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Celebrating Diversity: San Diego's Pride Week Launches with Inclusion
On July 16, 2025, the 10-year anniversary of Light up the Cathedral lit up the evening in Bankers Hill as it marked the beginning of San Diego Pride week. This annual interfaith service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral brought together numerous LGBTQ+ affirming leaders, embodying a remarkable relationship between faith and pride. The Very Reverend Penny Bridges, who heads the cathedral, remarked on the event's pivotal role, stating, “It’s a rare and perhaps even unique relationship between a Christian faith community and Pride.”
Voices of Faith: A Call for Inclusivity
County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe was amongst the many attendees, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings. “These types of events and ceremonies are more crucial than they’ve ever been,” she asserted. Throughout history, many within the LGBTQ+ community have faced exclusion from religious spaces, leading to feelings of alienation. Montgomery-Steppe challenged this narrative, affirming that the right to worship should extend to everyone, not just a select few.
A Tradition of Change: From Community to Activism
First initiated by Dean Penny Bridges in 2015, the Light up the Cathedral tradition aims to visibly affirm LGBTQ+ identity within mainstream religious practice. This year, notable recognitions were given, including one to Pastor Dan Koeshall who expressed, “Let’s keep on bringing hope and justice and love wherever we go.”
Notably, this anniversary isn’t just about lights and awards. It signifies a shift towards embracing social justice, where local faith leaders formed the devOUT coalition. Their mission? To prove that religious freedoms can go hand-in-hand with LGBTQ+ rights.
Continuing the Conversation
The Light up the Cathedral event reflects not just a colorful exterior, but a deeper commitment to diversity and inclusion within faith communities. As San Diego homeowners and residents, it's essential to engage with and support initiatives that promote equity and acceptance. In a community that thrives on diversity, events like these remind us to celebrate differences while advocating for the rights of all.
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