'We're Bigger and Braver': Chaffey College Celebrates Pride
With fluttering rainbow flags, the groove of “Dancing Queen” and the smell of sizzling burgers, Chaffey College kicked off Pride Month at its Rancho Cucamonga campus June 5.
About 300 members of the campus and surrounding community gathered, something particularly meaningful in the current social and political climate, said Priscilla Zamora Nunez, who serves as Chaffey’s liaison for undocumented and LGBTQIA+ students.
“We’re here, we’re stronger, we’re bigger and braver than ever,” she said.
Circus artists juggled, danced with flags and even stilt-walked to disco classics,
while Inland Empire drag artist Frida Diablo lip-synched to a Chappell Roan medley,
among other songs.
“Pride to me is not just a celebration of those who came before us, but it’s also a reminder that the fight is not over – it has only changed,” they said.
Monserrat Romero-Garcia, a theatre arts major who identifies as pansexual and gender fluid, visited information booths, played carnival games and enjoyed food from the Habit Burger & Grill and Bruster’s ice cream.
“It makes me comfortable to see my community represented here,” they said. “It’s important for people to have a space for themselves and to express themselves.”
Ariel Galindo-Escobar, an alumnus who graduated in May, sang along as fellow Panthers danced and lip synched to “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. He returned to Chaffey for Pride because his busy class schedule prevented him from attending previous celebrations.
“Me being gay, I want to support this and even though I’m not a student here I still want to support Chaffey,” he said.
Professor of History Ian Baldwin, who serves as faculty advisor for Chaffey’s Lavender Coalition student club, said it’s critical for schools to provide safe spaces for marginalized communities in the current climate.
“I think it’s important that Chaffey is not backing down from queer culture, queer history and queer identity,” he said.
