As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the event that sparked the modern gay civil rights movement, we continue to watch the GLBT community in America’s Finest City reinvigorate and reinvent itself, and we continue to keep our heads held high. The 35th San Diego Pride theme, “Stonewall 2.0 – Activism for Equality” reflects our community’s perseverance in its quest for equality.

This past year has raised many hopes and effected much change.

The first equality torch relay debuted across San Diego County, and our response to Proposition 8 was telecast nationwide. America continues to bear witness to the separate “but equal” system that we still live in.

Some unfortunate setbacks have left us bruised but not defeated. The rise in violence across the country as a response to our clearer visibility on the national level, has also hit home in recent weeks. Locally, hate crimes in the form of the attacks on San Diego Pride executive director. Ron deHarte, entertainer Rhythm Turner and the murder of Seaman August Provost have tested the integrity and constitution of our community.

These events remind us this Pride season that we must not let our guard down. We must continue to look out for one another in order to ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable Pride not only this year, but for years to come.

Pride is something we should always look forward to, because it is an acknowledgement of who we are and grants us visibility outside of our community. San Diego LGBT Pride is enlisting the support of the community to honor active members of the military with free admission into the Pride festival.

Stonewall 2.0 ushers in a new era of technology as, at this year’s Pride, for the first time, parade goers will be able to vote for their favorite float or parade contingent, via text message.

A plethora of entertainment and attractions will blanket the lawns of Marston Point in Balboa Park. The two-day festival, on July 18 and 19, will feature multiple Pride stages for internationally renowned performers, such as Terry Nunn and Berlin, Shiny Toy Guns and The Bird and the Bee.

As a true representation of the community we celebrate, San Diego Pride will once again be a host of diversity with the Latin stage, an Ebony Pride stage, a female-powered Lavender Stage and three dance arenas, including the HiNRg Dance Tent

presented by the Gay & Lesbian Times and fueled by popular DJs. Be sure to stop by and let loose to DJ Producer Mark Picchiotti from Chicago, Shane Stiel, Martin Petersen and local DJ’s Kiki and Muse.

Food and drink will be in abundance, with numerous vendors stationed throughout the festival, along with a Malibu Tiki Lounge and the Hilton Odysea Liquid Adventure, featuring hand-crafted cocktails.

Again, this year’s parade will float through the heart of Hillcrest, beginning at University Avenue and Normal Street. The mile-long procession will proceed west down University to Sixth Avenue, and then south to Upas Street. The festival will take place in Balboa Park at Marston Point. For more information or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 619-297-7683, or visit www.sandiegopride.org.

As you shave your excess hair, don fairy wings and put on mineral make up with an SPF of 15, remember the true meaning of Pride, being able to hold your head high and be open about your authentic self. Have fun spraying each other with your “water guns,” dancing the night away at T-dances, and basking in the beauty of our fantastic community.