Equality Business Alliance

03/26/2026

03/26/2026

TRIGGER WARNING: The following post references violence, medical trauma, and a link that contains images and video related to a hate crime. Please proceed with care.

A personal note from the Executive Director.

For years, I’ve used this platform to advocate, organize, and help build stronger support for LGBTQ+ businesses and our broader community.

Today, I’m asking that same community to show up for me.

In 2024, I was one of the victims in the targeted gel/polymer pellet shootings at LGBTQ bars in San Diego. I was shot in the eye, and since then I’ve been dealing with PTSD, ongoing treatment, and medical complications that have impacted my ability to work and sustain myself.

This past Monday, my worst fears were confirmed—my eye has permanent damage, and I’ll need ongoing lifetime care to monitor risks to my vision, including the very real possibility of blindness.

In addition, nearly two years later, I remain in treatment at Sharp Mesa Vista Psychiatric Hospital in San Diego, where I continue to receive 3–4 hours of intensive therapy per day, 5 days a week, and an additional 2–4 hours a week of outside treatment, including equine, art, or group therapy.

To put this into perspective, I now attend more hours of mental and medical care each week than I worked before I got shot.

This has been one of the hardest chapters of my life—but I’m still here, still doing the work, and still fighting to get back to stability.

I don’t usually ask for help like this—but right now, I need it.

My GoFundMe goal has been raised to $65,000, and I am just $15,000 short.

Approximately $6,000 will go toward housing and utilities for the next 3 months. Another $4,000 will go toward transportation to and from my daily appointments, and $5,000 will cover co-pays, storage, moving, and other immediate needs.

If you’ve worked with me, supported Equality Business Alliance, or believe in the work we do, I’m asking for your support.

If you can donate, share, or support in any way, it would mean more than I can put into words.

👉 Donate or share here: https://gofund.me/0a8a4d817 (or via the link in our bio).

Thank you so much.

— Oxean Eddie Rey

02/17/2026

The European Parliament adopted a transgender-inclusive resolution ahead of next month’s U.N. Commission on the Status of Women meeting.

02/17/2026

For 50 years, Stepping Stone has been creating safe spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can heal, build strength, and achieve lasting recovery. Now we're looking for a strategic Director of Development & External Affairs to lead our fundraising and strengthen our community presence. You'll drive revenue growth, build meaningful partnerships, and ensure our mission reaches those who need it most.

What You'll Do:
● Lead annual and multi-year fundraising strategy across grants, major gifts, corporate partnerships, events, and campaigns with clear metrics and accountability
● Oversee institutional giving, partnering with grant writers and program teams to secure government, foundation, and corporate funding
● Build and steward a portfolio of major donors and sponsors, creating cultivation plans and securing multi-year commitments
● Provide executive oversight for signature events (including our Pink Gala) and annual giving campaigns with focus on revenue growth and donor experience
● Serve as senior ambassador, building relationships with government leaders, community partners, and key stakeholders to expand visibility and support
● Oversee communications and marketing strategy in partnership with our marketing vendor, ensuring consistent mission-forward storytelling
● Supervise and develop the Development Manager, establishing clear goals, systems, and processes that drive results

About You:
● 5+ years of senior-level fundraising experience with demonstrated success across multiple revenue streams (major gifts, grants, events, campaigns)
● Proven track record developing and executing fundraising strategy with measurable revenue growth
● Strong relationship-building skills with comfort engaging donors, executives, board members, and community leaders
● Excellent project management abilities with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
● Experience supervising staff and managing vendors; proficiency with CRM systems and donor databases preferred
● Deep passion for Stepping Stone's mission serving LGBTQ+ communities and advancing addiction recovery

Recovery is possible. Community is waiting. Join us in making it happen. Apply at https://steppingstonesd.org/job/director-of-development-external-affairs/

02/17/2026

Welcome to the family, Kelcie Parra! 💜

Kelcie is Executive Director of Crisis House and a lifelong advocate for compassionate, effective systems of care. Her commitment to recovery work is deeply personal - and her belief that affirming spaces change everything aligns perfectly with our mission.

(She also lives in La Mesa with her wife and two cats, Akuma and Mr. Business, who remain unimpressed by her accomplishments. We, however, are very impressed. 🐱)

Welcome, Kelcie. We're so glad you're here.

02/10/2026

💗 THE PINK HOUR 💗

Stepping Stone turns 50 this year, and we’re kicking off the celebration early!

Join us for a fabulous “pink” happy hour to preview The Pink Gala 2026 - San Diego’s most anticipated LGBTQ+ celebration of the year - and enjoy some fellowship and community while we’re at it!

Sip something NA at . Get something pink! Learn more about how to be a table captain and get free valet parking at the gala.

Thursday, February 12
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Good News Bar

No RSVP needed, but message us with any questions.

02/05/2026

Hillcrest is going through an exciting period of growth and improvement and the Hillcrest Business Association is rolling out a new initiative to keep the neighborhood vibrant and thriving: the Still Fabulous Raffle Program.

With major projects underway—including the Normal Street Promenade, stormwater upgrades, and new development—HBA is encouraging residents and visitors to continue shopping, dining, and exploring Hillcrest. Rather than slowing momentum during construction, the Still Fabulous Raffle embraces this moment of transformation and highlights the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that define the neighborhood.

Sign up today: https://forms.monday.com/forms/d7ec7aa3473c98a6b2c8d513447b2f06?r=use1

Customers who visit participating Hillcrest businesses can fill out a raffle card and each month, two winners will be selected and notified directly, with winners also announced on social media via .

To kick things off in a big way, February and March raffle winners will each receive two tickets to Taste of Hillcrest, the beloved self-guided tasting event happening on Saturday, April 11, 2026. In the months ahead, prizes will rotate and feature exclusive offerings from Hillcrest businesses, giving locals even more reasons to support their favorite spots—and discover new ones.

The Still Fabulous campaign also includes signage, sidewalk decals, and social media efforts to promote that Hillcrest is open for business during our make-over.

11/08/2025

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This post contains details about a deadly accident and community trauma that may be upsetting to some readers.

Early on the morning of November 8, 2025, a vehicle being pursued by law enforcement lost control and crashed into the outdoor patio of in Tampa’s Ybor City, a beloved LGBTQ+ bar. Four people were killed and at least eleven others injured.

Bradley’s has long been a home and safe space for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community. Our hearts are with the victims, their loved ones, the staff, performers, and everyone affected by this tragedy. From San Diego to Tampa, we stand with you in grief, solidarity, and love.

Community and individual trauma ripple far beyond the walls where tragedy happens. If you’re struggling or feel impacted, please reach out for support:
• 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

No one has to navigate this alone. We heal by holding one another close — across cities, states, and chosen family.

-Equality Business Alliance, San Diego LGBTQ Visitors Center, and LGBTQ San Diego County News

10/17/2025

TODAY: The Art of Pride and Medium Photo presents:

IMAGES OF PRIDE: Joyful Acts of Resistance - our annual photography exhibition celebrating resilience, joy, and community.

This exhibition explores how joy itself can be an act of defiance against oppression, hardship, or conformity. The photographs capture moments where laughter, dance, color, ritual, and everyday tenderness become tools of resistance.

Instead of focusing on the heaviness of struggle, the show celebrates resilience through celebration, showing how communities transform-resistance into a vibrant affirmation of life.

This year they welcome Keleah Lanea and Liliana Hueso Photography to curate and judge the show.

Opening Reception: Oct 17, 2025 | 5:30-8:00 PM | SAN DIEGO PRIDE GALLERY
3620 30TH STREET

10/07/2025

Reflect. Remember. Erase Hate.

10/06/2025

A heated debate was sparked last week when a DJ at #1 Fifth Avenue announced that music was being turned down following complaints from neighbors at the recently opened Denizen Apartments by Greystar Apartments.

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and follow Mural Alley on Facebook or at on Instagram for more LGBTQ arts & culture, Hillcrest art events, and more!