Sonoma County Pride Leader JD Donovan Left Her Mark

“We are here to teach and understand one another as we all

have differing viewpoints based on our life experiences.”

• “JD” Donovan

The Northern California LGBTQI community is filled with grateful memories and sorrow at the passing of “JD” Jenny Donovan in May. She passed away peacefully at home from natural causes while surrounded by loved ones. 

Originally from Long Beach, California, JD moved to Sonoma County in 2009. JD fell for the beauty of Sonoma from the Redwoods to the beaches, as well as the area’s world-class wines. She worked part time at Equality Vines where she could share her values as well as her wine expertise. She loved nature and worked for the California State Parks where she worked to ensure inclusion for people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

JD was passionate about her work in the community.  She was the co-owner of the infamous Russian River Women’s Weekend and the President of Sonoma County Pride.  She was also a strong advocate for rescue cats through Forgotten Felines. At the Women’s Weekend, she would often encourage support by announcing to participants, “We all love the pussy, so let’s save the pussy!”

When a struggling Sonoma County Pride re-organized in 2014, JD became a charter leader after a small group met to figure out a way to revitalize and expand the event. JD was unanimously selected to serve as President as well as Entertainment Chair for the festival.

JD had a vision for Sonoma Pride to reflect the entire community, especially the underrepresented.  She brought a new level of strategic thinking and planning to the Board process to develop a well-respected organization with visibility and transparency.

Her fellow Pride Board Members recall that JD’s warm and compassionate leadership created an environment of collaboration. She also instilled some key leadership rules: Get all the facts before you make a decision. Be kind to others and listen. Be mindful of good business practices and never do anything to harm the reputation of Sonoma County Pride.

Her hard work and dedication paid off. Sonoma County Pride has grown from 1,000 participants to a major West Coast weekend event with over 5,000 participants with dozens of major corporate sponsors under JD’s leadership. Her efforts, along with the other Pride Board Members have enhanced the lives and well-being of the Sonoma County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex community. www.SonomaCountyPride.org.

She made her home in Guerneville with her wife Mel Donovan-Thompson whom she met while recruiting volunteers for Pride and Women’s Weekend. They shared a passion for the outdoors, travel, and quiet nights at their ‘Forbidden Forest’ home shared with their many fur-baby rescue cats. JD joked that she had to stop volunteering at Forgotten Felines as she kept bringing cats home. She defended her actions by pointing out, “We have five cats in theory, but with all their missing parts, we really only have four and a half.”

JD’s thoughtful leadership as well as her quick laugh and warm heart will be missed but she leaves a legacy in the Sonoma County LGBTQI community. We hope you will join us in celebrating her memory.

Editor’s Note: The GED Magazine crew met JD on a visit to Guerneville over two years ago. We became fast friends and were able to experience first-hand the caring and dedicated leadership she provided to Sonoma County LGBTQI causes. And anyone who ever bought into the idea that you can’t mix business with pleasure, never worked with our friend JD. May she be an inspiration to others in our community to champion local causes that are near to your hearts.