California State University, Bakersfield is happy to celebrate the 4th annual observance of Pride Week with a number of uplifting, inspirational events throughout the week of October 7.
Pride Week is a national event designed to celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community, and is in its fourth year at CSU Bakersfield. It was created by the LGBTQ+ Pride affinity group at CSU Bakersfield as a way to connect LGBTQ individuals, allies and students on campus and provide supportive spaces for relevant issues and discussions.
“PRIDE week provides a wide-range of activities for our entire campus community; all events are aimed at broadening the culture of diversity and increasing visibility of LGBTQ issues. The entire campus community is encouraged to attend whether it be an educational event, a celebration party, an exercise class or movie night – all spaces are safe and welcoming of all,” said Kris Grappendorf, Pride Week chair.
An empowering morning of kickboxing will start the week off on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Kickboxing Kick Out Hate event in the Student Recreation Center at 10 a.m. Pride Night at the volleyball game will follow in the afternoon, as the women play against Seattle U at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Walter Presents will discuss the LGBTQ Experience in the Dezember Reading Room at noon, as Anne-Natash Pinckney speaks on sexual orientation and gender identity. The 11th Annual Ally Rally will take place in the Stockdale Room later in the evening at 5:30 p.m. for an interactive discussion on becoming an LGBTQ+ ally.