Support Page Content
Programs and Services
About the PRIDE Student Resource Center
The PRIDE Student Resource Center provides students looking for a connection to campus with programs and events, access to resources on campus and in the community, a welcoming space, and opportunities for education about LGBTQIA communities and the intersections of many identities and experiences.
We exist to create and maintain a campus environment that is open, safe, and supportive of student diversity in the areas of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
Our Goals
- Increase understanding of the LGBTQIA+ experience and to elevate academic achievement and student life at Sac State
- Enrich the diversity and equity of Sac State to ensure an inclusive environment and foster a community of belonging
- Raise the PRIDE Student Resource Center’s visibility through stronger community engagement and partnerships to secure resources for the center
Visit the PRIDE Student Resource Center website and calendar to stay up to date on upcoming events and programming. Offerings will include discussion groups on a range of topics, as well as crafting, wellness, movies, games, campus field-trips, and other community-building activities. Follow us on Instagram: @sacstatepridecenter and check back for the latest updates.
PRIDE Student Resource Center’s 20th Anniversary
Defiant & Divine: Launching 20 Years of PRIDE
Join the Sac State PRIDE Center for Defiant and Divine: Launching 20 Years of PRIDE at Sac State on Wednesday, September 30, from 1 – 4 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom. This symposium-style celebration will feature queer-focused panels, performances, engaging sessions, and activities honoring the PRIDE Center’s 20-year legacy at Sacramento State. Designed as a symposium-style celebration rather than a traditional academic symposium, the event brings students, faculty, staff, professionals, artists, and community members together across three concurrent program spaces. The afternoon combines performance, scholarship, cultural dialogue, professional insight, and candid conversation about queer life.
Defiant and Divine honors the defiance required to create and protect queer spaces while celebrating the joy, creativity, knowledge, and community that flourish within them. By joining and encouraging students to participate, faculty help recognize that today’s PRIDE Center was built through sustained advocacy and help carry that legacy into its next 20 years.
Date/ time: 09/30, 1 - 4 p.m.
Location: University Union, Ballroom
Musical Guest & Event Kick Off:
The Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus will kick off the event with a celebration of queer joy, community, and connection through music. Founded in 1984 to provide a sense of community and support to gay men in Sacramento during the AIDS epidemic. Over the years, the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus has grown to become an integral part of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ and artistic communities through our musical performances and outreach programs.
Gay Men’s Chorus
Pleasure, Porn & Partnerships (panel discussion)
This presentation will explore pornography, pleasure, body image, identity, representation, and expectations through an LGBTQ+ affirming mental health lens. The conversation will invite attendees to critically consider the messages we receive about sex, bodies, intimacy, and pleasure while creating space for curiosity, reflection, and sex-positive dialogue.
Co presented:
- Katelyn Shields LMFT, University Counselor
- Jake De La Hoya LMFT, University Counselor
- Ben Hudson Jr co-founder of the Gender Health Center
- Blake Flaugher, MPH CHES
Drag & Student Performances
Royal Sting and Student Performers bring the creativity and artistry of Sacramento State’s LGBTQIA+ student community to the stage. Through drag, performance, and the arts, these students celebrate self-expression, queer joy, and the diverse voices that make our campus community vibrant.
Performers:
- Royal Sting Drag Court
- Student Performers
Two-Spirit histories and queer futures: 2 short films by Roberto Fatal
Queer, Two-Spirit filmmaker Roberto Fatal (they/them) presents two of their short films. The queer sci-fi short, EN MEMORIA (Sundance 2025 premiere) and the erotic Two Spirit short film Chaac and Yum (Frameline 2023 premiere) and will participate in a Q&A after.
Presented by: Roberto Fatal Filmmaker, professor of Film at Sacramento City College
Queer in The Workplace (panel discussion)
Queer in the Workplace is a professional panel exploring the experiences of navigating queerness in the workplace. Panelists will share perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and joys of bringing queer identities into the workplace—and discuss working in queer and non-queer spaces.
Panelists:
- Evan Fern, Public Policy Advocate II, Disability Rights California
- Joseph, “Joey” Sais Council Representative for Councilmember Eric Guerra, PAC Chair for Stonewall Dems
- Kristin Moyer, Lecturer at Sacramento State
Breaking the Binary: Film and Media in Identity Formation and Liberation
This workshop centers healing, resilience, and culturally grounded mentorship, with particular attention to LGBTQGEQIAP+ and BIPOC experiences. This session uses qualitative research on anti-racist mentorship and cultural analysis of narratives (like The Matrix as a metaphor for identity awakening and transformation) to explore how storytelling, language, and cultural identity help heal trauma and create pathways to empowerment. Using The Matrix as a metaphor for awakening, identity transformation, and resistance to oppressive systems, participants will engage in critical dialogue and reflection on how individuals navigate systems of marginalization while reclaiming identity, voice, and agency.
Co presented:
- Dr. Daniel Cisneros, PhD, LPCC, PPSC, NCC
- Kateryna Karakulko, PRIDE Grad Intern, M.S. in Counseling Student
Queer Across Culture Panel (panel discussion)
Queer Across Culture is a student panel exploring the intersections of queerness, culture, and identity. Through shared perspectives and experiences, panelists will reflect on the joys, challenges, and complexities of navigating queer identity across diverse cultural and social contexts.
Panelists:
- Harjan Toor, Sacramento State Student
- Carlos Gaxiola, Sacramento State Student
- More details coming
Teaching LGBTQ+ Studies in Unfriendly Times (panel discussion)
This roundtable discussion will address the importance of LGBTQ+ studies in this political and cultural moment, the challenges and privileges of being queer/trans in the university, how faculty can support and mentor LGBTQ+ students, and what safety and solidarity looks like for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. The faculty participants will each present their thoughts to start the discussion, after which the conversation will be opened up to the audience.
Panelists:
- Rosa Martínez, Associate Professor, Department of English (she/her)
- Rebekkah Mulholland, Associate Professor, Department of History (they/them)
- Mary Senyonga, Assistant Professor of Black Feminisms, Department of Women's & Gender Studies (she/they)
- Zach Schudson, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology (he/they)
- Johnnie Terry, Lecturer, Department of Women's & Gender Studies (he/they)
Peer Support Groups
The PRIDE Student Resource Center offers several peer support groups for students to share experiences and offer each other emotional support. All sessions take place at the PRIDE Student Resource Center
Queer Joy Collective Group:
Weekly Meeting: Tuesdays 3 - 4:30 p.m.
The Well, 2nd Floor, Check in at Main Counseling Lobby
Queer Joy Collective is a group for LGBTQIA+ students who are seeking deeper connection, authentic relationships, and a greater sense of belonging. This group is grounded in the belief that healing is not only about reducing distress—it is also about cultivating joy, community, resilience, and meaningful relationships.
Queer Joy Collective creates space to acknowledge the unique challenges LGBTQIA+ students may experience, it also intentionally centers hope, celebration, laughter, identity, and the many ways queer lives are rich with love, creativity, connection, and possibility.
Presented by Katelyn Shields, LMFT, University Counselor
Relationship Lab Group:
Relationship Lab is an interactive workshop series designed to help students develop Relationship Intelligence—the lifelong skills that foster meaningful, authentic, and fulfilling relationships. Unlike traditional relationship education that often focuses primarily on warning signs or crisis prevention, Relationship Lab emphasizes curiosity, practice, and connection. Through engaging activities, discussion, reflection, and real-life skill building, students will explore how to build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Monthly Meetings: Beginning Thursday 9/24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Free Pizza & Snacks!
University Union, 3rd Floor, Folsom Room
Presented by Katelyn Shields, LMFT, University Counselor
PRIDE Week
Pride March | Pride Flag Raising | Exhibit Reception (Rooted& Rising: 20 Years of Pride at Sacramento State)
Date/Time: 10/05, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Library Quad- March to the Flag Poles at the J Street Entrance – Anthropology Museum Reception
Wear your brightest, most colorful clothing and meet us at the Library Quad at 10 a.m. We will march together to the flagpoles at our J Street entrance for the pride flag raising ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Then join us at 11:30 a.m. in the Anthropology Museum (Mendocino Hall 1000) for a reception for the Rooted and Rising: 20 Years of Pride at Sac State exhibit. Organized by the Anthropology Museum and the PRIDE Student Resource Center, this exhibit surveys news articles, documents, and artifacts telling the stories of people and events that contributed to the ongoing fights for queer existence and queer rights on our campus since the early 1970s. We hope the exhibit will guide us to better see into our past, understand the present, and envision the future as we continue to tell our evolving histories.
Rooted and Rising: History of Pride at Sac State
In celebration of our 20th anniversary, the PRIDE Student Resource Center invites you to the opening of a special museum exhibit exploring the history and evolution of pride at Sacramento State. Through stories, photographs, artifacts, and community memories, the exhibit honors the people and milestones that shaped not only the PRIDE Student Resource Center, but the trajectory of queer studies at Sacramento State—and where we will go next!
Date/ time: 10/05/2026, 11:30 a.m.
Location: Mendocino Hall, Museum room 1000, First floor
Rooted and Rising: History of Pride at Sac State RSVP
PRIDE Resource Fair
Date/Time: 10/06, 10 - 1 p.m.
Location: Main Quad/ Acorn amphitheater
Join us for PRIDE Fair where campus and community partners come together to support and engage with the LGBTQ+ community. Explore informative booths, interactive displays, and opportunities to learn about on- and off-campus partners.
Patch Your PRIDE
Date/Time: 10/07, 10 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: PRIDE Center & Women’s Resource Center Drop-in
Patch Your Pride provides students with a hands-on opportunity to celebrate the different parts of their identities through creativity and self-expression. By completing portions of the activity in both centers, students explore the WRC and Pride Center while exploring themes of identity, empowerment, authenticity, and belonging.
Kink & BDSM in the Queer Community
Date/Time: 10/08, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: University Union, Green & Gold Room
Join us for PRIDE Week where we break down stigma on seemingly “taboo topics” and explore what healthy relationships and sexuality look like in queer culture.
Presented by Katelyn Shields, LMFT, University Counselor
Pumpkin Painting with Esaktima & PRIDE
Date/Time: 10/08, 1 - 2 p.m.
Location: Esak'tima' Center Terrace
Celebrate PRIDE Week and the changing seasons with the Esaktima & PRIDE Center by painting pumpkins and creating community with one another. (Find Terrance entrance through Esaktima Center.)
RuPaul's Drag Race Drag Queen Night
Date/Time: 10/08, 7:30 p.m.
Location: University Union Ballroom
Event let by UNIQUE and supported by the PRIDE Center
Transgender Week of Awareness
Reproductive Justice Panel
Date/Time: 11/16
Location: University Union, Pacific Suite I, 3rd Floor
Protest Art & Trans Visibility
Date/Time: 11/17, 3 - 5 p.m.
Location: University Library Room 2022
A political history of the Moms for Liberty
Date/Time: 11/18, 2 - 3 p.m.
Location: University Union, Lobby Suite, First Floor
Presenter:
Anna Daily, Assistant Professor, Political Science
Ethical Non-Monogamy
Date/Time: 11/19, 11:30 -1 p.m.
Location: University Union, Cottonwood Suite 2
Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil
Date/Time: 11/20, 10 - 3 p.m.
Location: University Union, Canyon Room
Social Events
The PRIDE Student Resource Center is a space to gather, create, and connect. Students can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, along with special themed events throughout the semester that encourage community and connection.
Sponging up Stress:
The Pride Student Resource Center presents Sponging up Stress, a new event series dedicated to releasing the stress of the week by watching seasons 1-9 of SpongeBob while enjoying art & crafts. No-pressure socializing in a low light sensory friendly space. Sessions occur every other Tuesday and Thursday, we hope to see you there!
Dates/Times:
- Thurs 9/24/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Tues 9/29/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Thurs 10/08/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Tues 10/13/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Thurs 10/22/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Tues 10/27/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Thurs 11/05/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Tues 11/10/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Thurs 11/19/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Tues 11/24/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Thurs 12/03/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
- Tues 12/08/26, 2:15 - 4 p.m.
Queer Anime Showings:
Join us in the PRIDE Center to watch this semester’s anime, Go for It, Nakamura!, a coming-of-age romance following Okuto Nakamura, a shy and closeted high school student who falls head over heels for his cheerful classmate, Aiki Hirose. Come watch, relax, meet other students, and enjoy some queer anime with us!
Dates/Times:
- 10/13, 10 - 11 a.m.
- 10/27, 10 - 11 a.m.
- 11/ 10, 10 - 11 a.m.
- 11/24, 10 - 11 a.m.
- 12/8, 10 - 11 a.m.
De-Stress & Stuff:
Join us in the PRIDE Center for cozy crafts and conversation that simply melts your stress away!
Dates/Times:
- 10/20, 1 - 2 p.m.
- 11/17, 1 - 2 p.m.
- 12/01, 1- 2 p.m.
Paws & Relax: Therapy Dog at the PRIDE Center
Final exams have you spiraling? We prescribe… one very good dog! Swing by the PRIDE Center to de-stress with a therapy pup who is here to lower your cortisol, and take a moment to get your mental health right before your big tests. No studying required; cuddles recommended.
Date/Time: 12/08, 1 - 2 p.m. PRIDE Center
Educational Events
The PRIDE Student Resource Center offers educational events that invite students, staff, and faculty to learn, reflect, and engage with the diverse identities and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ communities. These opportunities foster deeper understanding, meaningful dialogue, and a more inclusive campus community.
Finding Home, Living Our Truth:
Date/Time: 10/22 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. SWANA Center
Join us in exploring the intersections of identity and culture and identity while enjoying tea, snacks and discussing the first 10 chapters of this year’s One Book, From Here, written by Luma Mufleh.
Lavender Leadership Program:
Dates/Times:
- 10/23 9 - 11 a.m. University Union, Green & Gold Room
- 10/30 9 - 11 a.m. University Union, Green & Gold Room
- 11/06 9 - 11 a.m. University Union, Green & Gold Room
- 11/13 9 - 11 a.m. PRIDE Center
Lavender Leadership is a personal and professional development program that empowers LGBTQ+ students to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, leverage their identities, navigate conflict, foster inclusion, and create meaningful connections. Participants gain practical tools, supportive community, and a certificate to celebrate their growth and add to their resumes.
Discussions, Presentations, Sharing
The PRIDE Student Resource Center creates welcoming learning spaces for students, staff, and faculty to explore LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. Through educational events, campus members are encouraged to grow their understanding, ask questions, and engage with these topics in thoughtful and supportive ways.
Rainbow Wardrobe
Rainbow wardrobe is our gender-affirming closet that enables individuals to choose clothes that resonate with who they are, which serves as a powerful act of self-expression. Every item is free and available for everyone. There is no need to make an appointment; you can check out the wardrobe during the PRIDE Student Resource Center’s regular office hours.
We accept donations as well: clean clothing, accessories, and shoes in good condition. Donations help us provide a diverse selection for individuals seeking gender-affirming options.
PRIDE Student Resource Center Library
We have hundreds of books and films on LGBTQ+ topics at the PRIDE Student Resource Center. They are available for students, staff, and faculty to check out for up to four weeks.
Advising
Peer Wellness Advocates (PWAs) are part of the Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services team, and they serve as an additional resource to promote safety and well-being on campus. PWAs are current students who are trained in crisis management and de-escalation. They are also trained to be active listeners who can provide culturally competent and confidential support to their peers.
Several PWAs are assigned to be present at the PRIDE Student Resource Center at specific times throughout the week to provide one-on-one sessions with students. Students can schedule an appointment in advance, or come in during any of the following times for a 30-minute session.
Academic Advisors provide academic support for students with topics such as general education and graduation requirements, class registration, and transfer credit. The PRIDE Student Resource Center has been assigned an integrated Academic Advisor, Martell, who is available to meet one-on-one with students in-person at the center or online. Students can drop in during the listed times or book a 30-minute appointment in advance.
Book an appointment with Martell
Faculty Scholars Faculty Scholars are faculty members who work with Cultural Academic Resource Centers to support the centers’ students in various ways using their expertise. The PRIDE Student Resource Center’s Faculty Scholar is Dr. Daniel Cisneros, a Professor in the MS Counseling program at Sac State. Dr. Cisneros provides office hours in the PRIDE Student Resource Center for students, during which he offers guidance on academic goals and career plans, research mentorship, graduate school planning, and community connection with LGBTQ+ students.
Other appointments available via Daniel.cisneros@csus.edu
Rainbow Ally Training
The Rainbow Ally Training is an in-person or virtual interactive workshop that helps attendees learn about the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and how to be supportive and inclusive of queer-identifying students. Presentation topics include LGBTQ+ definitions and terminology, gender-inclusive language, promoting safety, allyship accountability, and laws that affect queer, trans, and gender-diverse individuals. Participants will also engage in conversations about the influence of identity on student success and campus safety for LGBTQIA+ community.
Spring 2026 training schedule:
- Date an Time: Thursday, August 25, 1:30-3 p.m. (via Zoom)
- Date and Time: Wensday, December 2, 1:30 -3:00 p.m. (Pacific Suite III)
Advanced Rainbow Ally Training:
The Advanced Rainbow Ally Training is meant for those who are already familiar with LGBTQ+ allyship but would like to dive deeper into its complexities and elevate their understanding and practice. The training explores topics including challenges in allyship, allyship across individual, interpersonal, and structural contexts, and ways to embody allyship as an active practice - all through interactive activities and exercises that encourage participants to think critically about allyship and apply knowledge to real world situations and actions.
Date and time: Friday, August 26, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Date and time: Thursday, December 3, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Location: University Union Green and Gold Room
Customized Presentation or Workshop
The PRIDE Student Resource Center also delivers customized presentations, workshops, or facilitated discussions for any campus department or office who requests it for their staff and for any faculty who would like the PRIDE Student Resource Center to present to their class. We collaborate with the requestor to tailor the content of the presentation to meet the needs of the learners. Contact PRIDE Student Resource Center at pride@csus.edu for details.