Archive | July, 2012

Natasha Bedingfield and Active-Duty Service Members Salute San Diego Pride

23 Jul

It was a massive turnout for this weekend’s San Diego Pride, which was a three-day celebration featuring Natasha Bedingfield, Sandra Bernhard, active-duty service members, and countless others for one of the largest pride events of the summer.

The San Diego LGBT Pride Parade, which usually brings out about 200,000 people, showcases nearly 200 floats and marchers under the theme “America’s Pride”.

The Pentagon decided beforehand to allow active-duty members of the military to march in their uniforms during San Diego’s parade, a significant move considering the recent repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Dozens of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard marched in their uniforms, receiving some of the heartiest cheers of the day.

The 1.5-mile parade route led to the pride festival in San Diego’s Balboa Park. The two-day festival featured more than 80 musicians, comedians and dancers performing on stages throughout the park, 300 vendor booths, an art exhibit, beer gardens and lots of food. Singer and comedian Sandra Bernhard and Glee’s Alex Newell headlined the entertainment lineup Saturday, and Natasha Bedingfield took the main stage Sunday night.