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Mayor Gloria Unfurls Progress Pride Flag to Kick Off Pride Celebrations in San Diego

ANNUAL TRADITION CELEBRATES SAN DIEGO'S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION, VISIBILITY, AND PRIDE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Monday, July 16, 2026

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria today joined community leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates at the Museum of Us in Balboa Park to unfurl the Progress Pride flag from the iconic California Tower, marking the beginning of Pride celebrations in San Diego.

The annual flag unfurling serves as a visible symbol of the City's commitment to inclusion, dignity, and belonging for all San Diegans. 

  

"Pride is a celebration of the people, history, and resilience that make San Diego stronger," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "As we unfurl the Progress Pride flag above Balboa Park, we reaffirm that everyone belongs here and that our city is strongest when every person feels seen, respected, and welcome. I look forward to celebrating Pride with our community in the weeks ahead." 

  

The Progress Pride flag recognizes the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community while honoring the ongoing work to advance equality and ensure every resident feels safe, welcome, and respected.

Throughout Pride Month and year-round, the City of San Diego works alongside community partners to foster an inclusive city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

  

“Watching the Pride flag drop over Balboa Park tower made my jaw drop with joy,” said KishaLynn Elliott, Executive Director at San Diego Pride. It was a powerful reminder of who we are as a city and what is possible when we choose community over division. As hundreds of thousands of diverse people gather for Pride events through this weekend, I know both the Mayor and I are committed to ensuring their safety during the celebrations. I am honored to continue the legacy of collaboration between San Diego Pride, community leaders, and our elected officials. When we work together, we build a brighter future for our LGBTQIA+ community which makes San Diego shine.” 

  

The ceremony brought together representatives from the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, San Diego Pride, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, TransFamily Support Services, Hillcrest All-Inclusive Kiwanis Club, Vivo Viva Collective Binacional, the Museum of Us, and other organizations committed to supporting LGBTQ+ San Diegans. 

  

“The San Diego LGBT Community is so proud to celebrate San Diego Pride week with Mayor Todd Gloria and our community,” said Gloria Cruz Cardenas, Chief Impact Officer at The Center. “As we kick off San Diego Pride Week, we can’t wait to see our community out in full force at the Pride Parade and Festival this weekend.” 

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