Why Pride flag raised at Fresno college is a ‘blessing’

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – In what LGBTQ+ advocates describe as a vital time to stand in solidarity with the community, Fresno City College kicked off Pride Month by raising a Pride flag Monday morning.

Advocates highlighted the significance of Fresno City College (FCC) serving as a safe space amid political turmoil regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

“In a county where there are those that make a show of pretending to care about our youth by bashing, abusing, berating and forcefully outing queer and trans children, Fresno City College, by offering that safe space by leading with love and acceptance for all— this is a blessing,” said Community Link

board member Tracy Cisneros.

Just five years ago, FCC Rainbow Alliance President Nickolas Valencia-Lucio says the Pride flag was raised on campus as a symbol of love, visibility and resilience. This year, he says the flag was raised not just in celebration, but in defiance of hate and in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

“We are living in a time of deep political polarization. Across the country, LGBTQ+ rights, especially those of our trans siblings, are under relentless attack,” said Valencia-Lucio. “Laws are being passed that strip away health care, dignity and even the right to simply exist safely in public spaces.”

And while times may feel tumultuous for the LGBTQ+ community, Cisneros, who is also a volunteer coordinator for Fresno’s Pride, explains how the history of the parade in Fresno showcases that there is resilience and perseverance through unity.

“From a handful of spectacularly decorated shopping carts, to over 100 gorgeous floats, vehicles and large walking groups going down Olive Avenue with over 10,000 people cheering from the sidewalk,” she said. “We’ve gone from battling the KKK in the street to now fielding requests from state and local leaders and politicians wanting to participate in our parade.”

Reigning monarchs of the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno (IDCF), one of the longest-standing LGBTQ+ organizations in the valley, expressed how simply existing proudly moves the community forward.

“In a time where anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation are on a rise across the country, visibility becomes not just important, it becomes revolutionary. Our presence in public spaces is a form of resistance, our joy is a form of protest. Our unity is our strength,” Empress 52 Ivanna Strange expressed.

“We will not shrink. We will not hide. We will continue to rise with pride and with resilience and with unwavering commitment to justice for all members of our LGBT community.”

Saturday will mark the 35th Annual Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade and Festival, set to take place through Tower District and end at FCC. This year’s theme is “Throwback to Stonewall.”

“For some, it’s the very first time they will get to experience what it is to find a welcoming and affirming space. Some will come that day from smaller, more rural communities where they don’t dare to be seen and find immeasurable joy in the freedom to be their authentic self,” said Cisneros.

To find out more information regarding this year’s Fresno Pride, click here.