Pridefest celebrates diverse identity

Sierra Contreras, Design & Layout Editor

More than 200 students and guests attended the annual CSUSM Pridefest on April 27.

Sun Quanjun, peer educator at the Pride Center and an event organizer, described the outdoor event as upbeat and “a bigger turnout than I thought.”

“Every booth got adequate attention,” Quanjun said in an email last week.

The LGBTQA Pride Center hosted the event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Kellogg Plaza.

“It was an event indicating the end of gAyPRIL by celebrating with different organizations,” including off-campus allies, said Quanjun.

Tables and tents lined the plaza, each belonging to a different organization, offering information, free food, swag—buttons, bracelets, rainbow (and lense-less) glass frames—and interactive displays. One display featured poster board wall that invited people to write messages to those who don’t support the LGBTQA community.

Through the month of April, CSUSM celebrates the LGBTQA community instead of June—the national Pride month celebration—because school is not in session.

“GSDBA (Greater San Diego Business Association) came to campus, telling us about their organization,” Quanjun said. “They’re dedicated to helping out LGBTQA members become successful businesspeople and entrepreneurs.”

The GSDBA website advocates for diversity while supporting small businesses since 1979. Quanjun said letting students know of the existence of the LGBTQA Pride center is an important way to show that “we have a brave space on campus for LGBTQA students.”

Quanjun, a sophomore business major, offered this advice to LGBTQA students: “Don’t be afraid to explore your sexuality and gender identities.”