GLAAD is proud to be partnering with Westfield Horton Plaza and Westfield Mission Valley shopping centers in celebration of this year's San Diego Pride. Between last Friday, July 11th and next Monday, July 21st, the shopping centers will have pride-themed interactive installations and festive decor, done with GLAAD's help.
These displays will include an 'I'm Proud Of...' interactive art installation embodying this year's event theme, Reflections of Pride. Photo opportunities will also be available at both centers, and the event hashtag #westfieldSDpride will allow community members to connect with one another through different social media outlets. Additionally, a rainbow garden will complement the center decor at Westfield Mission Valley, and colorful yarn bomb 'street art' will brighten Westfield Horton Plaza.
The Westfield shopping centers are increasing awareness and support for the LGBT community this year through these in-center installations, promoting the slogan 'Celebrate With Pride." Horton Plaza will be partaking in the initiative for the first time, while Mission Valley will be inviting the community to celebrate for the second year in a row. Westfield Mission Valley Marketing Manager, Brandon Matzek, says the following on the partnership with GLAAD and upcoming Pride festivities:
Westfield strives to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and welcomes any opportunity to connect with the local community in a meaningful way. We received an overwhelmingly positive response to our San Diego Pride initiative last year and are thrilled to include Westfield Horton Plaza in the celebrations this year.
But this isn't GLAAD's first time partnering with Westfield. Last October, Westfield Groups all throughout California got shoppers to build a "tower of strength" in support of Sprit Day 2014. Photobooths were installed in several cities throughout the state, and customers at Westfield were able to take their photos for free. These photos were then incorporated into the tower of strength at the Culver City location.
On Westfield's continued participation in the LGBT Pride movement, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said, "GLAAD is pleased to once again join Westfield Mission Valley and Westfield Horton Plaza to 'celebrate with pride' in recognition of how far the LGBT community has come, and as a reminder of how far we have left to go - together."