CPP Pride Center Hosts Early Pride Month Events for Campus Community
Cal Poly Pomona is celebrating Pride Month with multiple events on campus throughout April and May. While officially recognized in June, CPP is getting a jumpstart on the festivities to include students who are on campus during the spring semester.
Pride Month was first recognized in 1999 when President Bill Clinton proclaimed the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots every June in America as "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month." In 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the recognition of Pride Month to include the entirety of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Allies, Plus) community to recognize their valuable contributions and uplift their voices.
CPP’s Pride Center provides education, advocacy, support, and a safe space for the LGBQTIA+ community on campus. Recently, the Pride Center launched the OUTList, an online directory of staff, faculty, students, and alumni who identify as LGBTQIA+. Currently, the OUTList has over 100 members and aims to increase visibility and awareness for LGBTQIA+ issues and establish a strong sense of community on campus.
“The OUTList allows others who may still be questioning to know that it’s okay to be queer at Cal Poly Pomona,” said Joshua Salazar (he/him), Pride Center coordinator.
The Pride Center also hosts events through the year for the campus community. Here are some of the “Gaypril” events happening in honor of Pride Month starting in April.
Clothesline Project - Tuesday, April 9 from 11 a.m, to1 p.m. in Ursa Minor
This workshop will be an opportunity for the CPP community to learn, honor, and pay respects to womxn-identifying and others who have experienced domestic violence and other forms of violence. RSVP Here.
Pride Formal: Friday, April 12 from 7 to10 p.m. in Ursa Major
This event mimics a traditional prom and is an opportunity for LGBQTIA+ students to "redo" prom and show up as their authentic selves without fear of judgment. This year's theme is “Ye Olde Gay Time” and asks students to partake in a night whimsy and fantasy. RSVP here.
Pride Fest: Tuesday, April 16 from noon to-2 p.m. in University Park
Stop by to learn about campus resources, support local LGBTQIA+ businesses, eat some free food and socialize with your peers! RSVP here.
Senior Pride Hike - Saturday, April 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at California Botanic Garden in Claremont
Join the Pride Center for the final hike of the semester! All are welcome, especially graduating seniors. The first 20 students will be granted admission in the garden, with $5 discounted pricing thereafter. RSVP Here.
26th Annual Lavender Graduation Celebration- Thursday, May 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Ursa Major
The Centers for T.R.E.E. Graduation Celebrations are campus-wide events that honor the achievements and academic excellence of all students while incorporating traditions and practices that uplift our communities. All students are welcome and invited to attend! Lavender Grad will recognize the achievements of CPP’s LGBTQIA+ graduating seniors. More info here.
Pride Month Zoom Background
The campus community is invited to download and use the CPP Pride Month background (and other commemorative backgrounds) on online spaces, such as Zoom and Teams. Find the background here.
