To honor the rights, freedom, and history of the LGBTQIA+ community, Stockton’s Pride Alliance raised the pride flag outside of Arts & Sciences on October 2 to mark the start of LGBTQIA+ History Month.

Pride Alliance President, Jecce Harriott, opened the floor with a reminder of why the flag raising is so symbolic to Stockton’s community: “The flag we raise today is more than fabric and color, it is a powerful symbol of visibility, of belonging, and of hope. Each stripe represents lives, stories, and identities that deserve to be seen, respected, and celebrated. When we fly the flag, we send a message that everyone deserves the freedom to live authentically and with pride.”

As of 2024, Stockton University was ranked number 10 by BestColleges.com for being one of the top LGBTQIA+ friendly colleges in the country—this recognition only amplified by Stockton faculty, staff, and students themselves. Alumni and Director of Residential Education, Ellis Bonds, spoke about the journey of his own coming out and how “[it’s] amazing to see that Stockton University is still showing up for the LGBTQ+ community. I’m proud to work here, I’m proud to be a Black gay man, and about 10-12 years ago, I wasn’t able to say that so confidently. Stockton University was a huge part in me owning who I am as a person, my identity, and everything that comes along with it.” 

This work of honoring pride and acceptance is a monumental facet in Stockton President Joe Bertolino’s service to the school. He reminded the audience that “[every] student here deserves to be seen, to be valued, and to be supported for who you are. And that belief is not new, and more importantly, as President, I want you to know it’s not going anywhere.”

To uphold this value, Stockton provides spaces, clubs, organizations, and support for members of the community through groups such as Pride Alliance, Queer & Trans People of Color Society (QTPOCS), the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Center, and more. Stockton Alumnus, Mico Lucide, is the Executive Director of ACQA—better known as Atlantic County Queer Alliance—whose purpose is to bring the LQBTQIA+ in South Jersey a safe haven for community. Lucide shared, “In the first half of 2026, we will be opening a queer community center in Atlantic City. A center that will offer resources, services, referrals, events, community, and more.” 

These services also reflect over into campus, where QTPOCS President Daniela Contreras stated that campus groups such as the aforementioned organization “provide a space on campus, where the perspectives and experiences of POC (people of color) within the LGBTQ+ community are heard, respected, and uplifted. Our queerness and our identity transcend simplicity and typical conversation […] So we reflect on our history.”

Proceeding with the raising of the flag, Harriott reminded the audience that “It is both a gift and responsibility. One that calls moving forward, to safeguard the rights that we work so hard on and to continue the work of creating a more inclusive and equitable future.” 

For more information on campus LGBTQIA+ organizations, visit this link or check out the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Center in F-103 between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Feel free to follow @pridealliancesu and @stockton.qtpocs on Instagram as well.