Dear Colleagues,

Last Wednesday, June 1, Fresno State held its second annual flag-raising ceremony celebrating Pride Month — a tradition we began together last year. I want to thank the many staff and volunteers with the LGBTQ+ Programs and Services of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center who organized the event and continue to support our campus efforts in creating an inclusive culture for all.

I believe that it’s critically important that our LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff know that Fresno State is proud of you and of your heartfelt investment you manifest in the success of our students. Likewise, it was an honor to celebrate with you at the Rainbow graduation in May — it was emotional and exciting to see our graduates beaming with joy, supported by their family, community and friends (which included a little girl dressed in a rainbow dress!).

(Photo by Ramon Castanos, University Communications intern)

I am proud we have this opportunity to celebrate the historical contributions that our neighbors, friends, and family in the LGBTQ+ community have made, and pledge to be an ally in promoting the vibrancy of such a legacy. This year’s progress rainbow flag is appropriate for this community, as LGBTQ+ individuals are part of every community, demographic and historical period of our planet.

(Photo by Lisa Bell, Fresno State public information officer)

The progress pride flag, a variation of the original rainbow pride flag, was designed by Daniel Quasar, a non-binary artist and graphic designer. The progress pride flag incorporates additional colors to explicitly represent trans people and LGBTQ+ communities of color.

We fly this flag with pride, representing our diverse Fresno State community.

Your story is our story, and I am humbled to stand with you in allyship and grateful for the work we have done and continue to do to support our entire Bulldog family.

Go, ‘Dogs!

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President