SAN DIEGO -- As part of the fifth annual San Diego Remembers Matthew Shepard vigil and celebration held last week, a photo project held during the event encouraged participants to think about the stereotypes that might hold them back in their daily lives.

SDGLN media partner Gay San Diego published a full page spread of some of the photos in its edition today, which were taken by local photographer and activist Cali Griebel.

“Mom, is everyone here transgender?”

His eyes were bright and excited, and a smile beamed across his face.

As his mother looked down and hugged him, I felt a knot in my throat and my eyes fill with tears.

What had the "A-Team" told us new counselors just a few hours before?

Oh yeah, that this week would be emotional. At the time, I wasn’t really sure what they meant.

Sure, I knew that when it was time to say goodbye at the end of the week it would be sad, but I didn’t even think about experiencing happy tears until that moment.

Courtney Ware signed up to volunteer for San Diego Pride last summer, and fell in love with the community. Initially, her goal was to meet new people, but the 27-year old became so passionate about the fight for equality that she now finds herself involved with half a dozen community organizations.

Originally from Santa Clarita, California, Ware has been married to her husband Gary for nearly four years, although the couple has been together for 10 years.

What organization(s) do you volunteer for, and why?