Pride Parade shorter, but no less happy or excited as thousands line Hillcrest streets

The Free Mom Hugs group had a lot of takers Saturday in the San Diego Pride Parade. (Photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego) Street sweepers were cleaning up University Avenue after the Pride Parade by half past noon, an early end to an event slated to last five hours. The route through Hillcrest was also shorter, starting at Richmond rather than Normal Street. None of that diminished the joy displayed by a happy, excited and cheering crowd. For critics who have complained about pride celebrations being co-opted by corporations, it should be considered one of the best parades in recent memory. Fewer national companies took part, although large local businesses like Dexcom, Lumina and Cox still marched. Of course this was not universal – international electronics giant Sony had a huge float and insurance company Progressive had dozens walking with them. The military contingent was smaller in size, combined together rather than separated by branch. About two dozen people marched in matching shirts saying “Let them serve.” None were in uniform. Sam Rodriguez, of SPARTA Pride, said it was important to be there amid the trans military ban. “Yes, (Pride) is a celebration of who we are and our community and whatever advances that we’ve been able to achieve, legislatively or otherwise. And also it continues to be a protest of showing up authentically and unapologetically, and saying, ‘We’re here. We’ve always been here, and we will continue to show up to fight so that all all people, all Americans, have the same, equal rights,” they said in a phone interview in advance. The military contingent was followed by a few veteran groups. Notably absent at the San Diego Pride parade were any of region’s large military contractors. In fact, this year did not see any tanks, missile launchers or other machinery of war as in the past. National law enforcement agencies like the FBI did not march. Only local police like the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), Chula Vista Police Department and San Diego County Sheriff’s Office participated. A member of the Different Strokes Swim Team entertains the crowd at the San Diego Pride Parade. (Photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego) Older LGBTQ+ activists were excited when SDPD first participated in the Pride Parade in 1992 as they believed it signaled a turning point in the policing of the community. Yet younger activists complained about agencies with histories of oppressing queer and trans people then pinkwashing their image by participating. The less militarized version of the parade this year would not satisfy the “No cops at Pride” crowd, but it certainly let community organizations and social groups stand out. Those organizations, through signs, chants and regalia, emphasized the interconnectedness of issues. Palestinian flags were waved beside signs to end all genocide, stop deportations and stand against fascism. Some of the largest LGBTQ+ serving nonprofits in the area centered their contingents around resisting attacks on trans people. The LGBT Community Center led with a sign saying “Protect trans rights.” Stepping Stone had dozens in matching “Protect the Dolls” shirts, a slogan to raisee awareness of the disproportionate violence transgender women face. “You’re my sisters!” a spectator yelled as a group of trans women migrants marched by. Despite these heavy issues, the atmosphere was joyful. The crowd roared as long-term survivors of HIV rode by in golf carts. They cheered on folklorico dancers, choreographed roller skaters and dance teams. Chappell Roan’s catchy pop music was the soundtrack of the day. The weather was beautiful, going from cloudy to sunny yet moderate. For those in extensive costumes and dark outfits, this must have been a relief. The Goth Collective, furries and Star Wars club members likely stayed cooler than usual as they walked. Some of the wacky and weird contingents were back. Encinitas Sasquatch Association raised questions. A masked child in the Satanist truck raised devil horns at onlookers. In addition to corporations and federal agencies, no Jewish synagogues or organizations took part in the parade over festival headliner Kehlani’s statements about the war in Gaza. Assemblymember Chris Ward was one of the only prominent elected officials to still participate. With fewer corporations, federal agencies and politicians present, who did that leave? Affirming churches, sports teams, nonprofits, healthcare groups and educational institutions made up the majority of the parade. In past years, the parade has dragged on, with flagging energy from the crowd. That wasn’t so in 2025. The abbreviated version, amid fantastic weather, let it be a joyful, but not exhausting, event.