“Events like this are not only fun, but also showcase acceptance and tolerance of LGBTQ people,” Johnson said. Syd Johnson, president of the Student Government Association and event organizer, said the committee’s goal was to create a safe space for LGBTQ expression and activism. Junior Ce Giannotti said they are excited to see more Pride events on campus after a two-year lull due to the COVID-19 pandemic.įunded by a $2,000 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) Innovation Grant from the Office of Civic Engagement, the celebration had been in the planning stages since last November. Everyone’s having a great time I feel like this shows the best of what Rutgers–Camden has to offer.” “It’s easy to think, ‘I’m the only one who’s like this.’ But during events like this you get to see people who are just like you and different in just the right ways. “Knowing that there are so many people here, that makes it so much more valid,” said Sean Tomasetto, a junior at Rutgers–Camden. A long list of vendors, including the Mazzoni Center, William Way Community Center, Live Nation, Garden State Equality and Jersey Gay Pride, handed out everything from temporary tattoos to hotline information for LGBTQ support services. The quad at Rutgers–Camden was a sea of rainbow flags, colorful balloons and glittering outfits as students, staff and faculty showed up on Friday afternoon to support the campus’ first-ever Pride Fest.Īs Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way” blared from the speaker system, attendees enjoyed a live drag show, designed pronoun buttons, decorated Pride flags, played lawn games and more.
Rutgers–Camden senior, student body president and event organizer Syd Johnson welcomes the crowd with microphone in hand.