Chaffey Pride Fest Celebrates Community and Belonging

Chaffey College’s annual Pride Festival took on special meaning for art major Linayha Espindola this year. Espindola, who helped run the Lavender Coalition table at the event, said it was her first time attending Pride after coming out.

“It feels a lot like coming home,” she said. “It’s so nice to see community at a time when we need community.”

Hundreds of people from Chaffey and the surrounding community gathered June 4 for an afternoon of dance music, food, games and fun. Students sampled burgers, ice cream, açai bowls and churros, watched drag performers and tried face painting.

The Lavender Coalition provided stations to make Pride-themed bracelets, canvas paintings and flag decorations.

“One of my favorite sayings is that Pride keeps people alive,” said Priscilla Zamora-Nunez, undocumented and LGBTQIA+ student liaison. “Just being here in community does wonders for folks.”

Mell Urbina, a biology major who hopes to pursue a career in disease research, said that her friends have known about her sexual orientation for years, but finally came out to her relatives in 2022. And even though her family was supportive, some of them were concerned for her safety at events focused on the community.

“I’ve never gone to a Pride event because my mom is nervous about me going, but because this was on campus, she was more comfortable.”

Radiologic technology major Neil Shah wore a Chaffey Pride rainbow logo t-shirt for the event and hoped to make connections with the community. He hopes to transfer to a four-year university and eventually help others in a hospital position.

The fest is something he appreciates Chaffey hosting, and it was his second time attending.

“Pride means being able to love who I want to love without fear or judgment,” he said.