Here’s What You Missed at San Diego Pride

This past weekend for San Diego Pride, members of the LGBT community and allies enjoyed well-attended block parties throughout the city, the annual Pride 5K Run and a music festival featuring several queer artists including the San Diego Men's Chorus, queer rapper Cakes da Killa, and legendary drag icon, Chi Chi LaRue. Bars and nightclubs across the city opened their doors and hung rainbow flags to show their support for the weekend's pride festivities as thousands of people enjoyed expertly-crafted cocktails and colorful shots in between songs on the dance floor.

One brand stood out among the rest in San Diego; Stoli Vodka, a steadfast supporter of the LGBT movement across the United States.

Over the last 5 years, Stoli has donated more than $1,000,000 and offered support to over 30 national and local LGBT organizations, including CenterLink, the Harvey Milk Foundation, and several organizations local to San Diego. In addition to supporting these organizations, Stoli Vodka has been uplifting the queer community through events such as the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic and a new initiative, "Raising the Bar." The Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, now in its 4th year, has become the world's largest LGBT bartending competition recognizing the important role that bartenders play in creating safe spaces in nightlife for the queer community. Pictured below is Arthur Quijada, the San Diego Champion from Urban Mo's, who went on to win the title of Fan Favorite at the Finale Week in Key West.

"Raising the Bar" is Stoli's new online platform dedicated to reinforcing the Stoli brand's 35-year commitment to the LGBT equality movement by recognizing and championing individuals and organizations central to advancing diversity and originality within the community. "Raising the Bar" features video interviews and stories from heroes of the LGBT community to create inclusion and recognition for some of the most marginalized people in the community through a series called "Heroes of Diversity" where online submissions can be made to nominate a hero in your community.

None of this would have been possible without the passion and ingenuity of one person, Patrik Gallineaux.

Patrik Gallineaux, the National LGBT Ambassador & Manager for Stoli Vodka, received the first ever "Rainbow Key to the City of San Diego," an all-new award reserved for an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of LGBT equality.

In addition to receiving the Rainbow Key, Friday, July 14th has been proclaimed "Patrik Gallineaux Day" to celebrate his contributions to the community as well as being named an honorary citizen of the Hillcrest District in Downtown San Diego, in addition to being the first individual ever recognized with this honor.

Congratulations to Patrik for this prestigious honor!

For more information on Stoli's commitment to LGBT diversity, visit HeroesRaisingtheBar.com.