Pride flag raising promotes an inclusive environment 

On May 21, students gathered around to hear speeches from faculty and to watch the Pride flag be raised, in honor of Pride Month and Harvey Milk Day, which was on May 22. 

A topic of conversation during the event was the mention and honoring of Harvey Milk, an American politician who was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. 

Pride month is just around the corner, but pride is celebrated at LBCC every month. With recent times being very confusing and challenging for everyone, LBCC wants to encourage that the campus remains a safe and welcoming space for all walks of life. 

A topic of conversation during the event was the mention and honoring of Harvey Milk. American politician Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. 

Harvey Milk was a gay rights activist who spoke out about how little support and representation there was for the LGBTQ+ community, and how unsafe it was to be out and proud. 

Sadly, a year into his election, he was shot by a former conservative city supervisor. Nonetheless, he became an icon for gay rights activists who soon followed in his pursuit.

As the event went on, a multitude of people gave speeches, and Academic Senate President Jerome Hunt gave the final speech. He expressed how much times have progressed since his youth up until now, but how now it seems we’ve fallen back.

He weighed in on the importance of representation for the queer community, saying how it is a constant necessity no matter how progressive the times are or aren’t. 

^{At LAC, the Pride flag was raised to honor and celebrate those in the Pride community on May 21. Students and staff gathered to watch the Progress Pride flag be raised in honor of Pride Month. (Destiny Castillo)}

“Representation is critically important, you can’t aspire to do things if you don’t see people that look like you or come from your background in those leading positions or doing things so others feel like they can too,” Hunt said. 

Students that were present also expressed why representation matters to them and why they believe it is important. 

Whether queer or ally, everyone agreed that in these rough times it’s important to remember to stand proud as a community and as an individual. 

Graduating student Dailyn Owens commented on the significance of events like this one, especially in schools. 

“It’s highly important to show inclusivity…“It’s important to make sure everyone has that sense of unity. Through being a community and being together is how we truly grow and make something grand of this life we’re living,” Owens said.

Overall, the main message was that anyone can come to LBCC and be themselves. The school wants to encourage students to not hide who they are. To be proud and feel motivated, not just in school but in their personal journey as well.

Superintendent President Mike Munoz emphasized that it’s important to remember in times like this that we can’t take our rights for granted and the concept of inclusion for granted. 

He wants everyone to know, even those just walking by, that “Long Beach City College is an affirming place for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff.” 

The flag will remain raised all month long.