Fernando Z. López is a transformative leader and dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, with over two decades of contributions to human rights, social justice, and community empowerment. Originally from rural El Centro, California, López moved to San Diego as a homeless youth in 1999 and has since emerged as a prominent figure in global LGBTQ+ advocacy.
A former fellow with the National LGBTQ Task Force, López has worked with the organization over the last 19 years, including on the Equality Calls Campaign, Prop 8, and post-election marriage equality initiatives. They have held pivotal roles in organizations such as Equality California (EQCA) and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA). As the former Executive Director of San Diego Pride, López transformed the organization into a year-round nexus of LGBTQ+ art, advocacy, and education, recognized as the world’s most philanthropic Pride organization, contributing over $3.5 million globally.
Internationally, López founded the Orgullo Sin Fronteras Binational LGBTQ Conference and the Pride World Forum. They developed a curriculum for the Fulbright Program and facilitated the 2023 InterPride Conference in San Diego, convening over 500 LGBTQ+ leaders from 40 countries and 190 cities. Serving with the San Diego Diplomacy Council, López has engaged with over 600 leaders from more than 140 countries.
López’s policy work has advanced LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the arts, education, employment, athletics, and government institutions, with a focus on intersectional QTBIPOC communities. They have spearheaded campaigns promoting LGBTQ+ candidates and ballot initiatives, enhancing voter outreach, and supporting marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community. López is a respected speaker, columnist, and consultant, known for impactful workshops and training sessions that emphasize storytelling, strategic planning, and the practical application of intersectional social justice.
Personally, Fernando is a self-identified science nerd, pianist, singer, artist, chef, and runner who believes weaving together art and advocacy are powerful tools for change. Professionally, López’s dedication to intersectional social justice and their impact on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond have established them as a beacon of leadership and an inspiration to activists worldwide.
