Thunderbolts and lightning — very, very frightening?
Not for marchers and watchers at Saturday’s Pride Parade in Hillcrest, where San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria tweeted: “You can’t have rainbows with out rain. #sdpride”
That seemed to be theme of the 41st annual event, celebrating LGBT culture and latest freedoms, thanks to the 5-4 Supreme Court verdict expanding same-sex marriage rights to all Americans and the Pentagon’s moves allowing transgender troops.
In fact, sky flashes sparked “ooohs” and booms brought cheers along the 1.5-mile route starting at Normal Street and University Avenue.
Soak up our photos, capturing the sodden moment and spirited marchers.
The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of parade marchers. Chris Stone photo
Members of Fetish Men San Diego took part in the parade. Chris Stone photo
Enthusiasm and joy permeated the parade route. Chris Stone photo
Members of Trans Lives Matter make their point during the parade. Chris Stone photo
Spectators looked for ways to stay stay dry during the parade. Chris Stone photo
Parade members were enthusiastic despite the rain. Chris Stone photo
Two drenched girls watch the parade. Chris Stone photo.
Members of Mission Gathering Church spread the message of love. Chris Stone photo.
Colorful stilt walkers braved the weather. Chris Stone photo
Members of the San Diego Pride Youth Marching Band performed in the parade for the first time. Chris Stone photo
Members of Trans Lives Matter protested during the parade. Chris Stone photo
Parade members representing Acroyoga.org perform for the crowd. Chris Stone photo
Parade participants point to the sky following a lightning strike. Chris Stone photo
California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (left) waves to the crowd. Chris Stone photo
Church members carry a sign promoting diversity. Chris Stone photo
Balloons spell out LOVE WINS toward the end of Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
A participant stretches before the 1 1/2-mile parade. Chris Stone photo.
Members of the California Highway Patrol take part in the parade. Chris Stone photo
A sheriff’s deputy brings wristbands to distribute to the crowd. Chris Stone photo
San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria waves to the crowd during a recent Pride parade. Chris Stone photo
U.S. Rep. Susan Davis waves to parade crowds during the rain. Chris Stone photo.
A spectator bundles up during the cool rainy weather. Chris Stone photo.
Members of the Pilgrim United Church in Carlsbad hold signs promoting peace and equality. Chris Stone photo.
Members of Acroyoga practice before the parade. Chris Stone photo
Members of Acroyoga practice before the parade. Chris Stone photo
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgences marched in the parade. Chris Stone photo
83-year-old Jane Morebello from Santee supporter her niece and wife. Chris Stone photo
San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore waves to spectators. Photo by Chris Stone
Many parade participants held signs promoting peace and equality. Chris Stone photo.
Parade participants wore their Pride best for the parade. Chris Stone photo
Union Bank employees and families showed the Pride colors. Chris Stone photo
Parade participants wore their Pride best for the parade. Chris Stone photo
Members of all branches of the military marched in the parade. Chris Stone photo
San Diego Community College District board members Bernie Rhinerson and Rich Grosch, Chancellor Constance Carroll and San Diego City College President Anthony Beebe took part in the parade along with district employees. Chris Stone photo
Many parade participants held signs promoting peace and equality. Chris Stone photo.
Members of the San Diego Community College District enjoy the parade. Chris Stone photo.
U.S. Rep. Juan Vargas dodges raindrops with the help of a sign. Chris Stone photo.
Parade participants wore colorful costumes. Chris Stone photo.
A parade participant dances in the rain. Chris Stone photo
Umbrellas kept elaborate costumes in good shape despite the downpours.
State Sen. Marty Block spreads good wishes to the crowd. Chris Stone photo.
Parade participants marched despite the heavy rain. Chris Stone photo
An officer in the San Diego Police Department waves to spectators as she marches in the rain. Chris Stone photo
Spectators cheered for parade entrants. Chris Stone photo.
At the beginning of the parade, protesters demonstrated in favor of equal rights for transgender people. Chris Stone photo
Protesters demonstrate in favor of equal rights for transgender people during the 2015 San Diego Pride Parade. (Photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer braved the downpours during the parade. Chris Stone photo
San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman was drenched in the rain during the parade. Chris Stone photo
U.S. Rep. Scott Peters appeared on a truck in the parade. Chris Stone photo.
Parents marched in support of their children at 2015 Pride parade. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Councilwoman Sherri Lightner waved to parade crowds. Chris Stone photo
Participants rode in the parade quoting the Bible. Chris Stone photo
Parade float members kept their heads dry. Chris Stone photo
Parade participants wore their Pride best for the parade. Chris Stone photo
Motorcycle riders lead the San Diego Pride Parade. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)
Member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgences marched in the Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
Members of all branches of the military marched in the Saturday parade. Chris Stone photo
Members of all branches of the military marched in the Saturday parade. Chris Stone photo
Members of all branches of the military marched in the Saturday parade. Chris Stone photo
A man greets parade participants as they pass. Chris Stone photo
Spectators huddle under a single umbrella during a downpour. Chris Stone photo.
Parade participants on stilts make their way down the route despite the downpour. Chris Stone photo
Parade participants from Together is Beautiful display the rainbow flag. Chris Stone photo.
Member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgences marched in the Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
A young woman holds a sign promoting diversity in the parade. Chris Stone photo
Members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgences marched in the Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
A Pride parade participant joyously dances in the downpour in 2015. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Councilman David Alvarez marched in the downpour. Chris Stone photo
Groups took part in the Pride Parade despite downpours. Chris Stone photo
Dancing in the rain at San Diego Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
Dancing in the rain at San Diego Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
Dancing in the rain at San Diego Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
Dancing in the rain at San Diego Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
Dancing in the rain at San Diego Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
Dancing in the rain at San Diego Pride Parade. Chris Stone photo
