San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride has appointed Dr. January Riddle onto its board of directors.

Dr. Riddle is a longtime activist for women's and LGBT rights and returned to San Diego recently after serving 28 months as an educational resource specialist in South Africa for the U.S. Peace Corps. While there, she worked with teachers in rural schools throughout the Mpumalanga Province and established the first library in the village of Kameelrivier, where she was based.

Prior to her Peace Corps service, she was an associate professor of communication at Bethany College in West Virginia and served on the West Virginia State Board of the ACLU. She also taught at two California universities and is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American Education and Who's Who of American Women.

Dr. Riddle is a past president of SD County NOW and a past executive vice president of the SD Democratic Club. She currently teaches part time at San Diego State University and is a realtor with Century 21 in San Carlos.

The 2006 San Diego Pride celebration is scheduled for July 28-30, under the title: Equality! No Turning Back!" The festivities this year include art shows, concerts and theater productions, along with a kickoff rally on July 28, a mile-long parade with giant balloons on July 29 and a two day festival on July 29 and 30, that will feature 10 entertainment stages, more than 70 live performances, special attractions, food and beer gardens.

San Diego LGBT Pride produces an annual, all-inclusive public celebration that provides a safe environment for the communities of San Diego. Since 1996 it has donated more than $1 million to various organizations within the LGBT community.

For more information about upcoming Pride events or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 619-297-7683 or visit the web site at: www.sdpride.org.