Celebrating Juneteenth

Every year we think about “what Juneteenth means to me”?  But I want to move past what it means to me, and into what it stirs in me as a black transfemme, what does a celebration of liberation stir, in times of turmoil? It stirs an unquenchable thirst for defiance, against any narrative that says “NO”, You can’t do that, you can’t love like that, you can’t look like that, you can’t exist like that. A defiance to stare “NO” in the face and say “YES I CAN”.

I defy because my ancestors once defied. When the world tried to tell them, they could not exist as anything other than 3/5th of a human, that they could not want for anything beyond the plantation, they dared to defy and show they were capable and deserving of so much more.

That spirit to defy stirs in me to shine as bright as can be beyond the “NO’s” of this world, to be the beacon in the night to help guide us to that land called freedom, as distant as it may seem, and rejoice in the light of the day again and continue to SHINE ON.

Signed a fierce Femme

Help us ensure a safe, responsive, and welcoming Pride celebration!
Join our Medical Response Team and support thousands of attendees during San Diego’s largest LGBTQIA+ event.

What you get:

• Free BLS training
• 5-hour flexible shifts
• Pride volunteer shirt
• Free festival entry
• Invitation to Volunteer Appreciation
Event

Who we’re looking for:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Current BLS certification (Red Cross or AHA)
• Medical professionals and healthcare students encouraged to get involved!
• Administrative volunteers welcome (no BLS required)
• Passionate about supporting and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community!

SIGN UP TODAY
SDPRIDE.ORG/VOLUNTEER
For questions or additional information:
medical@sdpride.org

• Official 2026 designs
• Perfect for Pride Weekend and beyond
• Support San Diego Pride’s year-round work in the community

All pre-sale orders will ship by Friday, July 3, so you’ll have your gear in time to celebrate.

Show your colors. Share your Pride. Grab your merch before the pre-sale ends!

Shop now and get festival-ready.

Volunteer Info Session

Signed up to volunteer with us for the first time? Want to learn what volunteer opportunities are available? Need a refresher on our policies? Join us at a New Volunteer Info Session! Get to know San Diego Pride, learn about our events and volunteer needs, and meet fellow volunteers before your shift!

Topic: 2026 Volunteer Info Session
Time: Jun 23, 2026 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
RSVP form link: https://forms.gle/iVPh9QUpDVfN79c89

Application link: https://www.eventeny.com/events/sdpridefestival2026-23817/

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.

High Priority Volunteer Positions:

• Emergency Exit & Traffic Control
• Entrance & Exit – Festival
• Shuttle Stop Support
• Youth Zone – Festical
• Accessibility – Parade
• Breakdown – Parade
• Contingent & Volunteer Check-In – Parade
• Finish Line – Parade
• Hospitality – Parade
• Incident Reporting – Parade
• Marshall & Safety (MarSafe) – Parade
• Route Set Up – Parade
• Medical

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

San Diego’s biggest LGBTQIA+ summer party is calling your name! Celebrate diversity and inclusion in Balboa Park with community resources, booths, and four stages of live entertainment.

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