultural events that contribute so significantly to San Diego’s economy, tourism, and community life.

Join us at the next Budget Hearing to urge City Council to urge the City Council to continue identifying solutions to preserve these vital grant programs.

Monday, May 18 | 6:00 PM | City Administration Building

Submit e-comment on Item 202
San Diego’s biggest celebration of diversity and inclusion is calling your name! San Diego Pride returns to Balboa Park with community resources, queer-owned businesses, and multiple entertainment zones. Pride is more than a moment—it’s a movement. San Diego Pride continues after the parade and festival. Our registered 501c3, non-profit organization provides advocacy, community programs, and philanthropic efforts year-round. Your participation in our events fuels this ongoing work. Together, we build a brighter future. Our 2026 theme is: Pride Shines On
Apply here!
San Diego’s largest celebration of diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ joy is ready for you! San Diego’s Pride Parade is the largest single-day civic event in the region and is among the largest Prides in the United States, attracting over 250,000 cheering supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Applications to be a contingent in the 2026 are now open . Email parade@sdpride.org  or production@sdpride.org  with any questions.
Apply here!
March with Pride in the 2026 San Diego Pride Parade! 

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.

Register today!

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!
PHONE BANKING
Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Wednesday, May 27 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

TEXT BANKING
Tuesday, May 19 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Friday, May 29 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Monday, June 1 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

CANVASSING
Thursday, May 21 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday, May 28 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
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

Sign up here
Volunteers Needed! 

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!

Volunteer
San Diego Pride Tickets are on sale now!

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

Tickets
OUTLOUD Music Festival ticket GIVEAWAY 

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 15May 22May 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.

Get your tickets here!

Bike Anywhere Day

Make your morning ride a little brighter

Join us on May 21 for a Pride pitstop at Bird Park, right at the top of the Pershing Bikeway! Swing by between 6:30–9:30 AM.

In partnership with RE Services, we’re keeping the energy high and the vibes even higher.

Thursday, May 21 
6:00am
3620 30th St
, San Diego, CA 92104

More info>> HERE

Queer Salsa Social: Fall into Rhythm

1 YR CELEBRATION!

Fall in love with Salsa as we celebrate one year of hosting QSS. We will have a Salsa workshop at 7:30pm followed by Salsa & Bachata social, dance performance(s) and a surprise (non-salsa) live music session to end the night! More info on Instagram about the performances, guest instructor, and live music!

This is a queer-friendly event organized by Queer Latin Dance SD. First-time attendees must read our Code of Conduct.

What to Wear

Come as you are and wear whatever you feel comfortable in! Latin dance shoes are recommended.

RSVP LINK: https://queerlatindance.com/Events

Saturday, May 29
7:00pm- 10:30pm

More info>> HERE

QTAPI WeekendJoin us for the last weekend of AANHPI Heritage Month in May, as we celebrate QTAPI Weekend!

The weekend consists of events that highlight LGBTQ+ Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Desi lives and stories. Celebrate with us as we gather to uplift and bring joy with music, fun, and community!

For more information about QAPIMEDA visit sdpride.org/qapimeda

Saturday, May 30
11am-3pm
Coffee Shop Day Party:  Mixed Grounds Coffee,
4555 30th Street, San Diego,
CA 92116

More info>> HERE

BAYKED X SD Pride: 420 AAPI Drag Brunch at Sessions by the Bay

This is a special show honoring our local AAPI Drag Performers for AAPI Heritage Month. This is a partnership between Sessions by the Bay, SD Pride and QAPIMEDA to bring this jammed-packed show to life!

Featuring a HUGE lineup:

Your BAYKED host, Rosalinda

ARIS ATOMICA

EVELYN ROSE

MADDY MOKES

SAM PAGUITA

J LAU FARROW HALSTON

THAI TEAZE

VANITY JONES

Ticket includes a goodie bag full of surprises from sponsored brands – valued at $35+!

Expect jaw-dropping drag, bubbly energy, and a one-of-a-kind brunch experience you won’t find anywhere else in San Diego. Grab your group and get here early to pick up your greens!

✨ Doors: 12:00 PM

🎭 Showtime: 12:30 PM

📅 Sunday, May 31, 2026

📍 Sessions by the Bay – 700 Bay Marina Dr, National City, CA 91950

🎟️ $35 Entry

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1321408&restref=1321408&experienceId=715190&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared

Sunday, May 31
12pm -2:30pm
Drag Brunch: Sessions by the Bay,
700 Bay Marina Drive, National City,
CA 91950

More info>> HERE

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Valerie Milano
2025 Palm Springs Pride Stonewall Art & Culture Award recipient, Valerie Milano is a Senior Editor and entertainment critic at The Hollywood Times, where she covers film, television, music, and the artists behind the stories. Her work has also appeared in Communications Daily, Discover Hollywood, Hollywood Today, Television International, and Video Age International. A passionate advocate for community and equality, Valerie is actively involved with the Human Rights Campaign, DAP Health, The LGBTQ Center of the Desert, LAMBDA Legal, and The L Fund. She is a proud member of the Los Angeles Press Club and a longtime supporter of Palm Springs cultural institutions inc the Art Museum. She previously served as a board member and key organizer of the Television Critics Association Press Tours, helping bridge the entertainment industry and press for many years.