SAN DIEGO -- Upwards of 200,000 people screamed and hollered thanks on Saturday when American troops for the first time in U.S. history were able to march in their uniform at a pride parade, right here in Hillcrest.

The history-making moment at the 2012 San Diego LGBT Pride Parade will be covered in full on Monday morning by San Diego Gay & Lesbian News, which does not publish on Sunday.

Send your comments about what you thought of the 2012 San Diego Pride events to SDGLN Editor in Chief Ken Williams at ken@sdgln.com.

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about Harvey Milk, and what he said.

“The only thing they have to look forward to is hope. And you have to give them hope.”

I’ve been thinking about it, because some in San Diego’s LGBT community plan to turn their backs on Carl DeMaio’s contingent in Saturday’s Pride parade. I think this is misguided.

We choose what we want to cultivate. Look forward, chin up, smile; say, “yes,” and say, “love.” You will cultivate hope and good things and progress.

Turn your back, cast your eyes away, and shake your head. You will cultivate nothing.

SAN DIEGO -- One of the biggest challenges many face when heading to the annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade is choosing where to view the parade from.

As the 38th annual parade, dubbed "America's Pride" this year, passes by this Saturday, one of the best places to view it will be from Eden in Hillcrest, where SDPIX/SDGLN and the nightclub have teamed for the "Official Parade Viewing Party."

Not only will those who attend the party be situated at one of the best spots along the parade route, they will be surrounded by other parade revelers celebrating America's Pride.

As a matter of full disclosure, SDGLN Publisher Johnathan Hale has a personal relationship with Carl DeMaio. Their relationship in no way impacts the editorial decisions made by Ken Williams, SDGLN Editor in Chief, and does not influence our political coverage. Williams can be reached at ken@sdgln.com, @KenSanDiego on Twitter or at (877) 727-5446, x713.

This November, San Diego has a strong chance of electing its first LGBT mayor – an amazing development that reflects the diversity and acceptance that we’re proud of in San Diego.