For the first time in its 110-year history, San Diego College of Continuing Education will host a Pride Celebration in support of the local LGBTQIA+ community on Monday, June 3, 2024. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the college will welcome performances by Black and Latinx LGBTQIA+ artists at the Educational Cultural Complex North Lawn (4343 Ocean View Blvd. 92113.) The colorful event is free and open to the public.

Attendees will enjoy a vibrant drag queen show, poetry, and songs from Khalil Bluex, Amber St. James, and Lady Blanca. A panel discussion will follow covering topics relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) visibility, embrace, and celebration. Pride goers are encouraged to bring a story or a memento to share on the college’s Celebration wall.

“Hosting an event like this one is so important for our college. We are showing our students and our employees that we see them and that we value them for all of who they are,” said LGBTQIA+ Student Success Coordinator Dr. Lisa Carulli, who has worked for the college since 1998. “It’s been a long time coming, but it has been incredible to see how far this district has come in alliance of our deserving LGBTQIA+ people all the way from the top down. Now we are showing our support with action and visibility.” Dr. Carulli confirms that plans are in the works to open an inaugural student Pride Center at the college this fall. The Pride Center will allow for student access to resources such as confidential counseling and free health screenings.  

The College of Continuing Education has a rich 110-year history of being a haven for every learner, employee, and community member no matter their identity or status. Adult learners 18 and older can enroll at the college to earn a tuition-free certificate in more than 70 high demand career sectors from cybersecurity to culinary arts as well as take no-cost classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), Citizenship, and High School Diploma/Equivalency.

In honor of National Pride Month, the College of Continuing Education kicked off its festivities by raising the Intersex Inclusive Progressive Pride Flag on May 31st alongside the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). The college and the district will also march in the annual San Diego Pride Parade on July 20th.

Media is welcome to attend the June 3rd event. Learn more at SDCCE.EDU.