College makes history October 11
On October 11, 2022, East Los Angeles College (ELAC) made history by becoming the first Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) college to raise the LGBTQ+ Progress Pride Flag in solidarity. ELAC President Alberto J. Román was joined by LACCD Board of Trustees Vice President David Vela, CA Assemblymember Mike Fong, and Monterey Park Mayor Henry Lo who all spoke and participated in the flag raising.
This took place on National Coming Out Day, and ELAC’s Husky Pride Center had a full day of activities. After the flag raising and press conference, attendees headed to the Husky Pride Center for a ribbon cutting and open house. This was a chance to showcase the new Husky Pride Center and for the ELAC LGBTQ+ community to welcome all participants.
“As an individual with a stigmatized identity, coming from the trans community, I continue hoping that my proximity around cisgender individuals lessens otherization practices imposed onto trans bodies. This October 11th marks the day which allows for a recognition of the queer body community in not being constrained as an individual existing in the theoretical world, but rather a recognition of being authentically real in both the material world in which we live and to ourselves within our bodies,” said ELAC Student Thursday Storm.
After the open house, there was a film screening of L.A. A Queer History. This film sheds light on the part of American history and historical figures who are largely unacknowledged. In turn, it creates a newfound dialogue about not only LGBTQ history but how our Gay and Lesbian brothers and sisters are affected by the world we live in today. The film adds a better understanding of the truly unique and utterly American culture of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender community.
“I am proud to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. This flag raising is historic for ELAC and another step towards progress for our LGBTQ+ students. I want to thank the Husky Pride Center for continuing to be a safe space for all our students,” said ELAC President Alberto J. Román.
