Countywide

Santa Barbara County Pride

Happy Pride Month!

This June marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that sparked the LGBTQ+ movement. In honor of June, nationally recognized as Pride Month, we asked local social sector professionals, “Why do you Pride?” Below are some of their responses.

The Foundation’s President & CEO Ron Gallo, right, and Communications Manager Jordan Killebrew, left, at the Pacific Pride Festival.

The Reverend Randall Day, Santa Barbara Foundation Trustee:

“Pride is publicly, openly occupying the space I am innately given in the oneness and wholeness of the human family. Through the years, I have found that showing up in this way holds space for and encourages others to emerge into their own full participation in our shared humanity – often people who are not LGBT+. So Pride is not “about me” solely; it is about us and all.”

Gary Clark, The FUND for Santa Barbara:

“Why I Pride every month, and not just in June, is because for me, at its core, Pride is about building inclusive and safe communities and the beauty and strength of belonging in our fight for justice! Thank you Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera and all those on whose shoulders we stand.”

Colette Schabram, Pacific Pride Foundation:

“I work for Pacific Pride Foundation because Santa Barbara County is my home and “Why I Pride” is why my team and I work for our organization. I am passionate about social justice and the lives of our diverse LGBTQ+ communities here locally. National Pride month in June is important for the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities who are often marginalized and still do not enjoy all of the legal rights and protections that the majority of Americans do. Pride is about coming together, sharing our stories, knowing our history. This June is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a significant event that sparked much of our current LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Together we can move ever closer to equality, with pride.”

Jordan Killebrew, Santa Barbara Foundation:

“I Pride every day to be an example, be visible, and speak up for common language in understanding for my LGBTQ+ community. I Pride, because it is integral to my identity and I could not imagine my life any other way.”

Pride Festivals

You can join in on the Pride love at our two Pride Festivals across Santa Barbara County. The Santa Maria Valley Pride Celebration and Resource Fair celebrates its third year and is hosted by House of Pride and Equality this Saturday, June 29 from 12 pm – 4 pm at the parking lot at Main & Broadway in Santa Maria. The Pacific Pride Festival hosted by Pacific Pride Foundation is Saturday, August 24 from 12 pm – 7 pm at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara.

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