Rainbow Flag Shows SDSU's Pride
The annual ceremony will take place on July 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Campanile Walkway flagpole.
For the past seven years, San Diego State University has helped kick off San Diego Pride Week with a Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony.
In celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning communities, SDSU will host the event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., July 17 at the Campanile Walkway flagpole.
"The rainbow flag raising is an opportunity for celebration on many fronts," said Anthony Keen, coordinator for SDSU's Pride Center. "With the establishment of The Pride Center, this year has really highlighted the amazing work already being done by student groups, faculty, staff and alumni at SDSU."
"What I think is most amazing about that work is the intersections represented in identity that makes our LGBTQ communities so vibrant. Acknowledging our unique cultures and supporting visibility for all communities on our campus is a growing culture at SDSU, and it's thrilling to be a part of it," Keen said.
The event is free and open to the public.
Raising awareness
Prominent members of the LGBT community have attended past year's events, including members of the Boy Scouts of America and uniformed military personnel.
The rainbow flag has been a symbol of the LGBTQ community for more than 30 years. The colors of the rainbow are symbolic of both the unity and diversity of the LGBTQ community.
SDSU will also have a delegation for the San Diego Pride Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 19 in Hillcrest. All members of the community are encouraged to attend.
"Seeing the rainbow flag being raised is a huge accomplishment for the LGBT community on campus," said Haeli Williamson, a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in LGBT studies.
"This year has brought about many changes for the LGBT community in general, and seeing those changes impact our campus has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite being labeled as one of the most LGBT friendly campuses in the nation for several years, small acts of solidarity from administration are still valued and appreciated by the
students."
