Saturday July 18th, the Dharma Bum Temple and Buddha for You Gifts & Books had the privilege of marching in the San Diego Pride Parade. It was a beautiful reminder that love is not just something we believe. It is something we live.

Pride week was filled with moments of connection, compassion, and service. We gathered for a joyful sign making event, creating messages of hope, love, and inclusion. We shared in the beautiful Light Up the Cathedral celebration, where people of many faiths came together in support of the LGBTQ+ community. We proudly marched in the San Diego Pride Parade, celebrating a world where everyone belongs, and we concluded the week by joining volunteers for the Pride Festival cleanup in Balboa Park, a reminder that caring for our community is just as meaningful as celebrating together.

Walking through the streets surrounded by thousands of people holding signs of hope, compassion, equality, and acceptance, I was reminded that acts of courage and kindness can help change the world.

Pride is about so much more than a parade. It is about creating a world where every person knows they belong, where no one has to hide who they are or whom they love, and where love is always stronger than fear.

To everyone who marched with us, cheered from the sidelines, volunteered, organized, or simply showed up with an open heart, thank you. Your presence matters. Your compassion matters. Together, we create a little more light in a world that often feels too dark.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at San Diego Pride for another beautiful parade and an incredible Pride week. Thank you for bringing our community together in celebration, solidarity, service, and love, and for continuing to create spaces where everyone is welcomed, seen, and valued.

The Dharma Bum Temple will continue to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and with all marginalized communities. Compassion is not passive. It asks us to show up, to listen, to love, and to never be afraid to stand beside those who need our support.

Co Founder Jeffrey Zlotnik was also honored to once again provide the blessing at the start of the parade alongside my friends Rabbi Devorah Marcus of Temple Emanu-El of San Diego and Dean Allisyn Thomas of St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral. It was a privilege to stand together in unity and offer a blessing for a day dedicated to hope, dignity, and belonging.

May we continue to build a world where every being is treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.

Happy Pride. 🌈🙏