Gay district in san diego
THANK YOU, SAN DIEGO!
Date Posted: July 21, 2025 | By: San Diego PrideWhat an unforgettable week of Pride celebrations! From powerful moments of reflection to the joy and unity of the San Diego Self-acceptance Parade and Festival, YOU showed up with love, resilience and spirit enjoy never before. Because of you, this was a record-breaking year…
Read MoreWelcome to Pride
Date Posted: July 17, 2025 | By: Kristin FlickingerWelcome to San Diego Pride, While we/I ‘d live to start this communication with a jubilant, “Happy Pride!”, we find ourselves in a moment that calls for much more. Across the country, LGBTQIA+ people—especially trans and nonbinary youth and service members—are under coordinated and…
Read MoreThe San Diego Pride Festival Schedule is LIVE
Date Posted: July 3, 2025 | By: San Diego PrideDear Community, It’s moment to make your Pride plans — because the official 2025 San Diego Identity festival Festival schedule is HERE! From GRAMMY® level talent like Kehlani and Kim Petras to rising local legends this year’s lineup is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists, culture, and society like no other. With over&
PRIDE MONTH: The LGBTQ history of Hillcrest
HILLCREST, Calif (KGTV) — Hillcrest is widely known as the LGBTQ+ hub of San Diego.
The area is decorated with Identity flags hanging from businesses and colorful murals on the side of buildings. There are even some rainbow-painted crosswalks.
But how did Hillcrest become the queer society it is today?
In celebration of Pride Month, ABC 10News took a look at the LGBTQ history of Hillcrest.
"We were always having people over and drinks," said Susan Jester. "It was a fun, fun time -- the 80s."
Susan Jester recalls her early years in Hillcrest.
"This is Jason. He was the manager of BJs, which was our country western bar in Hillcrest in the 80s," she said, describing a photo.
The memories remind her of the best period of her life and the worst.
"The AIDS epidemic came along, and just going through these photos, there's so many people that are not with us any longer," she said.
Jester moved to Hillcrest in the initial 1980s, around the time the AIDS epidemic began. The disease stigmatized the LGBTQ community. Homophobia and harassment ran rampant.
"The LGBTQ plus or the queer collective has a way of discovery each other," said Nicole Ver
San Diego Gay Neighborhood Guide
With its unbelievable coastline, nurturing communities, and extensive attractions, San Diego is a magnet for anyone who wants a little bit of everything. If you’re considering moving here, you won’t be surprised that one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the state has culture, establishments, and activities that appeal to diverse interests.
From hiking seaside cliffs during the day to clubbing at night, this LGBTQ haven has something for everyone!
A Brief History of San Diego
San Diego, known as “the birthplace of California,” was first settled in 1602 when Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno landed at modern-day Point Loma.
The Spanish held the territory until losing it to Mexico in 1821. California became part of the United States in 1848 and was granted statehood in 1850. San Diego was established as the county seat of San Diego County.
The town grew slowly until 1880, when the establishment of military facilities led to rapid settlement. There was more maturation and development during and immediately after World War II when both the Navy and the Marines established military posts.
Today, the b
Vibrant San Diego: A Thriving Mecca for the LGBTQ Community
Sun-kissed and seaside, San Diego has long shrugged off its stuffy military beginnings for a colorful and diverse community. From trendy boutiques to the world’s only gay brewery, America’s 8th largest urban area is practically built for an LGBTQ transplant.
Brief History
San Diego has been called the birthplace of California for a reason. In 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno landed in the harbor that is now Mission Bay and Point Loma. He named the region after the Catholic Saint Didacus who is more commonly known as San Diego de Alcalá.
Quick Stats
San Diego is 120 miles south of Los Angeles and adjacent to Mexico. As of July 2018, the estimated population of the city was 1,425,976.
The area is known for its natural deep-water harbor, mild climate, and long association with the U.S. Navy. Recently, San Diego has become a magnet for healthcare and biotechnology maturation. The future is bright!
Here are some more stats about San Diego.
LGBTQ Community
The San Diego Lesbian, Same-sex attracted, Bisexual, and Transgender People Center (called The Center) is one of the largest and most ac