SAN DIEGO — For the first time in 40 years, the InterPride World Conference has returned to San Diego.
The five-day conference hosts 600 Pride organization representatives from 40 countries around the world. The InterPride conference was originally started in San Diego by local Pride leaders.
Organizers said the return of this conference is already bigger and its all about justice and joy.
"Right now, in U.S. history it's actually really terrifying to be a queer person depending in where you live and even here in San Diego. The issues that we are facing are different,” said San Diego Pride Executive Director Fenando Lopez.
Lopez says while the U.S. has marriage equality and employment protections and other progressive protections for the gay community, there are still anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation.
“We have more legal protection than we had in 1983. But here in the U.S. and all over the world, we are seeing our people under attack. We are moving backwards."
Lopez said there is a heavyweight and a sense of joy that everyone is here together. Feeling connected and feeling that they can support one another.
"We are really showing the best of San Diego. Diverse food and cuisine our art and culture our drags and gay bars, churches. Our LGBTQ centers, there are so many events happening all through the city these five days. Really a testament for the LGBTQ art and advocacy,” Lopez said.
The five-day conference provides representatives from cities around the world with a chance to network.
It's also an event where people could feel safe to discuss and listen in on human rights issues. Members get the chance to share their experiences and cultural differences.
The 2023 conference includes workshops, panels, receptions, meetings, and a gala dinner. The conference will also make decisions regarding World Pride.
If you’re interested in participating this weekend, there is on-site registration available.
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