MISSION San Diego Theatres delivers exceptional performing arts and educational experiences, fosters collaboration and partnerships, and creates an accessible place for all people to enjoy the arts. But still today is a celebration.233 A ST STE 900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101, US Yes, there have been changes, but when the time comes when being gay is no longer an issue, that’s the day we can revel in. “Yes, there are more companies in the parade. Yes, but the fight isn’t over, said Ron Thrun, 82, of Webster. “Things are changing,” said the Santee resident, a member of the Metropolitan Community Church’s contingent. Not too far away, the significance of the day’s events wasn’t lost on 24-year-old Marshall Ragsdale, who attended his first parade 10 years ago. “Getting married in our lifetime was something we never considered in the past. We felt like it was time,” Nadaeu said, surrounded by military personnel, many in uniform.
“We got married after 20 years of being together. Saturday, as guests of honor of the military contingent, they rode in a car ahead of the marchers. The couple - veterans of the Vietnam War and World War II - made history last September when they exchanged vows at the state Veterans Home in Chula Vista. start, 68-year-old Gerard Nadaeu walked down Normal Street holding hands with his husband, 96-year-old John Banvard. “If being out and proud as a member of the military gives a young person the courage to be themselves, shows them that they can also succeed, I’m happy to be that role model.” So many people, especially service members, contacted me to thank me for being a role model. “The support we’ve gotten has been overwhelming. “This is such an honor for Jonathan and I to come this year after proposing to him two years ago,” Dwayne said after the parade, which featured more than 250 military members marching. The Navy officer and his husband, Jonathan, were honored Saturday as the San Diego Pride’s “Inspirational Couple.” The duo, who rode in the parade, made headlines two years ago when Dwayne got down on one knee and proposed to Jonathan along the parade route. It’s work that Master Chief Petty Officer Dwayne D. “That’s a good thing, but we still have a lot of work to do.” “People - our culture - are starting to be more open to the idea that we are equals,” said Callejas, who attended the parade with her partner of 19 years, Juana Rivera. To date, gays and lesbians can legally marry in 19 states, including California, and in the District of Columbia.įor Abby Callejas of Chula Vista, Pride weekend - themed “Reflections of Pride” - is about one thing: “celebrating our freedom.” Oregon legalized same-sex marriage on May 19, with Pennsylvania following suit the next day. That far-reaching ruling paved the way for same-sex marriage bans to be overturned around the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the federal government to recognize state-sanctioned gay marriages. Indeed, support for same-sex marriage has been gaining momentum since June 2013 when the U.S. To be able to do this today with him, to be proud of who I am, to be able to get married, it’s a special time.” “After 10½ years of serving this country,” he said, “I’m proud to be able to march in my uniform. They marched in the parade together, McHugh wearing his crisp Navy whites.
Sean McHugh, 30, stood at the foot of the gigantic rainbow flag on Normal Street, holding hands with his husband of six months, Anthony DeMille. “That,” Owen said, tearing up, “that moment is precious.” ‘It’s a special time’ “When the young people marching down the parade,” said the Normal Heights resident, “when they stop and acknowledge us. In the seven years she’s attended the parade, she said, there’s always one moment that tugs at her heart. “It’s so exciting to be in a community that is so welcoming,” said Owen, who was seated among 80 senior citizens - all members of The Center’s “50 and Better Together” group - at the start of the parade route. Marshall White.įor 75-year-old Betty Owen, Saturday’s parade was “a joyful event.” Several protesters stood at the intersection of University and Ninth avenues, as well as outside the festival in Balboa Park, but no incidents were reported, said San Diego police Lt.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer marched, and so did GOP gubernatorial candidate Neel Kashkari. California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins led them as the grand marshal.
Politicians - Democrats and Republicans - marched, followed several contingents later by bare-chested male dancers and marchers in rainbow-hued feathers. It was a festive day, marked by odd bedfellows. The parade remained the highlight, with tens of thousands of people of all colors and creeds, young and old, standing side by side waving rainbow flags along a 1½-mile route to celebrate progress.