Why We Ride

In 2019 the City of Chula Vista joined cities all over San Diego in introducing a Drag Queen Story time. 

The library at Otay Ranch Town center was to be the site of the story time, but news quickly spread amongst the community and attracted the attention of groups outside San Diego that came to protest alongside anti-lgbtq+ groups. The community rallied together with Chula Vista Councilmember Steve Padilla and Mayor Mary Salas, and created a large demonstration of solidarity to counter the efforts made to divide our community. 

in 2020, with Covid canceling most Pride events, local activist and community member Madison Beck felt there needed to be some demonstration of solidarity with Southbay Rainbow families to continue the healing. She reached out to a local powerhouse, Patti, who connected her with our Executive Director Nadia Kean-Ayub, and thus the concept of the Rainbow Ride was born. 

Originally dubbed the Chula Vista Caravan, and with Councilmember Padilla as the parade Marshall, the community rode through the streets of Southbay with Pride! 

and in 2021 they celebrated again, with more vigor and love, centering the community and with the community at the helm! 

The Southbay Rainbow Ride will continue annually, in a demonstration of love and solidarity, to remind every LGBTQ+ youth and family in the Southbay that they are loved. 

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