Students and staff were invited to the Center for Inclusion and Belonging on Oct. 1 to make flower bouquets to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month.

Attendees wrote words of encouragement and crafted bouquets as supplies, such as flowers, ribbons, wrapping paper and more were handed around.

“This was our kick starter event for LGBTQ+ History Month,” said Jennifer Martinez, Cosumnes River College’s Pride Center specialist. “Since it was bouquet making, it was a way for us to give out flowers for our queer students and for our allies around the campus.”

Michelle Nguyen, an 18-year-old psychology major, came to show her support for the community.

“My bouquet is a support to the amazing and inclusive community we have here at CRC,” Nguyen said.

The Pride Center is hosting many events for LGBTQ+ History Month, inviting community members and allies alike to participate and show their support.

“LGBTQ History Month is part of the cultural committees,” Martinez said. “We receive our funding from the Center of Inclusion and Belonging.”

Staff members also came to show their support.

“My bouquet is a token of allyship to LGBTQ+ students and a symbol of appreciation,” said Akaysia Hill, a member of CRC’s mental health team. “Working in the mental health field, I have seen how vulnerable some LGBTQ+ students are. I want them to know they are supported.”

The CRC Pride Center is located inside the Center for Inclusion and Belonging on the library’s first floor and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It’s the symbolism behind it,” Martinez said. “With a lot of anti-LGBTQ legislation being passed, we want to make sure our students and staff feel supported and appreciated.”