The Pride Center at Río Hondo College (RHC) provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual or ally + other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+) students on campus. Located in the Administration building’s A119, the brightly colored and welcoming room offers support, resources, and a sense of community to all who cross its threshold.
The center held its grand opening in February 2024, under the guidance of Martin Covarrubias, Program Manager of Educational Justice Programs.
“The Pride Center was created through funding that the Chancellor’s office had granted to Rio Hondo College back in 2021,” said Covarrubias. “That was the first year that the college had received funding, but not the first year that Pride had been introduced to the campus.” He shared that although the center opened in 2024, the Queer Initiative Club has been active at RHC since 2015, and the first Gay-Straight Alliance at RHC was founded in 1990.
Support and Resources
The Pride Center is a diminutive powerhouse of positivity and acceptance. The center features tables and chairs, as well as two computer workstations, where students can study, eat, and spend time between classes. Free snacks, school supplies, hygiene kits, and access to a community clothing closet are available to students, along with a dedicated student success coach, Abi Hernandez.
“The Pride Center is a space for all LGBTQ+ youth and our allies,” said Hernandez. “Everybody is welcome into our space.”
Hernandez is an RHC alumnus who transferred to UC Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in sociology. She embraces her new role at the Pride Center. “Whether that means scheduling a counseling appointment, mentoring the student, assisting them with financial aid, getting enrolled in classes, answering questions, or connecting them to resources,” said Hernandez. “I’m really happy to be here working and giving back to the school.”
Pride Scholars
In addition to providing a supportive environment, the Pride Center also oversees the Pride Scholars program. This academic program aims to equip LGBTIA+ students with the necessary tools and resources to navigate the higher education system effectively. Pride Scholars offers academic counseling, in-person and online counseling support, housing and food insecurity assistance, and a graduation stole and cord for active program participants in good standing.
Cuz, I Love You
Promoting student well-being is a consistent theme at the Pride Center. In coordination with the Río Hondo Student Health and Psychological Services office, the center offers a monthly support group, “Cuz, I Love You,” for Pride Scholars and LGBTQIA+ students. A licensed therapist leads the group, which meets every fourth Wednesday of the semester at 1 p.m. in the Pride Center and on Zoom.
QI Club
Many students affiliated with the Pride Center and Pride Scholars belong to the Queer Initiative (QI) Club. The club plans weekly events known as “Kikis” that offer activities, discussion, camaraderie, and craft. The club also sponsors LGBTIA+ awareness weeks. A popular and joyful QI tradition in its third year at RHC is the Spring semester’s Queer Prom. It is an on-campus event for students who may not have felt welcome to attend their high school prom with the partner of their choice or as their authentic self. Past themes have included “Vampire Ball,” “Fairy Enchantment,” and “Pride.”
“With everything happening in our political climate, things are really scary,” said Hernandez. “The Pride Center is here for you. We’re here to support you in whatever way we can.”
For more information, please call (562) 463-7792 or visit the Pride Center in A119 on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Pride Center reserves Monday and Friday for scheduled counseling appointments.
