Since the California Supreme Court’s historic ruling allowing same-sex marriage, there has been a bit of apprehension regarding this year’s San Diego LGBT Pride festivities. Members of the community have grumbled about the celebration, which many fear will focus too much on marriage, or will be toned down.

Considering Pride celebrations nationwide face unprecedented local, national and global media attention, and with a November ballot initiative that may limit marriage to between one man and one woman, members of the community have voiced concern. Some have said, “It’s going to be a mile-long wedding march,” or, “I’m not celebrating straight Pride.”

The fact is, with the exception of a few, albeit notable, changes, the Pride parade is on par to be one of the best in its 34 years.

The San Diego Pride staff (including executive director Ron deHarte), the board of directors, and volunteers, have worked to make the parade more exciting, colorful and representative of our community.

Two changes in particular have raised concerns among community members.

First, this year, eight of the 11 reviewing stands will be sponsored by local radio stations.

Whether the stations have DJs, street teams or local entertainers hosting the stands is yet to be seen, and only time will tell whether they will enhance or detract from the parade’s entertainment value.

Many have questioned whether the decision to allow radio stations to host the stands is a tool to tone down the camp and the bawdy nature of the parade.

The fact is, until 2006 there had only been one reviewing stand, staffed by community leaders, activists or drag entertainers. In 2006, the parade expanded to two reviewing stands, and in 2007, there were three, which expanded the number of people commenting on the parade. Now, with a record 11 stands along the route, San Diego Pride has capitalized on the opportunity to increase the parade’s visibility. The radio stations hosting the stands are media sponsors, and, in trade, provide radio commercials for the Pride parade and festivities.

The increased visibility draws more crowds to the parade, which does not generate revenue for Pride, and the festival, which does.

Also, consider this: Since 1995, San Diego Pride has given more than $1.2 million back to community organizations such as The San Diego LGBT Community Center, the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, AIDS Walk San Diego, the Alano Club, and a number of other worthy causes.

The money collected for festival tickets is funneled back into our community.

A second concern among some is Pride’s policy not allowing businesses to use undecorated passenger vehicles in the parade. In past years, businesses were allowed to ride in undecorated passenger vehicles, which, essentially, became mobile advertisements for various services. Often, the vehicles did not illustrate the theme of the parade – though many of the businesses do good work, or are supportive of our community. Watching one car after the other plastered with an advertisement can become a bit mundane.

During the next few years, Pride plans to work with businesses to create decorated moving contingents that will be visually appealing to audiences. This year, at least one community business has opted out of the parade because it cannot drive its undecorated vehicle down the route. It’s unfortunate some choose not to participate, but the policy simply aims to enhance the entertainment value of the parade – not exclude anyone from the celebration.

San Diego Pride has a difficult task – balancing business with community interest. The nonprofit organization’s aim is to simultaneously produce a lineup of events that will entertain and excite spectators and visitors; and continue to increase the amount of money raised in order to keep giving back to the community. In order to increase visibility, the organization must produce a fun, top-quality, entertaining parade – which means creating policies some may not like, but benefit the organization, and the community, in the long run.

Increased visibility (television and radio coverage, for example) will increase the value of sponsorships, and the amount of money raised, which, again, benefits us all.

If ever the Gay & Lesbian Times believed the Pride festivities were not representative of the community, it would be the first to editorialize and demand change.

However, that is not the case this year. With marriage rights achieved, albeit unsecured for now, and the amount of progress our state and city has made on issues important to our community, we’re confident this celebration will represent the best of our community. Happy Pride!