Dr. Pat Washington Named "Champion of Pride” at July 30, 2004 Spirit of Stonewall Rally

San Diego LGBT Pride extends the title “2004 Champion of Pride” to Dr. Pat Washington, an accomplished scholar and activist who—while teaching at San Diego State University--challenged the stereotypes that non-gay students and faculty harbor toward LGBT individuals. During her tenure at SDSU, she also provided LGBT students with forums to discuss their struggles and accomplishments while serving as faculty advisor for the university’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Union.

Currently president of the San Diego County Chapter of the National Organization for Women, she also conducts in-depth research designed to improve the quality of life for individuals within our community. Her published studies address homophobia in communities of color and racism in the LGBT community, as well as the re-victimization of LGBT sexual assault survivors. Her research on these topics has been presented at national meetings of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the National Women’s Studies Association and the American Sociological Association.

A true champion of Pride, Dr. Washington has inspired students to work directly with organizations that encourage tolerance and embrace diversity, such as Something Special Food Pantry, Mama’s Kitchen, Supportive Parents Information Network, and the NAACP. She has also become a favored keynote speaker for such community groups as the Dykes and Friends March, the LGBT Center, and the San Diego Democratic Club, as well as numerous campus groups throughout California. She has also served on the boards of numerous organizations that are the cornerstones to our community, including APICAP, CHAANGE San Diego, Diversionary Theater, Imperial Court de San Diego, and the San Diego Foundation Lesbian and Gay Funding Partnership.

Earlier this year, Dr. Washington was appointed by Mayor Dick Murphy to serve on our city’s LGBT Advisory Board. She is the education chair of the San Diego branch of the NAACP and co-chair of the NGLTF’s People of Color Institute. We congratulate her profound efforts in battling myriad forms of discrimination through education and enduring compassion.