Mission
The Santa Monica College Pride center is dedicated to honoring and prioritizing intersectional LGBTQ+ identities. We are committed to improving campus culture where all queer and transgender students can celebrate and embody their holistic selves.
At the Pride Center, we:
- Strive to create a safe inclusive environment for students, staff, faculty and community members
- Foster self-love, self-acceptance, and individual growth
- Advocate for and with LGBTQ+ people
- Educate about our complex histories, acknowledge our struggles, and celebrate our triumphs
- Build greater understanding and facilitate conversations around sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expression
- Embrace that our work is ongoing and our language is ever evolving!
Quick Links
Student Groups
Join the SMC Gender Sexuality Alliance
The GSA strives to create an inclusive environment where students of all sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, religions, ages, and other intersectional backgrounds can come together as a community to create awareness and fight inequality at SMC.
Meeting Time: Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.; Food and Snacks Provided!
Location: SEC Lounge, Lower Level of Cayton Center
Questions? Email WESTERBAND_YAMISSETTE@smc.edu
T-Time: Trans and Non-Binary Affinity Group
Do you identify as Trans, Non-Binary, Intersex, or Gender Expressive? Are you exploring your own relationship to gender? This group is designed for all SMC students who don't fit into the boxes of "traditional" gender. Join us for discussions, community building, games, and resources. Led by Trans and Non-Binary students
Meeting Time: Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m.; Food and Snacks Provided!
Location: SEC Lounge, Lower Level of Cayton Center
Want more info? Email WESTERBAND_YAMISSETTE@smc.edu
Counseling and Therapy Services
Explore the different opportunities we have for Free LGBTQIA+ affirmative counseling for SMC students.
Drop In Hours
When: Tuesdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: Pride Center in the Student Equity Center on the Lower Level of Cayton Center
In-Person Appointments
When: Tuesdays
Where: Pride Center in the Student Equity Center on the Lower Level of Cayton Center
Remote Appointments
When: Fridays
Where: Virtual Meeting, link to be provided
To inquire about appointments, please contact Eva Grenier (she/they) at grenier_eva@smc.edu.
Upcoming Events
Drag: The Art and The Rebellion
Tuesday, November 12th
11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
Student Equity Center
Johnny Gentleman is a Latinx, trans-masc drag king veteran who broke boundaries in the name of the drag king, non-binary, and BIPOC communities in Los Angeles. He has been an activist for drag king and non-binary equality in the drag community.
This interactive workshop will provide background information on the history and politics of drag, then provide attendees with a tutorial of how to do drag. Additionally, Johnny will perform a few songs and will encourage attendees to try performing drag.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Westerband at: WESTERBAND_YAMISSETTE@smc.edu
Check back soon for more events!
Pride Voices
Lexi Lopez (she/her/hers)
GSA Club Secretary
It is so important to have safe, inclusive spaces on college campuses. Santa Monica College has been dedicated to forming these spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community within the Student Equity Center and with their Gender Sexuality Alliance club. These spaces have created a hub where students and faculty of all identities can come together in love and support to share stories, find resources, and continue to learn & grow.
Kris Bumford (he/him)
Graphic Design Major
I absolutely love my LGBTQ+ community and seeing that Santa Monica College is dedicated to giving us space and a voice on campus makes me extremely excited and happy for the future of both communities.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop
Pride Resources
The Pride Center provides a platform for political activism and social change and locus of services for LGBTQ+ students and staff, geared toward their academic success, retention, and health and well-being.
Get Educated
Contact the Pride Center
Yamissette Westerband, MA, MSW, PhD (she/her)
Pride Center Faculty Lead
Associate Professor of Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
*During Summer and Winter Session, please reach out to our Center's email: studentequitycenter@smc.edu
Eva Grenier, ACSW, JD (she/they)
Pride Center Therapist
Thomas Bui, MA (he/him)
Student Equity Center Project Manager