South Bay Pride

You thought Pride season was over in July? Wrong! This September, the South Bay LGBT community is celebrating Pride, and it is not to be missed!

The Rage Monthly was able to chat with one of the organizers for the event, Executive Director Dae Elliott, to find out more about South Bay Pride, a program of South Bay Alliance and why it's needed.

The first thing we wanted to know was how long Elliott had been a part of South Bay Pride, and what prompted her involvement. She had this to say of her reasons: "I became involved with South Bay Alliance in the fall of 2006, as a direct response to our local area leader's lack of understanding concerning the issues that surrounded the marriage equality debate. Many local politicians literally said this was only an issue for those that lived in the Hillcrest area. A few of us formed South Bay Alliance to educate and expand understanding of LGBTQ issues in the South Bay area of San Diego County with the intent of promoting community, business networking and political awareness. We wanted to combat the debilitating effects that invisibility and silence has on our community."

Admittedly, many LGBT San Diegans who live in or close to the gayborhood often forget that LGBT people live everywhere in San Diego County, and that we need to make sure every neighborhood is safe, welcoming and affirming to LGBT people. It is also important to note, that many of the LGBT people who live in South Bay are of color, predominately Latino and Asian or American/Pacific Islander.

Elliott explained why organizations and events like South Bay Pride are needed. "Invisibility and silence allow others to dictate the conversation around LGBTQ issues. South Bay Pride is needed to primarily make the statement that we exist, we are your neighbors, your family and your friends. Being a minority and sexual orientation are not shameful and something that should be hidden.

"Pride events not only build awareness but also build community," she continued. "In particular, our Pride event lets our fellow LGBTQ and allies have a safe area to celebrate their identities as well as their contribution to the South Bay. With marriage equality moving quickly forward, we still need to address the marginalization, bullying, homelessness, and subsequent high rates of suicide that [are the] result of homophobia and heterosexism. This is particularly true for our youth; we have heard from many of our local youth each year, how grateful they are to have this sort of positive affirmation in their own backyard."

South Bay Pride is a political expression of identity and a celebration of all we are, in addition to a galvanizing force in the community for all the work left to do. It is so important that those of us who love and live centrally go and support South Bay Pride, to show our brothers and sisters that we stand with and support them.

South Bay Pride is more than just politics. "This event reaches out to multiple intersecting communities. Throughout the day on the Port Authority of San Diego Stage, we will provide live entertainment from some of the area's leading local bands. Our second stage, Flicks Entertainment Stage will also provide DJ and dance music. During the day, we will have 'Art in the Park,' kayaking, paddle boarding, bungee-trampoline jumping and various inflatables for kids of all ages. Plus great food, vendor/exhibitors, and two beverage gardens to allow participants to kick back on the grass and enjoy the day!"

You really could not ask for anything more from a Pride event. Hope to see you there!

South Bay Pride Art and Music Festival takes place Saturday, September 13 between noon and 10 p.m. at Bayfront Park in Chula Vista. For more information go to southbayalliance.net