Pride by the Pond kicks off Pride month at Grand Valley with celebration and education

Lakers kicked off Pride month this year at Pride by the Pond on the Valley Campus. Students, faculty and staff gathered on the lawn near Zumberge Pond for a community celebration and educational advocacy on June 3.

"Pride is a celebration, but it's also a reminder of the courage, resilience and activism of those who came before us and fought for visibility, dignity and equal rights," said Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, in opening remarks. "It reminds us that progress is made when people come together, build community and create spaces where everyone can be seen, heard and valued for who they are."

The event featured local drag queens Alex Suarez and Grand Valley staff member and alum Xella '20. Suraez and Xella performed drag numbers for the crowd and hosted bingo trivia, which featured questions about LGBTQ+ terms, historical figures and events. This combining of fun activity and education about the LGBTQ+ community showcased what Pride is about, said Kel Nemetz, '18 & '25, LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Association (FSA) chair.