Public Library
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
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For 2023, we received 89 submissions for the Pride Library Card Contest. This year's winning card design, created by Claude Castañeda, will be available at all 36 SDPL locations beginning Saturday, 7/8/2023.
On their winning design, Claude states, “Find your voice, to me, means being authentically yourself. I’d like this artwork to remind everyone to continue to be true to themselves in the face of adversity and find their own voice and space within our community. While the tone of my piece is one of joy, the current push to vilify trans people, drag performers, and people of color, inspired me to take a lot of the anxiety that surrounds those negative thoughts into showcasing someone who embodies all of that to the forefront. By being visible, genuine, and by continuing to fight, I know we’ll persist in instilling change and further action for a place where we can all be ourselves and thrive.”
Miyu Iwasaki (Teen Finalist) on her design: “When I first heard the phrase “Find Your Voice”, I had to think about what that meant to me. There were many possible interpretations of “Find Your Voice”, but eventually I decided that the meaning behind this was discovering a way to show what’s really inside of you in a creative way. That was the inspiration behind this piece; expressing yourself through your passion– more importantly, empowering yourself– in a world where you are silenced. It’s a message to all people of all identities; athletes, musicians, artists, activists, writers, and more – don’t be afraid to reveal the true you. Find your voice.”
Dagny Tang (Children Finalist) on her design: "As an artist, my art is my voice. My design voices my support for the LGBTQIA+ community as well as our broader community of peoples of diverse backgrounds. As a proud San Diegan, I am also hoping this year's card design can finally have some local flair! I've incorporated Balboa Park's California Tower & animals from San Diego Zoo; San Diego's skyline with the iconic Manchester Grand Hyatt towers; Coronado Bay Bridge with fighter jet flyby and Ocean Beach Pier. My drawing was made on the library's paper template using pens, markers and color pencils. Thank you for the opportunity to create art for our library!"
In partnership with San Diego Pride and with the support of Library Foundation SD, the Pride Library Card Contest is an annual spring tradition that engages the creativity and talent of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community and our allies. Every year a grand prize winner’s artwork is selected by community and their design is printed onto the Pride library card that is made available.
Contest Winners
She Fest Outreach 2023
Saturday, July 8, 2023 | 12:00 - 6:00 pm
San Diego Pride Parade
Saturday, July 15, 2023 | 10:00 am
Lit Café
Saturday, July 15, 2023 | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 16, 2023 | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
All Ages
Babies/Toddlers, Preschoolers
Middle School Age, Teens, Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults
Rainbow Spaces: Dungeons & Dragons
Middle School Age, Teens
Film Screening: San Diego's Gay Bar History
Teens, Emerging Adults, Adults