Claremont, Calif. (April 6, 2023)—Every year, the Queer Resource Center (QRC) and Claremont Colleges celebrate a month of LGBTQQIAA Pride in April, often celebrated in June around the world. Pride Month is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals to enjoy visibility and support while celebrating their identities and promoting awareness about issues surrounding the diverse intersections of queer identity.
From movie nights to writing workshops to queer prom, you can find a variety of celebrations and activities for Gaypril 2023:
1. Sex Ed Series. Come to the QRC for three workshops:
Queer Sex 101
April 6 at 6 p.m.
Let’s talk about sex and pleasure, baby! Facilitated by Montana Kimel (she/her), sex educator and graduate assistant at the QRC. We will cover how-tos, myth-busting, how to have difficult conversations, and more. Free boba for all who attend!
Body Freedom & Sexuality
April 13 at 7 p.m.
All bodies are good bodies, but sometimes the “feels” get in the way of the sexy things we want to do. Facilitated by Montana Kimel. Free boba for all who attend!
Kink 101
April 19 at 6 p.m.
Chels Morgan (they/them) will join us and talk all things kink. Sex toy raffle!
Accessibility info: [email protected]
2. Queer Bible Study. Come to the QRC every Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a queer-affirming place for queer people to learn about Jesus.
3. Walker Wall Painting. Join the QRC on April 7 at 2 p.m. at Walker Wall at Pomona College.
4. Movie Nights. Grab your popcorn for a fun time at the QRC!
Queer Graduate Union Movie Night
April 8 at 5 p.m.
Chicano Latino Student Affairs + QRC: Latinx Movie Night
April 21 at 7 p.m.
This event is limited to the first 35 registrants, so don’t wait to sign up. RSVP to Latinx Movie Night here.
APIDA Queer Movie Night
April 27 at 6:30 p.m.
5. New Worlds Through Writing.
World-Building Workshop
April 10 at 4 p.m. at the QRC
Presented by the QRC and the Asian American Resource Center and facilitated by Y-Bình Nguyễn, this workshop asks: Are you tired of the current realities of our world with its limitations and bigotries? Do you have solutions to pressing societal issues? How do you imagine a world you would like to see? Now, how do you write it down and build a compelling future?
CWR LGBTQ+ Writing Retreat
April 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Claremont Graduate University Center for Writing and Rhetoric House
The LGBTQ+ Writing Retreat will offer queer and trans students the chance to build community and attend a midday mini workshop. Participants have the option to meet with a Writing Consultant one-on-one for a consultation, and there will be queer trivia and community discussions. This is an inclusive space by and for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Register to attend the writing retreat in person or online via Zoom.
6. Allyship Training. Presented by the QRC for various community members.
Student Allyship Training
April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the QRC
Faculty/Staff Allyship Training
April 14 at 9 a.m. at the Tiernan Field House at Scripps College
7. QRC’s Drop-in Hours. Say hello and learn how the QRC can support you.
- Claremont McKenna College: April 11 at Noon at CARE Center
- Pomona College: April 13 at Noon at the QRC
- Pitzer College: April 20 at Noon at the Gold Student Center
8. QSAFE Lunch. Join the QRC on April 12 at noon.
9. Queer Prom. Join the QRC and KSPC on April 14 at 9 p.m. at Doms Lounge at Pomona College. FMI: [email protected]
10. Ace & Aro Tea. Join the QRC on April 16 at 2 p.m. at the Motley at Scripps College.
11. Anti-Trans Legislation: community space for healing, support, and discussion. Presented by the QRC and Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services on April 18 at 4 p.m. at the QRC. This will be a space for students, staff, and faculty to come together and discuss and support each other in light of the current wave of anti-trans legislation around the U.S. Counselors will be present in the space for support.
12. Potato Mt. Hike. Meet at the Outdoor Education Center (OEC) of Pomona College on April 22 at 8:30 a.m. for a vigorous hike hosted by OEC & QRC.
13. Intro to Community Organizing with Trans Defense Fund LA. Co-hosted by FLIGHT (First-Gen, Low-Income) & SEACOM (Southeast Asian) committees at the AARC (Asian-American Resource Center) & QRC. On April 24 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom, we’re having a casual conversation with Nikki Nguyen (she/her) about her personal experiences as a community organizer in LA. We wanted to have an open space for people who are curious about getting involved in their community, with no previous experience necessary. We also wanted to talk about organizing that is inspired by the radical traditions of and in solidarity with Black Trans communities. RSVP for the talk with Nikki Nguyen here.
14. Queer Faculty/Staff/Student Mixer. The Queer Trans+ Student Alliance (Pitzer affinity group) and SAGA (CMC gender and sexuality affinity group) are hosting a queer faculty/staff/student mixer on April 24 at 5:30 p.m. in Pitzer’s Gold Student Center Multipurpose Room. Dinner will be catered (either Indian or Thai)! We would love you to be there if you are a current professor or staff member that identifies as queer. RSVP to the mixer here.
15. 7C Alumni Mixer. Join the QRC on April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Pearson Hall Outdoor Classroom at Pomona College.
16. Sapphic Soirée. Join the QRC, Family, and SCORE on April 27 at 7 p.m. at Froutt Courtyard at Scripps College.
17. Lavender Graduation. Join the QRC on April 28 at 4:30 p.m. at Shanahan Auditorium at Harvey Mudd College to celebrate our graduating class! Graduates are encouraged to sign up early as graduate packages are guaranteed for the first 45 sign ups, which include a tassel and your choice of stole or cord. RSVP to Lavender Graduation.
If you are looking for more resources for Gaypril and beyond, you can check out the Queer Resource Center, Pitzer QT Alliance, and 7C Student Health Services: Gender Affirming Care.
