UC Merced's Lambda Alliance is continuing its tradition of hosting Pride Week from March 31 to April 4. Held each year in April, the week of events celebrates and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community at UC Merced, in the Central Valley and beyond.
"We hope that participants walk away with the knowledge that at UC Merced, there is a community of people who value their existence, mental health and safety," said Katelynn Prater, Lambda Alliance vice president.
This year, Lambda Alliance is focusing on themes that include belonging, community, self-protection and self-care.
The festivities kick off Monday with a tabling fair at Scholars Lane, where attendees can meet organizations supporting Pride, receive free custom T-shirts and personalize a banner. In the evening, participants can express their creativity by painting jars and filling them with fairy lights.
On Tuesday, the focus turns to crafting friendship bracelets to build and strengthen connections, followed by an art workshop in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services where attendees can explore self-care through fan painting. Panda Express will be provided for dinner.
On Wednesday, Crumbl Cookies will be served during a session on community care with Central Valley Pride. In the evening, relaxation is on the schedule with tea, face masks and stress management activities.
Thursday features an LGBTQ+ history and culture-themed "Jeopardy!" game, along with a hands-on slime-making event.
The week of events concludes Friday with a letter-writing service for LGBTQ+ elders, offering an opportunity for community service hours. The grand finale is a pizza and board game night.
Prater said the biggest needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ students at UC Merced right now are safety and assured support.
"It is incredibly important to be able to host and enjoy celebrations despite - or more accurately, in spite of - a political climate that is increasingly hostile to the very identities we seek to celebrate," Prater said.
All events are free to the public and some include free swag. Organizers say Pride Week events are open to anyone who wants to see the LGBTQ+ community thrive. For Pride Week updates, visit the Lambda Alliance social media accounts.
