Another year, another Pride has come and gone in San Diego. Months to an entire year of planning have passed after the much anticipated San Diego Pride Parade and Festival which took place this past July 17th and 18th weekend. Thousands of local San Diegans, visitors from all across the nation and leaders of the GLBT community lined the streets of Normal, University, 6th and Upas to celebrate Pride. Celebrate a long-held tradition of being out, proud and empowered with the theme of “One World, One Heart, One Pride.”

San Diego Pride 2010 couldn’t have come at a better time considering the struggle the GLBT community is facing, with issues like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the potential repeal of Proposition 8. The community was in need of inclusiveness, fun and involvement. A coming together of all people, GLBT as well as friends and family to celebrate two days of community.

The parade went off without a hitch with Grand Marshal Stuart Milk and Celebrity Grand Marshal Cloris Leachman leading the pact. Other note worthy guests included Champions of Pride Autumn Sandeen and Joseph Christopher Rocha, recipients of the Stonewall Service Award representatives from the Hillcrest History Guild and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Other award recipients included Community Service Award Recipients Joyce Marieb and Cheryl Houk, Special Award for Cultural and Artistic Excellence recipient Patricia Loughrey, Friends of Pride Rabbi Laurie Coskey ED.D and Cindy Lehman.

The 2010 Pride Festival hosted its fair share of talent and community activists whom have devoted their time, efforts and talents for the joy of all Pride goers. Musical talent included headliners such as American Idol’s Blake Lewis, Hip-Hop star Eve and electro pop band DEVO as well as local and national artists that were kind enough to grace the community with their presence and musical aptitudes. Varying stages with varying musical flairs lined Balboa Park and provided an excellent soundtrack for the food, fun and festivities of Pride.

Other involvements included booths, displays and representations from local businesses, local and national social justice organizations, as well as political figures whom helped make Pride 2010 possible. Councilmember Todd Gloria and Senator Christine Kehoe had their own respective booths at the festival as well. They were gracious enough to meet and greet with any and all in attendance whom were able to make their way past the crowd and speak to them.

Other booths included organizations from the likes of the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG, and the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties.

San Diego Pride is the biggest event in the GLBT community and one that cannot be accomplished through intent alone. The list of people that should be thanked and honored cannot be understated enough. It was their hard work and long hours that made it possible. They completely deserve a standing ovation for their efforts and for making San Diego Pride 2010 a rousing success.

The efforts of the San Diego Pride Board of Directors, staff and volunteers were the driving force behind this event and have continued the tradition of making San Diego Pride one of the best celebrations in the country.

That being said, Pride could not have happened without the diligent efforts from Vern Lowe, Cheli Mohamed, Jennifer Turner Minotti, Patty Zwolinski, Cynthia Uybungco, Mary Jane Schovaers, Louie Taylor, Frank Sabatini, Shane Hancock, Seth Klonsky, Beth Ladwig, Joe Foster, Joey Powers, Ben Ogovan, Cathy Hemphill, Kelly Gilliland, Shawn Chamberlin, Randy Pittman, Ben Cartwright, Tonya Tronvig, Matthew Williams, Larry Sanchez, Judy Thompson, Roberta Jervis, Phil Bowles, Kerrie Stone, Silver Becerra, David Zuckerman, Bill Taitano, Gloria Cruz, Jim Dooley, Carlos Ryan Ynares, Robert Dowell, Karrie Kabat, Debbie Daniels, Pam Dunham, Anja Freeman, Linda Browne, Mary Baker, Craig Robertson, John Gardiner, Arlene Cramer, Dorian Arista Cruz and Karla Cruz.

We would also like to thank and honor all the musical artists and talent, booth organizers, local and national businesses and organizations, the San Diego Pride organization and its volunteers, the sponsors, co-sponsors, political and community activists and the volunteers. They all deserve a heartfelt and much appreciated thank you. We thank you all for your hard work for making San Diego Pride 2010 an event that was highly anticipated and highly gratifying. We look forward to next year!