San Diego Gay and Lesbian News

(Editor's note: October is LGBT History Month, celebrated annually to recognize the notable achievements of LGBT people throughout time.

I distinctly remember the homophobic bullying I experienced as young person, starting in the 3rd grade, being connected to a narrative that the only future I had in front of me was one in which I contracted HIV, died of AIDS, and burn in hell for all eternity. I was nine years old.

Black trans artist Mila Jam opened up the event by singing the national anthem, while an honor guard comprised only of trans service members and veterans presented the colors. In front of the stage, transgender community members sat facing the audience holding signs with the names, faces, and ages of each of the trans people that had been murdered this year.

A study now proves what we all probably knew: Therapeutic intervention to change a transgender person's identity to that of a cis person is toxic and can lead to attempts at suicide. 

You have probably met Edward Jaime at one of many places in Hillcrest. He can be seen working at #1 Fifth Avenue and Flicks but you might not recognize him after next Saturday. That's okay, it's for a good cause. 

Drag Queen Storytime happens in just under a week in Chula Vista and Interfaith leaders are offering their support to the City of Chula Vista, the Chula Vista Public Library, and Chula Vista Councilmember Stephen Padilla. 

After spending months in confinement at Otay Mesa Detention Center, Emilia, a transgender woman from Guatemala, was undoubtedly thrilled to be out of prison. People who met her after her release said she never stopped smiling.

On Thursday, September 12, San Diego Art Institute (SDAI) in Balboa Park will offer Art as Health: A Day of Art and HIV Testing between noon and 6 pm.

Back by popular demand, the Red Dress Party San Diego team presents The Red Dress Swap, inviting you to bring last year's little red number and swap it out for a fab new frock. Red dresses will be available for purchase starting at $25 and up.

The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier will become a circus on Saturday, Sept. 14, complete with a  tent in the 40' tall space. There will be a troupe of circus performers, and even a Ferris Wheel overlooking San Diego Bay!

Every year the Red Dress Party San Diego holds a fundraiser which helps raise money for a number of HIV programs and service providers.