South Bay Pride - Heading South For Summer

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Growing by leaps and bounds every year, South County's LGBT celebration proudly provides countless citizens a chance to socialize, network, strengthen our community and- most importantly-to gauge perspective as to how many of us there really are.

With public planning meetings held on the first Monday of each month, the yearly Pride celebration on Saturday, August 20 is the culmination of many dutiful com- mittee members and volunteers. But prior to the main event, an all-inclusive barbe- cue/pool party/fundraiser is scheduled to take place two weeks beforehand, on Saturday, August 6. For those who haven't attended before, there is a $15 donation that includes food, drinks and a group hiking trip up Mt. Miguel.

One volunteer who is deserving of recognition is Bill Stanhope. The Rage Monthly had the chance to speak with him regarding his experience with South Bay Alliance and his hopes for South County.

How long have you lived in San Diego?

I am almost a native. I have lived here since 1985

What inspired you to start volunteering at South Bay Pride?

I have lived in Bonita and Eastlake since 2004. For the price of a small condo or a shot- gun shack in Hillcrest or North Park, you can get a large gorgeous townhouse or a giant new home down here. Hundreds of value-conscious LGBT people have moved to the South Bay. In my years here, I have seen hundreds of equality stickers. And there were just as many "No on 8" yard signs as there were "Yes on 8." But although we are a large group here, we are not well organized, we often don't know each other, and we rarely get together. Often, to find other LGBT people, gay people here in the South Bay get on hook-up sites or drive to Hillcrest/North Park. The South Bay Alliance and South Bay Pride are steps in developing a strong LGBT community in an area of amazing recre- ation, beauty and gorgeous affordable homes.

Can you tell me about an unexpected, but rewarding experience that stands out among your memories with South Bay Alliance?

What has been the most rewarding experience is realizing what a large community we have here in the South Bay and what fun, friendly and nice LGBT people we have all around us!

Has the South Bay changed, in your opinion, regarding attitudes toward LGBT rights and citizens?

Yes, the South Bay is strongly Democratic. We have great elected officials who sup- port us and our rights! The South Bay is definitely not as progressive as Hillcrest, but the people here are not right wing reactionaries like many of the people in East County. During my years here, I feel that 60 percent of the people with whom I have come in contact in the South Bay are open-minded and support our rights.

I'm very curious about the Barbecue/Pool Party Fundraiser on August 6. It sounds fun! Have you been to any of the fundraising events in past years?

Yes, last month I went to a fundraiser for Being Alive with Greg Louganis and I have hosted a fundraiser at my house for Being Alive and The Center. The pool party is a great way for members of the LGBT community here in the South Bay and for everyone else to get to know each other and enjoy good food and drinks in a friendly casual setting. All of the hosts will do all they can to make every guest feel appreciated and welcome! At 5:00, anyone who is in a hiking mood is invited to caravan from the pool party to the base of Mt. Miguel for a sunset hike. From the summit, you can see the ocean and Catalina, all of Downtown S.D., to the mountains of L.A., to the hills of Ensenada. The San Diego Trail Tramps, Great Outdoors and anyone else interested in a scenic hike is invited to join us.

What exciting highlights can we expect at this year's Pride festival on August 20?

This year at South Bay Pride, we have an awesome line- up of singers, bands and entertainment! There will be awesome food, drink and dancing, an art show and most importantly, this will be an event where we in the LGBT community here in the South Bay can meet our friends

and neighbors.

When you're not donating your time and effort toward making the South Bay a gay-friendlier place, what can we find you doing to relax?

I am a pretty "out-doorsey" sort of guy. There are hik- ing trails and a 2,500 foot mountain directly behind my house that I climb three times a week. We have a great gym here. I have a pool that I love to swim in and there are five neighborhood pools that I love to enjoy. Plus three lakes, three golf courses and 100 miles of mountain bike trails all in my neighborhood. I guess that is why I live here. I have never lived in a place with so much outdoor recreation and such awesome stores and restaurants, just 20 minutes from Downtown and Hillcrest. It would be great if more LGBT people could come and see what we have to offer!

For more information about South Bay Pride on the 20th and the fundraiser pool party, visit southbayalliance.net or southbaypride.org.