This year’s Pride Parade was a much-needed display of widespread community support and love.
“The DJ had the whole block doing line dances!” said Scott, our IT support manager.
The theme was “Persist With Pride,” and as always, Planned Parenthood was well represented: More than 100 Planned Parenthood staff and volunteer marchers gave out….
- 16,000 condoms
- 10,000 PrEP & nPEP stickers
- 5,000 lube packets
- 1,000 dental dams
In advance of the parade, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest employees and volunteers made posters and shared their thoughts about marching:
“My favorite part is turning down University Avenue and seeing thousands of people cheering for us, getting louder. Their faces light up!” –Shelby
Shelby’s poster: “Trans Rights Are Human Rights”
“I like using the word “Pride” because it’s what the movement is called, so people can understand Planned Parenthood’s services aren’t just for women.” –Daniela
Daniela’s poster: “PP [loves] Pride”
“Right now there’s a lot of conflict, some people are hateful. Why would you rather see two men killing each other than loving each other?” –Noah
Noah’s poster: “Why would you rather see two men holding guns than holding hands?”
“I’m making goody bags with condoms, lube, and stickers with our services on them. It’s my 1st year volunteering. I’m just there to provide some energy — I love the energy.” -Troy
“This is my 1st year at Pride; I’ve been at Planned Parenthood 8 months. Since I’ve been here I’ve seen how much good showing support and being active does for people. The whole thing is about having fun and celebrating life.” -Tom
“I’ve been participating for 3 years in San Diego. It’s great getting to see everyone. There aren’t enough opportunities to show your pride in a comfortable and safe space where you and your friends are celebrated. For my friends who aren’t out yet — it gives them the courage to be themselves and to be comfortable.” -Charlene
“I’ve participated off and on for over 15 years. I was a proud resident of Hillcrest for most of those years so Pride was always in my backyard. The energy is unreal. It’s a common space for love, acceptance, and promoting progressive values.” -Lauren
“I’ve been doing Pride for 23 years. I help carry the banner and hand out extra condoms. My favorite part is the love and the community — how I feel every year when I’m marching. It’s grown so much. The biggest difference is the military being able to march in uniform, leading off the parade [Scott was in the military]. I’ve cried every year. It’s a good cry. I want every staff member to experience the Pride parade at least once in their lives. Because you don’t know how loved we are until people see us marching.” -Scott
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