Fresno State is kicking off Pride Month with the sixth annual Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, at the flagpoles on Maple Mall.
Hosted by the Fresno State Student Success and Belonging Center, the event represents a commitment to growth, inclusion and meaningful action. The ceremony will include speeches from community leaders, campus champions and advocates with a focus on reflection, connection and collaboration.
The Progress Pride flag was designed by American artist Daniel Quasar in 2018. Quasar’s design adapted the iconic rainbow flag to be more inclusive within the LGBTQ+ community, adding a chevron with stripes colored specifically to represent LGBTQ+ community members of color and transgender individuals.
Seeking Sanctuary Photography Showcase
Dr. Kat Fobear, associate professor in the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Fresno State, and Oasis Legal Services will present the Seeking Sanctuary Photography Showcase from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at the Graduate Art Studios at M Street in downtown Fresno (1419 M. St.). A short formal program will begin at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Guests are asked to RSVP.
The free event will feature 183 color and black-and-white prints that explore themes of survival and safety for 15 LGBTQ+ asylum seekers who have come to call the Central Valley their home and sanctuary.
The event is made possible through a collaboration with Gailan Gray, a photography professor at Cosumnes River College. Fobear teaches classes and conducts research and community outreach tied to the intersection of race, sexuality and gender in oral history, migration, transitional justice, health and housing.
Fresno State president to serve as Pride Parade grand marshal
Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval will be one of four grand marshals for the 36th annual Rainbow Pride Parade starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, in Fresno’s Tower District.
Jiménez-Sandoval was selected in the allyship category for approving, supporting and welcoming attendees to Fresno State’s annual pride flag raisings since 2021, funding and supporting Rainbow Graduation Celebration ceremonies, establishing the President’s LGBTQ2+ and Allies Advisory Council, and creating a sense of belonging for all.
TimeOut, the Fresno State cheerleaders, the Fresno State Band Alumni Club and a group of students, faculty, staff and friends will also march in the parade.
(Kellie Hustedde contributed to this report.)
