Local LGBTQ+ trailblazer Jeri Dilno died on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 at the age of 87. She was a veteran, Pride organizer and lesbian activist who was critical in the advancement of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community.

“The San Diego community lost one of its pillars with the passing of Jeri Dilno. For a half century, Jeri was an outspoken advocate and trailblazer for LGBTQ+ equality and women’s rights, serving in top leadership roles with organizations such as San Diego Pride, San Diego Democrats for Equality, and the San Diego LGBT Community Center. She will be remembered for her dedication and indomitable spirt, as well as her wit and wisdom. I will miss my dear friend, Jeri,” said State Senator Toni Atkins.

Dilno went to Point Loma High School then San Diego State College before joining the Air Force. When she was discharged over being gay, she was the only person targeted by the investigation to fight the charges and request a hearing.

After moving to Philadelphia, she played a pivotal role in organizing the city’s first Pride march in 1972 – experience she used in 1975 after returning home to San Diego to organize this city’s first Pride celebration.

Dilno served as the first Executive Director of the San Diego LGBT Community Center from 1975-1977. She remained involved with Pride, including serving on its board for several years, in the decades to come. In addition, she worked as a journalist, editor and political activist.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jeri Dilno… Jeri was a trailblazer, and San Diego Pride wouldn’t be what it is today without her contributions in those early days. She will always be remembered for her leadership, which paved the way for all of us who follow in her footsteps today,” said Assembly member Chris Ward.

“Aside from her accomplishments in service of the LGBTQ+ community and her passionate involvement in local political activism, Jeri was known and loved for her sense of humor, her ability to enthrall people with storytelling, and for enjoying the occasional vodka gimlet,” said Nicole Verdes, Managing Director of Lambda Archives, another LGBT+ organization Dilno volunteered for.

San Diego Pride and the Center put out a joint statement regarding her passing, saying: “Rarely does one person so profoundly impact the foundation, growth, and sustained progress of a movement the way that Jeri Dilno did. Her presence and influence are irreplaceable for not only the San Diego LGBT Community Center but San Diego Pride.”

The organizations urged people to honor the storyteller by taking to social media to share stories about her.

Dilno is part of the San Diego’s Women Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from San Diego Pride in 1999. Dilno had a street, Jeri Dilno Way, in front of the Center named after her in 2019 by then City Council member Chris Ward.

Learn more about her at https://sdnews.com/jeri-dilno-lgbt-trailblazer/.