SAN MARCOS — Students gathered in the Student Union quad and lawn to commemorate the theme of “Love, Power, and Joy in a New Era” during Palomar’s fifth annual Pride Festival on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event was put on by the Pride Center to shine light on the queer community and promote resources they may need. Around 50 partners made up of community and staff members joined together to host tables filled with crafts and games for students to participate in. Students went around the “neighborhoods” of tents to collect stamps in a booklet from various tables. A full booklet was a ticket for free lunch.
During the event, Faculty Pride Center Coordinator Dr. Ben Mudgett helped coordinate speeches and announcements. He emphasized the importance of having this festival here at Palomar.
“Talking about Pride and talking about the LGBTQ+ issues is so important, especially now as the national discourse is trying to roll us back in our rights that we had worked really hard on to gain,” Mudgett said. “Now more than ever, events like this that make our culture and our lives visible are a statement that we’re not going anywhere, and that we’re going to continue fighting and advocating for our rights and ability to live freely.”
This was a day for students to unite and be surrounded by people who may be, or are, also figuring our their gender and/or sexual identity. Several people who attended the event felt that it was impactful.
“Pride is really important to me because it is part of my identity already. Being an agendered person on campus, I really take a lot of solace in the Pride Center. And having an entire day dedicated to people like me feels really beautiful and accepting. It really makes me feel supported by my school,” Palomar student Bishop Garcia said.
Numerous resource tables lined the Student Union quad and lawn. Gregory Richardson hosted a booth representing Trans Family Support Services of San Diego, showcasing the resources they provide for the trans community.
“We help out people with any part of their transition, including families, grandparents and young kids. We really help out youth, though, to support them in any way we can. With resources like support groups, mentorship, and all of our services are free,” Richardson said. “We also help out folks online through all different channels, especially through our Discord server community groups.”
Those interested were also able to make custom stickers, buttons, bracelets and their own zines.
Palomar’s Black Faculty and Staff Association (PBFSA) also had a booth at the festival. With a table covered in posters of some notable figures within the Black queer community, Dr. Kristie Hill-Cummings felt it was important to host a table at this event.
“We want to let students know that everyone is welcomed. We love and cherish everyone. Even though our nation may not feel comforting, we are giving open arms and comfort to our students here on campus, as well as some of our faculty and staff,” Hill-Cummings said.
Drag queen Lady Blanca gave three performances and kept those watching entertained throughout. With a performance to “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, Lady Blanca interacted with the audience and kept the energy high. DJ Jocelín played a large role in playing music for the event, including songs by Bad Bunny.
To end the event, awards were given out to show appreciation to the booths at the festival. The Telescope took home the award for being “the table that spilt the tea,” and “the table that slayed the most” went to the Council of Classified Employees.
Two “Love, Power and Joy” awards were handed out, won by PBFSA and Creative Services.
For more information visit the Pride Center website, or contact them at 760-744-1150 ext. 2396 or [email protected].