LGBT trailblazer
Jeri Dilno dies at 87.
Local LGBTQ+ Trailblazer Jeri Dilno Passes Away at 87
San Diego, CA – The LGBTQ+ community in San Diego is mourning the loss of a beloved trailblazer, Jeri Dilno, who passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 3034 at the age of 87. Dilno, a veteran, Pride organizer, and lesbian activist, played a critical role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the city.
Dilno’s impact on the community was profound, as she dedicated over five decades of her life to advocating for LGBTQ+ equality and women’s rights. She held leadership positions in various organizations, including San Diego Pride, San Diego Democrats for Equality, and the San Diego LGBT Community Center.
State Senator Toni Atkins expressed her condolences, stating, “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. She will be remembered for her dedication, indomitable spirit, wit, and wisdom. I will miss my dear friend, Jeri.”
Born and raised in San Diego, Dilno attended Point Loma High School and San Diego State College before joining the Air Force. Unfortunately, she was discharged from service due to her sexual orientation. Dilno fought the charges and requested a hearing, becoming the only person targeted by the investigation to take such action.
After moving to Philadelphia, Dilno played a pivotal role in organizing the city’s first Pride march in 1972. She later returned to San Diego in 1975 and organized the city’s inaugural Pride celebration using her previous experience.
From 1975 to 1977, Dilno served as the first Executive Director of the San Diego LGBT Community Center. She continued to be involved with Pride, serving on its board for several years. Dilno also made significant contributions as a journalist, editor, and political activist.
In addition to her achievements in advocacy and activism, Dilno was known for her sense of humor, captivating storytelling abilities, and her enjoyment of the occasional vodka gimlet. Nicole Verdes, Managing Director of Lambda Archives, a local LGBT+ organization Dilno volunteered for, highlighted these personal qualities.
San Diego Pride and the San Diego LGBT Community Center released a joint statement expressing the irreplaceable impact Dilno had on the LGBTQ+ movement. They encouraged people to share their stories about her on social media as a way to honor her memory.
Dilno’s contributions were recognized by the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame, where she was inducted, and she received a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2019, a street in San Diego was named after her, called Jeri Dilno Way, in front of the city council.
For more information about Jeri Dilno and her legacy, visit https://sdnews.com/jeri-dilno-lgbt-trailblazer/.
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– LGBT trailblazer Jeri Dilno
– LGBT trailblazer Jeri Dilno dies.
