Santee Pride Walk & Festival Gives LGBTQ+ Community a Place to Celebrate and Feel Safe

The Santee Pride Walk & Festival, held on May 30, 2026, provided a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community in San Diego County. - The event began with a two-mile walk through Santee, with participants waving flags and holding signs.

- Alisha Richard, a transgender woman, shared her story of coming out at age 57, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. - The festival included vendor booths, live music, line dancing, and a DJ, hosted by Santee United Methodist Church.

- Organizers highlighted the need for visibility and support in a politically mixed area, with about 55% Republican voters. The event aimed to show that LGBTQ+ individuals are loved and belong, especially in more conservative parts of Santee.