This year's Pride theme, Thrive, was incorporated into banners that will hang from the sides of the float and also display students, faculty, and classified professionals from all four District colleges — San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education.
"The dedication to LGBTQIA+ community is a demonstration by many acts across the District such as the raising of the pride flag at all of the colleges, to the opening of several pride centers, and collaborating with local organizations that service the community," said Dean of Outreach and Student Affairs Andrew "Luke" Menchaca. "We wanted the float to make a statement; the rainbow and flags showcase a celebration of the diversity of our students at SDCCD."
Providing spaces where students can thrive is a priority of the SDCCD. That support can be seen in event participation such as San Diego Pride, as well as at the various campus Pride Centers that create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ students, which received $1.2 million in funding last year secured by Representatives Sara Jacobs.
The SDCCD has participated in the Pride Parade since 2015 and each year draws hundreds of students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators to walk along the three-mile route through Hillcrest to Balboa Park.
For those wanting to participate in this year's walk on Saturday, July 15, registration and information about the day's activities can be found here.
A special thanks to Armando Velazquez, Eduardo Guerrro Sr., Robert Campbell, Dan Marino, Jose Toscano, Eduardo Guerrero Jr., Angelo Pellegrini, Francisco Ferreira, Fernando Heyer, Luke Menchaca, and Nick Underwood for their work and collaboration on this year's float.
Those who helped create the 2023 Pride Parde float stand around their creation, including,
from left, Armando Velazquez, Eduardo Guerrro Sr.,
Robert Campbell, Dan Marino, Jose Toscano, Eduardo Guerrero Jr., Angelo Pellegrini,
Francisco Ferreira, Fernando Heyer, Luke Menchaca, and Nick Underwood.