The new Pride Center at Fresno City College located in LI-143 is an important milestone, creating a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ students on campus. The center celebrated it’s open house on Sept. 10, inviting students and faculty to explore the space, meet the team and learn about upcoming events and resources.

Provisional Senior Program Specialist Jessica Schulz believes that the Pride Center is a unique location on campus that ensures safety amongst all students. 

“The Pride Center is really just about having a space dedicated for the LGBTQIA+  community and their allies, to feel safe, to feel centered and to feel seen,” Schulz said.

The Pride Center not only offers a safe space but also serves as a resource for students seeking community and support. Through events, workshops and peer connections, they provide opportunities for students to engage in conversations about identity, advocacy and belonging with meetings at 3 p.m. every Thursday.

“We know that statistically, school is sometimes the safest place or the most comfortable place for the queer community, so we try to make sure that that’s available for our students here at Fresno,” Schulz said.

Schulz believes that LGBTQIA+ students, and especially trans students, are being discriminated against and wants to create a safe space for them. 

“If something like that is happening to them, making sure that we provide them with the support they need and whatever response needs to happen, we support them through that as well, they can just come here and be themselves often,” Schulz said.

The Pride Center is designed to be more than just a hangout spot. It serves as a hub for community, education and advocacy. Students can come in to connect with peers, and find  resources for the needs of LGBTQIA+ students. Every Gender and Sexuality Alliance meeting is held at the Pride center.

Indy Williams, the president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, said they want to build a strong community and have a sense of togetherness. 

 “I definitely think it’s always easier to get through college when you have people around you who you relate to and who are going through the same things,” Williams said.

For many students, the center represents visibility and dedicated support. While FCC already had student clubs and resources, the Pride Center is the first space fully dedicated to fostering belonging for LGBTQIA+ students.  

Saige Schaefer, a student at FCC, feels that the Pride Center is welcoming and almost like coming into one’s own home.

 “I understand what the word safe space means after coming into the pride center, where there is no expectation and no requirement, or anything you walk in, and it’s the most chill environment with no pressure or stiffness,” Schaefer said.  

Make sure to swing by Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and check out the Pride Center in LI-143.