A long-dormant Pride tradition returned to San Diego on Saturday as hundreds of people took part in the city’s first Dyke March since the 1990s. Organized by San Diego Pride, the half-mile march took place during Pride Week in Hillcrest. Organizers estimated that 500 to 650 people participated, walking from Mo’s Bar to Gossip Grill. “I think it’s a very powerful when we come together as women,” said Melody Corvalan, a board member with San Diego Pride. Organizers said the event marked the first time the march has happened since the 1990s. The route was chosen intentionally, beginning and ending at two bars that have served as safe places for many in the queer community. “We’re not starting something new here. We’re bringing something back. Something that always belonged,” said Kishalynn Elliott, executive director of San Diego Pride. Elliott said lesbians have played an important role in the broader LGBTQ+ movement. “Lesbians have pushed this movement along. Lesbians have shown up for our whole our brothers and sisters, trans and cisgender alike, to take care of everybody,” Elliott said. Corvalan also reflected on the community’s history of advocacy. “We played an important part in history. We were there for them during the Aids epidemic,” Corvalan said. Corvalan said the work of supporting the community continues. “The administration is constantly attacking our community” she said. “I am partnered to a trans man. And the laws that come into effect they directly affect him.” Elliott encouraged participants to continue advocating beyond the march. “So if you feel passionately about these issues, don’t just come and march to the street and stream about it with us today. Keep screaming about it in your classrooms and your workplace in City Hall, until we get to see the progress that we deserve,” Elliott said. Organizers said hope and advocacy from ally community members are at the foundation of continuing to support the queer community and moving forward. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less