By Doug Porter
Five days of rioting followed a June 28, 1969, police raid on the Stonewall bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village mark the beginning of contemporary Gay Pride activities around the United States.
Groups with radical-sounding names and agendas like the Gay Liberation Front or the Gay Activist Alliance became part of the landscape of protest in the era of Black Power, anti-war protests, Women’s Liberation, and the Counterculture movement.
The first local Gay-In was held in December 1970 at Presidio Park, organized by the nascent San Diego State Gay Liberation Front.
Much has changed since those early days, where simply being gay exposed people to felony charges in most states. Community organizing enabled economic and political power, leading to increased visibility, and, most importantly, to a greater degree of equality in the eyes of the law.
A disease that came to be known as HIV/AIDS ravaged the ranks of those early activists. While treatments have evolved to the point where the affected by the HIV virus can live close to normal lifespans, the deaths of more than 650,000 human beings (not all were gay) changed the tenor of the movement forever.
Despite the many victories of Gay activism, the threat of official repression, along with a significant hate movement, remains in place. The current administration is riddled with appointees affiliated with ideologies and organizations viewing anybody not heterosexual as a threat to their existence.
Recognizing the accomplishments, challenges, and history of ALL those struggling for social and economic justice is an integral part of a progressive agenda. On the occasion of this celebration, it is vital for activists of every stripe to stand together.
This year’s Gay Pride March includes representatives of virtually all of the vast network of local groups working for positive change. If you can and are able, consider joining the various contingents (see opportunities in the calendars listings below). And if you can’t, just show up to indicate your support.
Resistance is about persistence and there remains a lot of work to be done.
So what will you do? Check out this week’s Progressive Calendar listings below. Following those listings are upcoming events of national importance, along with opportunities for organizational involvement.
Get your event listed: I try to list the next 10 days or so of mostly non-commercial events I think our readers might find of interest. I source my material from social media listings and press releases. Club meetings will be listed IF there are speakers and they are open to the public.
Events that are listed on Facebook as ‘private’ or sold out are not listed. In cases where there are competing but similar events or campaigns of the progressive persuasion, I do my best to list everything.
You can now subscribe to the weekly Progressive Calendar. It’s free and we don’t share email addresses with anybody. Scroll down to the end of this column for the link.
July 7
Bonnie Bash – Jazz Funeral with The Euphoria Brass Band!
Friday, July 7, 11am
Hall of Justice
330 Broadway (Downtown)
(March to County Administration Building)
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Americans for Safe Access
San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis is leaving office today and it couldn’t happen soon enough for us!
That is why The San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access is hosting a Jazz Funeral March with The Euphoria Brass Band, to show her the door. March from the Hall of Justice with us to end the era of Bonnie’s fierce fight against medical cannabis patients and other vulnerable citizens.
We will gather at 11AM at the Hall of Justice – 330 W. Broadway and march (dance!) to the County Building at the foot of Ash St. on Pacific Highway.
Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute Graduation
Friday, July 7,5:30pm
Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Avenue
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by The Center on Policy Initiatives
Join us in celebrating the 2017 Cohort of the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute.
The Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute focuses on training and placing leaders with an economic justice and equity framework onto strategic local and regional boards and commissions where they will have the ability to advocate for underserved communities, communities of color, and working families. Come show your support to the 2017 BCLI fellows as they continue to advocate change in San Diego.
This Land Is Your Land: Desert Defenders Rally
Friday, July 7, 7pm
Mojave Desert Land Trust
60124 29 Palms Highway (Joshua Tree)
For More Information
The Department of the Interior’s public comment period for the review of our national monuments ends on July 10. MDLT will be holding a final Desert Defenders rally at our HQ in Joshua Tree to celebrate our campaign, our community, and — of course — our national monuments.
Join us for an inspiring evening of music, speakers, and a Q&A session about what we can expect going forward for our desert. Bring 5 friends who have yet to comment so we can show them why we love our public lands.
We have these monuments because of you. And, because of you, we will fight to the end to protect them.
July 8
San Diego Raza Youth Liberation Conference
Saturday, July 8, 10am
San Diego City College
16th & C Streets
For More Information
A free summer youth conference in San Diego to learn about Mexican history, politics, art, & music that never get taught during the regular school year. Join us for a day of great speakers, delicious food, and interesting people from other SD high schools. Go home with a bunch of cool stuff related to Mexican history.
SheFest 2017
Saturday, July 8, 11am
North Park Community Park
4044 Idaho Street
For More Information
SheFest is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within the LGBT and larger San Diego community.
She Fest 2017 will focus on uniting our communities, creating authentic connections and using our diversity to create strength. If you would like to be a part of uniting people, go to www.sdpride.org/shefest for more information
Frida Kahlo Art Show
Saturday, July 8, 4pm
La Bodega Gallery
2196 Logan Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
Frida is considered one of Mexico’s greatest artists of the 20th century. Since her death she continues to be an inspiration to many.
We will be celebrating the life and death of Frida with art, music, vendors, photo stand, culture and a Frida look-alike contest. Over 40 artist will be showcasing artwork inspired by the beautiful Frida.
Democratic Club of Vista July Meeting
Saturday, July 8, 10am
Wavelength Brewing Company
236 Main Street (Vista)
For More Information
We are pleased to announce that we will have John Mattes as our guest speaker. From Wikipedia, “John Mattes is an investigative journalist who has won 5 Emmys, one Golden Mike award, one Edward R Murrow award and 10 press club awards for exposing fraud and corruption in government. Mattes holds an advanced degree in Communication Research from the University of Wisconsin and a law degree from the University of Miami. Before working for Fox, he served as a County Supervisor and city council member in Madison, Wisconsin and practiced law in Miami, Florida focusing on Public Policy Investigation.”
Pride Hemp Float and Sign-Making!
Saturday, July 8, 10:30am
2635 Logan Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by Association of Cannabis Professionals
We showcased our Hemp House at Earth Day, now we want to show it off at SD Pride. We need YOUR help!! We want to ensure the best look and outcome during Pride celebrations, so we invite you to take time off your Saturday and join us in making the Hemp House truly amazing.
Don’t Shut Up! Opening Reception
Saturday, July 8, 5pm
City Gallery
508 C Street (Downtown)
For More Information
Hosted by Feminist Image Group – FIG
Women are silenced every day in every part of the world, from simple interruptions to acts of violence. On July 8th, FIG (Feminist Image Group) will kick off Don’t Shut Up, a month of female-led art and activism at City Gallery focused on raising women’s voices.
FIG asked its members to address personal experiences with sexism, backlash, physical and verbal abuse, discrimination, and rape in whatever medium and genre they felt comfortable. Over twenty FIG artists and eight invited artists will participate in the exhibition harkening back to the feminist resistance art movement of the 1960’s.
July 9
CLRJ Latinas4Rj San Diego: Zine Workshop – Bridging Our Stories
Sunday, July 9, 1pm
Bread and Salt
1955 Julian Avenue (Barrio Logan)
For More Information
California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Latinas4RJ Chapter invite you to participate in our first zine workshop. Join us for a conversation in the community about reproductive justice and learn more about CLRJs work across the state.
July 10
Hands Off Tegan! Court Support and Rally
Monday, July 10, 8:30am (All Day)
220 West Broadway
For More Information
Hosted by Committee to Support Tegan and Jose
Last year’s uprising in El Cajon was one of the most significant events in recent San Diego history. It was led by a powerful layer of young people largely new to organizing and overwhelmingly people of color. These activists were targeted for repression in El Cajon and elsewhere in the county. Two comrades, Jose and Tegan, are still facing charges related to their arrest at a protest the night after Donald Trump’s election.
Our comrade Tegan is a courageous and outspoken Black woman. She was right to oppose the police murder of Alfred Olango. She is right to oppose Donald Trump. Her activism is vital to our communities, and we will support her against racist, sexist political repression. Her trial starts Monday. We demand that the District Attorney drop the charges against Tegan.
Collective Resistance San Diego’s Committee to Support Tegan and Jose is calling all concerned community members to join us in a show of support for Tegan and all targeted people.
July 11
Issa Resistance Rally
Tuesday, July 11, 10am
1800 Thibodo Road (Vista)
We are making a difference! Issa is feeling the heat. Let’s do this!
Sierra Club North County Coasters Quarterly Meeting
Tuesday, July 11, 7pm
Oceanside Public Library
330 N Coast Highway
For More Information
This meeting is open to the public and FREE of charge. We will have three special guests: Oceanside Council Member Esther Sanchez, and a discussion about local agriculture with Eric Larson, Executive Director of the San Diego Farm Bureau and Dennis Martinek, Professor and Local Farmer.
Agriculture has been a mainstay of the San Diego economy since before we were a state. But can it survive recent challenges like access to water? What impact might agritourism or pot farming have on the viability of local farms? Is the continued conversion of farmland to create more housing (like the proposed New River Farms project in Oceanside) inevitable? What, if anything, can be done to help preserve local agriculture? Learn what our expert panelists have to say about these issues.
Indivisible Pride – Signs Making Party
Tuesday, July 11, 3:30pm
Pepper Grove Park
2200 Park Boulevard (Balboa Park)
For More Information
We are making 70 Love Heart signs. Please bring any cardboard that you can find. The rest of materials will be provided.
Speakers Training for SB 562, The Healthy California Act
Tuesday, July 11, 6:30pm
2250 Catalina Avenue (Vista)
For More Information
This is an informational session and training for anyone committed to advocating for SB 562, The Healthy California Act. Being an advocate may involve talking to neighbors and co-workers, speaking at community organizations and town halls, writing letters to editors, calling representatives, or handing out leaflets at street fairs.
We are limited to 40 participants. RSVP by clicking “going” on the event page. Also, we can’t order meals for people who click “interested” and don’t give a firm commitment to attending. Food and beverages will be provided by the California Nurse’s Association and the Healthy California campaign.
This event will be hosted by Jim Hesson, CADEM76 delegate and Kathy Rallings, a 10-year veteran advocate for universal health care, who works for the California Teachers Association, one of 150 professional organizations endorsing Healthy California.
July 12
Criminalization of Culture: CA’s Racist Practice of Gang Documentation
Wednesday, July 12, 6:30pm
Peace Resource Center of San Diego
3850 Westgate Place
For More Information
Hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ San Diego
“Gang suppression” sounds like a good thing, right? In reality, the CalGang Database, criminal code 182.5, and Gang Suppression Units are tearing apart communities of color. Come hear from experts and those affected as we learn about the racist practices of gang documentation. All are welcome, particularly first-timers. This event is co-hosted by Pillars of the Community.
Light up the Cathedral – An Interfaith Pride Celebration
Wednesday, July 12, 7pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
2728 6th Avenue
For More Information
Hosted by St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and San Diego Pride
Battle for the Net
Wednesday, July 12, All Day
The FCC wants to destroy net neutrality and give big cable companies control over what we see and do online. If they get their way, they’ll allow widespread throttling, blocking, censorship, and extra fees. On July 12th, the Internet will come together to stop them.
Sites from across the web will display a prominent alert on their homepage that shows the world what the web will look like without net neutrality. Sign Up Here
July 13
San Diego Community Choice Energy Feasibility Study Release
Thursday, July 13, 10am
9601 Ridgehaven Court
For More Information
Hosted by Climate Action Campaign and SanDiego350
The City of San Diego Sustainable Energy Advisory Board (SEAB) will release the long awaited Community Choice Energy (CCE) Feasibility Study. CCE is the single most important path to reaching 100% clean energy in the City of San Diego.
Raise your voice for community choice! Testify at the SEAB meeting to ensure our mayor and city council know we are ready for the freedom of energy choice. San Diego families deserve the opportunity to benefit from a local community choice energy program. It’s time to end the monopoly. It’s time to put families first – It’s time to put our community before shareholders and our freedom before profits.
More than 60 cities, 9 counties and millions of Californians are already benefiting from CCE. Community groups, businesses, and individuals all across San Diego are demanding energy freedom. What are we waiting for?
Climate Change: Reframing the Conversation
Thursday, July 13, 5:30pm
Vista Library
700 Eucalyptus Avenue (Vista)
For More Information
Hosted by North County Climate Change Alliance
Despite increasing evidence of global warming and an overwhelming consensus among scientists that climate change is real and primarily due to human activities, discussions around climate change continue to be politically polarized. Large numbers of Americans continue to be dubious or dismissive of human-caused climate change. The recent US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement makes it clear that we need to find ways to convince our family, friends, and fellow-citizens of the reality and urgency of this challenge. This talk will explore the latest thinking on how to change the climate conversation and counter climate myths.
Jonathan Cole has been teaching physics at MiraCosta College since 1984. He has been studying climate change for over twenty years, including research as a Visiting Scholar at Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and graduate work in Scripps’ climate science program. He has been offering an introductory course in climate change at MiraCosta since 2014.
July 14
Trans Pride 2017
Friday, July 14, 1pm
Balboa Park
6th & El Prado
For More Information
Bring a Picnic, Lunch & Chairs
March to Spirit of Stonewall Rally will leave at 5:30
Spirit of Stonewall Rally
Friday, July 14, 6pm
Hillcrest Pride Flag
University Avenue & Normal Street
For More Information
Pride celebrations everywhere trace their heritage to the evening of June 28, 1969 when patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City said “No more!” to police harassment. That protest has grown to annual events held in major cities throughout the world.
In San Diego, our first rally was held in 1975. San Diego Pride’s Spirit of Stonewall Rally is a time to recognize and honor leaders who are working hard to preserve our gains and meet the many challenges still facing our community.
Come join us as cheering crowds and energetic speakers kick off San Diego Pride Weekend!
Men of Run Women Run with Hon. John Chiang
Friday, July 14, 5:30pm
Bay City Brewing
3760 Hancock Street (Midway)
For More Information (Tickets)
It’s that time of year again! Run Women Run is hosting its annual Men of Run Women Run event to show appreciation and gratitude for the men who support our mission – inspiring, recruiting, mentoring and especially electing pro-choice women to public office.
As we approach the many important elections in 2018 and beyond, Run Women Run continues to offer strong support to pro-choice women officeholders and candidates for local, state and federal office. Now, more than ever, we look towards the men who stand as allies in helping to create equal representation in elected office, and the advancement of pro-choice values that help women succeed and keep them safe.
Pride Block Party 2017
Friday, July 14, 5pm
Northeast corner of University and Normal
Hillcrest
For More Information (Tickets)
The Official Kick-Off Party to San Diego Pride Weekend.
Local DJ’s K-Swift and DJ Dirty Kurty will be spinning immediately following the Stonewall Rally to kick off dancing and partying, along with Headliner DJ Nina Sky and Special Guest Performer David Hernandez from American Idol! David will be performing his new hit single Beautiful. Festival attendees will enjoy cocktails and light music while watching the Stonewall Rally and the hoisting of the 20ft by 30 foot Pride Flag.
July 15
San Diego Pride Parade
Saturday, July 15, 11am
Starts at the Pride Flag
University Avenue and Normal Street
Proceeds West on University Avenue
Turns south on 6th Avenue
Turns left onto Balboa Drive
Ends at Laurel Street
For More Information
Contingents at San Diego Pride Parade
(That I’m aware of–there are many more. More listings next Friday)
Team Dave Myers at San Diego Pride
Walk at Pride with Councilmembers Chris Ward and Georgette Gómez
Indivisible Pride March at Pride Parade
Join the Peace Resource Center at 2017 Pride Parade
San Diego Labor Contingent at Pride Parade
Victory Fund San Diego Women’s Pride Brunch
Saturday, July 15, 9am
Gossip Grill
1220 University Avenue
For More Information (Tickets)
Join us in kicking off Pride Season in San Diego at our annual Women’s Pride Brunch. Don’t miss your chance to support Victory in recruiting, training and electing openly LGBT candidates in communities around the country!
Equality March Rally in North County
Saturday, July 15, 11am
Near Romanos Macaroni Grill
202 East Via Rancho Parkway (Escondido)
For More Information
In conjunction with San Diego Pride Celebration, we are organizing an Equality March Rally in North County. Given the ongoing struggle for transgender students’ rights, an onslaught of legislative proposals that sanction discrimination against LGBT+ communities, and daily attacks on the basic rights and well-being of our communities, it is more critical than ever that we stand in solidarity and March with PRIDE.
July 16
An Inconvenient Sequel Screening
Sunday, July 16, 2pm
AMC Mission Vally iMAX Theater
1640 Camino del Rio North
For More Information (Tickets)
Hosted by San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action
Eleven years after the release of the Oscar-winning 2006 film An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice President Al Gore is back with An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power, covering efforts made by the fossil fuels industry and their allies in the Republican Party to scale back action on the realities of Global warming and Climate change before and after the release of the original movie – and how their actions continue to demonstrably harm our planet, our species, and all the species we share Earth with.
Join San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action for a very special screening of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power a full 12 days before the movie is released nationally.
July 17
SB562-The Healthy California Act Town Hall
Monday, July 17, 6pm
Elijah’s Restaurant
7061 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard
For More Information
Hosted by San Diego Progressive Democratic Club
The future of healthcare for many is now in limbo. Not only are we dealing with the GOP nationally with Trumpcare, but here in California SB562 has been set aside. Now is the time to push forward and ensure that every Californian has healthcare.
Come out and learn about the bill, find out how you can help out and talk with an expert panel.
Activist SD Monthly Community Meeting
Monday, July 17, 7pm
Joyce Beers Community Center
3900 Vermont Street (Hillcrest)
For More Information
Activist San Diego is calling on San Diegans to come together this month to discuss the issues that affect our community. We’ll have guest speakers, community discussion and ways for you to become active in San Diego right now.
Please come to this meeting if you want to be working with kindred folks on making San Diego a better home for all.
Indivisible Happy Hour at Monkey Paw
Monday, July 17, 5pm
Monkey Paw Brewing
805 16th St (East Village)
For More Information
Want to network with other Indivisible members?
Want to find out more about our organization in an informal setting?
Want to share positive energy after Pride?
Want to get riled up about whatever crazy thing is in the news currently… with some friends, a local beer, and maybe a cheesesteak?
Other Stuff to Do
Join the ACLU’s People Power: People Power is, at its core, a grassroots member-mobilization project. Through People Power, the ACLU will engage volunteers across the country to take action when Trump or his administration attempt to enact unconstitutional policies or trample on people’s constitutional rights. By mobilizing in defense of our civil liberties, volunteers will build local communities that affirm our American values of respect, equality, and solidarity.
Sign Up For SwingLeft: Control of the House in 2018 will be decided by a handful of Swing Districts, places where the last election was decided by a thin margin. Find your closest Swing District and join its team to learn about actionable opportunities to support progressives—and defeat Republicans—in that district, no matter where you live. Check out SwingLeft here.
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San Diego Democratic Party Calendar Includes business meetings, chartered club meetings, voter registration events, election information, holidays, and other events of interest to Democrats.
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