LGBTQIA+ Library Services
San Diego Public Library’s LGBTQIA+ Library Services Committee honors the diversity of our LGBTQIA+ community in a welcoming and inclusive library space that fosters connections to knowledge and each other. The library offers equitable access to all, through accessible materials and resources, in supportive spaces that provide cultural and educational experiences celebrating diverse identities.
For questions, program suggestions, etc. email: LGBTQIALibrary@sandiego.gov
Quick links:
Pride 2026 Library Card Contest
2026 San Diego Pride commemorative Library card: Available at all SDPL Locations July 11, while supplies last.
Contest Winner Kori Callu (he/him), Adult Category, University Heights Library.
Finalist - Teen. Avery Shultz (he/they), Clairemont Library.
Finalist - Child. Madison Alwine, College/Rolando Library.
The LGBTQIA+ Library Services Committee is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Pride Library Card Contest! Kori Callu’s design will be featured on this year’s commemorative library card for San Diego Pride. We also extend our congratulations to this year’s semi-finalists and to everyone who participated and helped celebrate creativity, inclusion and pride in our San Diego community!
The 2026 San Diego Pride commemorative Library card will be available at all 37 San Diego Public Library locations starting Saturday, July 11, 2026, while supplies last.
Artist Statements
Kori Callu (he/him), Contest Winner - University Heights Library:
I'm a queer trans first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in San Diego. I proudly create art that celebrates my culture and queerness with colorful, folky imagery with a sense of whimsy and wonder. I hope to capture the joy I feel while creating my art, and hope that my work makes people smile, feel seen, and find a little bit of magic in themselves. It’s really special to have a little piece of my heart living on these cards and making its way into the pockets of people in San Diego.
Avery Shultz (he/they), Teen Finalist - Clairemont Library:
This piece is meant to remind us that our pride comes from within. Even when inky darkness is closing in, surrounding us, and it seems that freedom is unreachable, we will never be erased as long as pride shines on inside our hearts. The crystalline light that emits from us forms dazzling rainbows that dance through the night as a beacon of inspiration and love. As corny as it sounds, the fight wouldn’t exist without the spark inside our souls, the unshakeable knowledge that we are here, we are queer, and we aren’t going to give up hope.
Madison Alwine, Child Finalist - College/Rolando Library:
For the theme “Shine On,” I drew the San Diego skyline at night with a rainbow sky shining on our city. The downtown library is glowing to show that it is a place where everyone is welcome. I hope my artwork reminds people that when we are kind and include everyone, our whole city shines brighter.
Featured Events
Crafternoon w/ the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Tuesday, July 14 | 5:00 pm | University Heights Library
Join the SD Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for our Pride edition adult craft time to create your own custom friendship bracelets and keychains to take home!
Attending the San Diego Pride Festival? Join San Diego Public Library and other community partners in the Prism for All entertainment zone to learn more from your local libraries, art, recovery, and history organizations. *Please note: ticket purchase is required for entry into the San Diego Pride Festival*
Pride Storytimes
With age-appropriate stories and songs, this family-friendly program recognizes and celebrates diversity and individuality.
Pride Storytime is sponsored by Mental Health America of California and Drag Queen Story Hour San Diego.
- PRIDE Storytime ft. Raquel Ita
Saturday, June 13 | 10:00 a.m. | Mission Hills-Hillcrest Library - PRIDE Storytime ft. Barbie Q
Thursday, June 18 | 10:30 a.m. | Kensington Library - PRIDE Storytime ft. Willow BeMine
Friday, July 10 | 10:00 a.m. | City Heights/Weingart Library - PRIDE Storytime ft. Friidae
Thursday, July 16 | 4:30 p.m. | University Heights Library
Upcoming LGBTQIA+ Events
LGBTQIA+ History and Culture
Lambda Archives of San Diego collects, preserves, and shares the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in San Diego, Northern Baja California, and the Imperial County region. Research appointments may be requested via the Lambda Archives website.
Community Resources
Local
- San Diego Pride: San Diego Pride fosters pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally. Pride supports a number of programs for all ages that meet the diverse needs and interest of the LGBTQ community.
- The San Diego LGBT Community Center: The Center is the nation's second oldest and one of the largest LGBT community centers that provides direct program services to the many different facets of the LGBT community, including men, women, youth, seniors, families, LGBT Latino community members and their families, and those living with HIV.
- The Center’s Youth Services: The San Diego LGBT Center's Youth Centers in Hillcrest and South Bay offer services such as discussion groups, social activities, and HIV prevention, testing, and support.
- San Diego Black Pride: As the central hub for LGBTQ Black life, their primary focus is connecting you to resources, events, and outlets that support and enrich your life, and providing opportunities to strengthen the community in which we live in order to benefit Black LGBTQ individuals and families.
- San Diego QAPIMEDA Coalition: The Queer Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Desi American Coalition aims to build capacity and leaders within the LGBTQ+ Desi, Middle-Eastern, Pacific Islander, Asian community to promote connectivity, combat stereotypes and racism, discuss intersectionality, and mobilize our civic and economic power.
- San Diego LGBTQ+ Latine Coalition: The mission of the San Diego LGBTQ Latine Coalition is to strengthen the power of the LGBTQ Latine community’s family, culture, health, education, networks, economic stability, and political standing.
- PFLAG San Diego County: We PFLAG offers Support, Education, and Advocacy to LGBTQ+ persons, their families, friends, and allies. PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
- TransFamily Support Services: TransFamily Support Services saves lives by shaping a gender affirming and accepting Community, seeking a world where ALL genders are accepted & treated EQUALLY.
- San Diego Equality Business Association (SDEBA): SDEBA promotes and elevates LGBTQ+ businesses through advocacy, partnership and collaboration. By collaborating with members and sponsors, SDEBA creates opportunities through partnership, education and networking to empower LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals.
- San Diego Youth Services: Mental health services and drop-in centers for LGBT youth and their families.
- Stepping Stone of San Diego: Stepping Stone of San Diego has been helping save lives since 1976 as one of the nation’s only alcohol and drug treatment programs specializing in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community.
- The Gender Phluid Collective: A safer, supportive, and empowering home for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Queer and Trans People of color (QTPOC), and those who identify within the African Diaspora in San Diego.
- Transgender Health and Wellness Center: Transgender Health and Wellness Center aims to be the preeminent provider of services and support for the Transgender diverse community and our allies.
- San Diego QAPIMEDA Coalition: The Queer Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Desi American Coalition aims to build capacity and leaders within the LGBTQ+ Desi, Middle-Eastern, Pacific Islander, Asian community to promote connectivity, combat stereotypes and racism, discuss intersectionality, and mobilize our civic and economic power.
- 2SLGBTQ: Puyamaangay Kiyam 2SLGBTQ Always Family provides information on two-spirit history and traditions, as well as statistics and resources for 2SLGBTQ individuals.
National
- BlackLine: BlackLine provides a space for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences to people who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. 1 (800) 604-5841
- National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network: Advancing healing justice by transforming mental health for queer and trans Black, Indigenous and People of Color
- Transgender Law Center: Transgender Law Center changes law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization, grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
- The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis and support hotline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth ages 13-24. Also offers text and chat services. 1-866-488-7386
- GLBT National Help Center: Free and confidential hotlines, chatrooms, and other resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people.
- Trans Lifeline: Hotline that offers support and resources to transgender people in need. Staffed by the transgender community for the transgender community. 1-877-565-8860
- Drug Rehab USA: LGBTQIA+ individuals facing addiction may require specialized support. Drug Rehab USA provides an accurate, searchable directory of LGBTQIA+-friendly alcohol and drug rehab centers in the US. Whether you are currently experiencing a Substance Use Disorder or know someone who is, find institutions that can help on the road to recovery.
PRIDE! Reading Challenge
This Pride season, the San Diego Public Library invites you to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ Community's diverse voices, resilient spirits, and beautiful identities that shape our world with our all ages PRIDE! Reading Challenge!
The challenge is simple: read five books or enjoy five hours of reading by July 19 to complete the challenge! To register, visit: https://sandiego.beanstack.org/