“Live…Love…Be…” is the theme for San Diego LGBT Pride’s 34th annual celebration in 2008. It is the sixth time in 26 years that San Diego Pride has adopted a global slogan presented each year by InterPride.

“The worldwide theme embraces the idea of living in a world where life can be lived to its fullest – a world where the foundation of unity, compassion and acceptance allows all people to choose who they love and be who they are,” said Pride executive director Ron deHarte. “The theme is used to increase awareness of the significant strides we’ve made since our first gay Pride march 34 years ago, while at the same time underscore the work still needed to reach full equality.”

San Diego Pride is a founding member of InterPride, from which Pride organizations around the world draw support and select annual themes to promote their celebrations on an international level.

“When we embrace the global theme, we offer support to cities and countries around the world, in places where LGBT people are still rejected by their communities and employers, and fear for their personal safety and even their lives,” adds deHarte.

The 2008 San Diego Pride celebration will be held July 19-20. It includes a free, mile-long parade at 11 a.m., July 19, along University Avenue between Normal Street and Sixth Avenue, then south to Balboa Park. Parade participants are encouraged to start working on their decoration ideas to reflect the 2008 “Live…Love…Be…” theme. Parade entry applications will be available online beginning in early February.

A two-day festival will follow the parade on July 19 and July 20, and will include entertainment on multiple stages, plus dance and affinity venues, 70 non-profit organization booths and 200 exhibitors. Pre-sale tickets to the festival will be made available at various outlets and the Pride Web site in April. For updated information about this year’s celebration, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 619-297-7683 or visit the Web site: www.SanDiegoPride.org.