Chaffey College Celebrates Pride Month

With a big smile on her face and a Pride flag fluttering from her back, Kai Jones gathered with hundreds of Chaffey College community members June 6 for the annual Pride Celebration.

The American Sign Language major says lifting up the LGBTQ+ community has been her top priority since she first enrolled at Chaffey, a time when the school’s Lavender Coalition club was only available online due to the pandemic.

“I love supporting my gays,” she said.

The event at the Rancho Cucamonga campus drew around 300 people from the campus and surrounding community for an afternoon of food, music and performances. It is the second year that Chaffey has held the event.

Nursing major Murr Reyes brought his partner, Angelina Reyes, to show them how Chaffey celebrates Pride.

“I think it is great that we can be ourselves and feel safe and happy,” he said.

Drag performers Alessandra Divine, Buttered Buns and Theory danced and lip synched to hits by Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, Jessie J and more.

Priscilla Zamora Nunez, liaison for undocumented and LGBTQIA+ students and event organizer, called the celebration a big hit and a step in the right direction to foster a more inclusive environment at Chaffey.

“Many students come from environments where they can’t be their authentic selves, making events like these essential lifelines for the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. “Being visible matters and showing up matters.”

Some community members had returned for the second year in a row.

“I love that we have local Pride events and don’t have to drive all the way to LA to celebrate,” said Annie Lingle, who identifies as nonbinary and bisexual.

Jesus Calderon, a film major at Chaffey, considers himself an ally and waved a mini rainbow flag in support.

“I think it’s great how it brings everyone together,” he said. “It’s a good thing to let people know they’re safe here.”