sparks of the week: san diego pride edition ๐โ๐ฝ๐
your queer boricua's sparks for pride 2024 (with extra sofrito)
tl;dr: it's pride weekend in san diego, mi gente! from bops to books, and everything in between, i've got you covered. let's make this pride unforgettable! ๐ณ๏ธโ๐๐
check out past โsparks of the weekโ episodes here!
last episode:
what's good, familia?
it's your favorite queer boricua coming at you with a special pride edition of sparks of the week!
san diego pride is upon us today, and i'm more hyped than a chihuahua on espresso. so strap in (or strap on, no judgment here), 'cause we're about to dive into the best of pride 2024!
๐ต the bops: "queen of this shit" by quay dash
first up, we've got "queen of this shit" by quay dash. this track is fiercer than your titi's chancla aim! quay's flow is smoother than mantequilla on hot pan sobao, and her lyrics? ๐๐ฝ pure ๐๐ฝ fuego ๐๐ฝ. if this doesn't make you want to strut down university ave like you own it - check your pulse, honey.
this one came recommended by my good friend
. you da best, dude - thanks for this recommendation.๐ต the bops: eddyโs official 2024 san diego pride spotify playlist
but why stop at one song when you can have a whole playlist? my officially sanctioned and ordained 2024 san diego pride spotify playlist is hotter than a july day in balboa parkโฆ and you know, you're about to experience it if you're going this weekend!
kicking off with my ride-or-die favorite, "breathless" by the corrs (fight me, it's a bop!), this playlist is the soundtrack to your pride fantasies. it's got everything from classic pride anthems to the latest queer bops, all eddy-approved for maximum fabulousness.
trust me, this playlist will have you dancing harder than your papi at a family cookout after his third medalla, hahaha.
๐the reads: โcuando era puertorriqueรฑaโ by esmeralda santiago
now, let's talk books. "cuando era puertorriqueรฑa" by esmeralda santiago is a must-read, especially during pride season when we're celebrating all aspects of our identities. for my fellow boricuas, it's like looking into a mirror and seeing your abuela's face staring back at you. for my non-puerto rican amigxs, it's a window into a world that might be different from yours, but just as queer and just as valid.
santiago's writing captures the essence of our isla del encanto and the struggles of navigating two cultures - something many of us in the lgbtq+ community can relate to as we balance our queer identities with our cultural backgrounds. it's been my go-to for reconnecting with my roots, and let me tell you, it's more refreshing than a cold piragua on a hot afternoon.
so, whether you're taking a break from the glitter to lounge in balboa park, or you're looking to diversify your bookshelf (and honey, you should), this book is the perfect pride companion. who knows? maybe it'll inspire you to shout "yo soy boricua, pa'que tu lo sepas!" at the parade. and yes, i'll teach you how to pronounce it correctly. ๐๐ต๐ท๐ณ๏ธโ๐
๐ฎ the eats: puerto rican kitchen food truck
okay mi gente, listen up because i'm about to change your life faster than a drag queen can death drop. you know that corner of fifth and robinson in hillcrest? the one right next to the rail? well, every friday and saturday night, that spot turns into a little slice of paradise thanks to this amazing puerto rican kitchen food truck.
let me tell you, their sofrito? it's like my abuela sneaked into their kitchen and sprinkled her magic. and the tostones? ay dios mรญo, they're crispy and perfect. it's a true revelation, like finding out your crush is also into you (and single!).
so when you're stumbling out of the rail, feeling mรกs borracho que un coquรญ en un barril de ron, make a beeline for this food truck. trust me, it's the perfect pre-game for pride festivities or the ideal post-party refuel. your taste buds will thank you, your hangover will thank you, and hey, you might even catch me there, living my best boricua life in the heart of hillcrest.
pro tip: get there early because once word gets out (oops, sorry not sorry), that line's gonna be longer than the wait for the bathroom at rich's on a saturday night!
eddyโs san diego pride the dos and don'ts ๐ซ
okay, mi gente, gather 'round! iโm about to drop some knowledge hotter than a drag queen's mixtape. now, full disclosure: i've only got two san diego prides under my sequined belt. i know, i know - i'm basically a baby gay in pride years.
so, while i may not be a certified pride expert (is there a degree for that? asking for a friend), i've learned enough to fill a tรญa's purse at an all-you-can-eat buffet. from the highs of dancing till dawn to the lows of a glitter-induced hangover, i've seen things! things that would make even rupaul clutch her pearls. here's what this queer boricua can tell you about surviving (and thriving) at the san diego pride. trust me, it's been a journey gayer than neon rainbow unicorn riding a disco ball.
do carry cash: because honey, when you're three mojitos deep, you don't want to be doing calculus to split the bill.
do bring a clear bag: some bars are pickier than my tรญa at a farmer's market. clear bags are in, secrets are out!
don't forget to watch your cell & belongings: pickpockets are thirstier than a twink at last call. keep that phone closer than your crush on the dance floor.
do pack a pride survival kit: deodorant (please!), hand sanitizer (because ew), water (stay hydrated, or die-drated), and sunscreen for face and body. nobody wants to look like a fabulously gay lobster.
do use protection: wrap it before you tap it, folks! safe sex is great sex. and remember, consent is like a good salsa - required and enthusiastic!
don't forget to pace yourself: pride is a marathon, not a sprint. nobody wants to peak at brunch and miss the parade.
do have a buddy system: stick with your squad like hair on a drag queen's chest. safety in numbers, and better group selfies!
don't be afraid to take breaks: find shade faster than your closeted high school bully on grindr. heat exhaustion is not the kind of blow job you want.
do respect boundaries: just because it's pride doesn't mean everyone wants to be your new bestie. consent applies to hugs too, amigxs!
do bring your fiercest attitude: confidence is the best accessory. work it harder than rupaul at a meet-and-greet!
do remember sobriety is sexy: remember you don't need to be mรกs prendido que arbolito de navidad to have a good time, too. have your fun but be healthy and safe and aware.
remember, mi gente, pride is about celebration, community, and being your authentic self.
remember, you're all fierce! and more resilient than a drag queen's wig in a hurricane. let's make this pride one for the history books. <3
hasta la prรณxima, mi gente!
eddy ๐ณ๏ธโ๐โจ
Great playlist, Eddy! :)