As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, dare I say that I don’t know support beyond my circle of friends? As supportive as they are, sometimes you need that professional opinion instead of biased, fun decision-making friends.
I have only recently started going to therapy for other issues and events in my life. Still, I learned about an LGBTQ+ volunteer program in Vista and our LGBTQ+ counseling and therapy services here on campus, as well as a fun Pride Center. I didn’t know that Palomar College provided such services. At first, I’m sure we are all skeptical about the terms of counseling and therapy since it’s such a niche subject that many people don’t want to talk about. Some don’t believe in it either, but I was easily pleased after talking to some of the staff about the benefits and life events they offer.
A Pride Center Representative, Abbie Cory, was kind enough to have a Zoom meeting interview so I could get the most information possible. “We just want to provide a safe space for students to hang out, be with other LGBTQ+ individuals, and be stress-free while experiencing the events we create. I want them to feel comfortable enough to talk about anything that’s on their mind, like school and stressful life situations,” she said.
The Pride Center likes to organize fun events like movie nights, rock painting, and more. It also provides information and guides for mental and physical health. Whether it is a therapy session you seek or medical help, on and off campus, with references and referrals, Abbie has the right books, knowledge, and details to benefit you.
Though the center has a Facebook and Instagram page, they look forward to spreading more awareness about their services and activities through the Telescope and new signage and banners around campus.
On May 10, the Pride Center hosted both a Pride Festival and a Gay Prom. And the insider scoop? There was a chocolate fountain! If you missed it this year, there is always next year to attend. With this rise of awareness about the activities during the semesters here at Palomar, there’s lots of fun to be had with our Pride Center.
With the benefits Palomar provides for this community along the lines of mental and physical health, they also just want us to have fun, be comfortable in our own skin, and know that there are people who are always willing to help. Abbie Cory concluded our Zoom call by saying, “My goal for students who come to the Pride Center is to have them feel safe and accepted. I don’t want just the center to be LGBTQ+ welcoming. I want the whole campus onboard.”
