Contact: Juliet V. Casey, jcasey@losmedanos.edu, (925) 473-7322
Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College is pleased to invite the community to celebrate Pride Month in recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, queer and non-binary individuals, beginning with a Progress Pride Flag raising ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the front of campus, 2700 E. Leland Road. LMC will hold a flag raising ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on June 13 at the Brentwood Center, 1351 Pioneer Square, Brentwood, CA. 94513.
The flags will remain through the month of June.
“At Los Medanos College we celebrate the full diversity of our community,” President Pamela Ralston said. “We welcome all students. We underscore that LGBTQIA members of our academic community are an important part of our cultural fabric, lending perspectives and experiences that are unique and valuable. Flying the Progress Pride Flag in June is one part of that.”
The ceremonies will include remarks from President Ralston, and coffee and donuts.
“During Pride Month and throughout the year, LMC stands firm in our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly students, feel acknowledged and supported within educational community,” said Rosa Armendariz, dean of Equity and Inclusion. “At LMC, fostering an environment of inclusion and appreciation is not just a goal; it's a transformative mission. We believe that by celebrating diversity and embracing all identities, we can cultivate a sense of belonging that empowers every member of our community to contribute meaningfully to campus life. This Pride Month, let us reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard, and all contributions are celebrated, as we champion equity, inclusion and belonging at LMC and beyond.”
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Governing Board in 2021 approved the display of the Pride Flag at the three district colleges in recognition and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community during the month of June. The flag flying recommendation was put forth by the 4CD Diversity and Inclusion Committee in alignment with two Districtwide Strategic Directions: Advance Existing Community Partnerships and Create New Collaborations to Strengthen Student Pathways; and Cultivate a Culture of Engagement throughout the District. In addition to the flag display, 4CD will continue to recognize the month of June as Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pride Month is celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, which served as a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The month-long celebration recognizes the influence that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history, culture, and society, and acknowledges the ongoing struggles for equal rights and acceptance.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.