In 2006, before Proposition 8, a small group of South Bay community members visited their local politicians to speak about marriage equality.
At the time, some of the electeds said that there were no LGBTQ people in the local community.
“We don’t have people like that here, they’re all in Hillcrest,” said interim chair of South Bay Alliance Association Dae Elliott as she recalled what several politicians said that day.
Now, the 12th annual South Bay Pride Art and Music Festival, organized by South Bay Alliance Association, serves as a reminder to local politicians that there is an LGBTQ community in the South Bay.
“We have visibility down here,” Elliott said.
The festival on Sept. 14 at Bayside Park in Chula Vista features local bands, food vendors and art from 12 to 7 p.m. In comparison to San Diego Pride, Elliott said people have told her the South Bay Pride event is generally more laid back and is also free.
Elliott said there has never been pushback to the festival, such as counter protests, and it generally brings in 7,000 to 8,000 people.
“[It’s] affirming that it is ok to be of in our own community,” Elliott said. “We can celebrate our diversity.”
The event is especially important for young people because it shows them that this community and support exists in their own backyard, Elliott said.
“It’s the idea of visibility,” Elliott said. “If you aren’t visible as a community you let people who are against you have the stand.”
