El Camino College Plans Pride Week Celebration for May 30-June 3

A variety of activities are planned for El Camino College’s ElCo Pride Week, set for May 30-June 3. ElCo Pride Week offers events and information designed to celebrate and embrace the college’s LGBTQIA+ students and employees by supporting their identity, acknowledging their historical efforts for equality, and helping them connect with one another.

This year’s theme is “Celebrate Your Pride!” All events are free and open to the public.

Kenny Simkins, El Camino’s LGBTQIA student success coordinator, said the college and the Gender Sexuality and Alliance Club welcome everyone to campus to participate in the many activities planned throughout the week.

“Many LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to experience discrimination in their personal lives, the public sector, and in access to critical health care, just to name a few of our obstacles,” he added. “Pride Week is about celebrating our differences, coming together as a community, and banding together for all, regardless of circumstances, identity, or other affiliations.”

Events for ElCo Pride Week 2023 include:

May 30
Jireh Deng Artist Exhibition: Finding Your Voice as a Storyteller
1:15-2:45 p.m., COM 204 (Social Justice Center)
Jireh Deng is a queer Asian American writer and filmmaker whose work has appeared in The Guardian, The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, NPR, Los Angeles Times, and several film festivals.

Drag Queen Bingo
5-7 p.m., COM 204 (Social Justice Center)
Spend an evening with “The Bearded Martha Stewart.”

May 31
PRIDE: Community Leaders Panel
1:15-2:45 p.m., LIB 102
Join a Q & A-style conversation about what our area community members are doing to help support the LGBTQIA+ community. One panelist is El Camino Distinguished Alumni Dennis Mangers, former member of the California State Assembly, educator, and respected lobbyist.

Karaoke/Game Night
3-5 p.m., COM 204 (Social Justice Center)
All are invited to sing along in this fun competition.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles Pride Kick Off Concert
7 p.m. doors open/8 p.m. showtime, Haag Recital Hall
Enjoy a free one-hour concert with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, featuring the music of Queen, Motown, Sondheim, and more.

June 1
Pride Festival
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Student Services Plaza
A fun-filled day of food, music, and entertainment presented by the Gender Sexuality & Alliance (GSA) Club.

Pride Pajama-Themed Movie Night
5-7 p.m., COM 204 (Social Justice Center)
Popcorn and snacks will be provided at a viewing of “Love Simon.” Attendees are invited to wear their favorite pajamas.

June 2
LGBT Center Field Trip
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Los Angeles
Discover the wide range of services and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

June 3
Pride Prom: Celebrate Your Pride
7-11 p.m., COM 204 (Social Justice Center)
The week wraps up with El Camino’s first-ever Pride Prom. All are invited – come dressed to impress!

The El Camino Community College District encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact srcinfo@elcamino.edu as soon as possible, but no later than seven days prior to the event. 

ElCo Pride Week is presented by the Gender Sexuality Alliance Club and Student Equity and Achievement. El Camino College is proud to have a welcoming and inclusive campus community that reflects the diversity of the South Bay and promotes equitable outcomes for all. For more information about the college’s LGBTQIA+ resources, view https://www.elcamino.edu/support/resources/lgbtqia-resources/.

For more information about ElCo Pride Week, view https://www.elcamino.edu/support/resources/lgbtqia-resources/events/ecc-pride-week.php.