Speakers like Speaker of Assembly Toni Atkins talked about Religious Freedom Restoration Acts that threaten the LGBTQ community and the attack on women’s rights as a shared fight. Our 2015 Pride theme was “Liberty and Justice for All” as we highlighted the need for intersectional social justice. The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is the event where we honor our local LGBTQA heroes and get inspired about the work yet to do. Many thanks to the Museum of Man staff for acknowledging our flag as the symbol of a global cultural community deserving of recognition! It was the first time a cultural flag of its kind had ever been flown from the tower. Here in San Diego, the Museum of Man took a historic step by hanging our 30-foot Pride Flag on the iconic Balboa Tower. When someone needs a giant Pride flag they typically know who to call! The day the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality, there were monuments lit up with rainbows across the entire country. Marriage equality had been a long-fought battle and many San Diegans helped to lead that fight! This year we got to celebrate that historic victory with great pride! While there is still a tremendous amount of work to do before all LGBTQ people are truly equal, what an honor it was to live through the day in history when love won! With that said, we’ve got some big plans for next Year’s OATP.
OUT at the Park has become a celebrated annual tradition for LGBTQA Padres fans! Athletics, and more specifically professional sports, is one of the last remaining areas that could use some more OUT and proud attention! Former Padres player, and current MLB Ambassador for Inclusion, Billy Bean has made OUT at the Park appearances in the past as his current role is to help Major and Minor League Clubs encourage equal opportunity.