Pajaro Valley Schools Mark Harvey Milk Day With Fifth Pride Flag Raising

WATSONVILLE — Over the last five years, every May 22 has brought recognizable scenes and noises around the Pajaro Valley Unified School District office, and Thursday continued this trend without deviation.

Harvey Milk Day, observed to commemorate the late San Francisco Supervisor and California’s pioneering openly gay elected official, now serves as an occasion for LGBTQ+ community members and their supporters to congregate at the district office. They share inspiring speeches, perform uplifting songs emphasizing self-acceptance and inclusivity, and hoist the Pride flag which flies together with the American, state, and POW/MIA flags until October 11th, recognized as National Coming Out Day.

A gathering of students, parents, and school board members—many adorned with variations of the Pride flag, such as the classic rainbow banner or the lighter shades of the transgender flag—took place at what was both an emotionally charged yet vibrant event. The occasion underscored the advancements achieved by the LGBTQ+ community alongside the ongoing efforts needed to foster greater inclusivity and acceptance.

Chrissy McLean, who serves as the district’s coordinator for academic and social-emotional counseling, initiated the ceremony just like she did the prior year. She started with a quote from gender non-conforming poet and comedian Alok Vaid-Menon: "There's magic in being recognized by those who comprehend—this grants you the liberty to persevere."

Becoming our true selves is a shared experience," stated McLean. "I appreciate your participation in this journey alongside PVUSD, acknowledging and embracing every student just as they are when they arrive each day.

Superintendent Heather Contreras mentioned that she had just started in her role two weeks prior when she addressed last year’s gathering and was highly impressed by the inclusivity of the Pajaro Valley. During that occasion, she urged the district to aim for an even larger celebration the following year. However, sadly, she noted that this objective wasn’t achieved.

I'm going to create another challenge for next year," she stated. "Let's initiate an action today so that we can expand this event next year. We will bring a bus full of students here to embrace their identities.

Contreras mentioned that over the last several months, diversity has presented challenges.

We've had a federal government that wasn't entirely supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion," she stated. "This implies that we must take stronger action.

In addition to urging the district to expand next year’s event, Contreras also encouraged participants to contribute daily towards making the world a better place for everyone.

The sole method to improve the world for others is through kindness," she stated. "And the essence of kindness lies in inclusivity. Regardless of our appearance, identity, or nature, it all comes down to being kind.

Jen Salinas-Holz, who has spent over ten years assisting LGBTQ+ students in educational institutions, issued her personal call to action for participants to implement in their respective schools.

We should support LGBTQ+ students as allies throughout the entire year, not only on Harvey Milk Day," she stated. "To expand this initiative next year, we must attract participants from various schools.

Salinas-Holz mentioned that a factor contributing to the reduced turnout this year was her previous ability to attract students from the three campuses where she once taught. Currently, she is based at just one campus.

"It's regrettable that none of the other schools took the initiative to engage their students, so I challenge each one of you to reintroduce this at your own school sites. This will not only help get students more involved but also encourage ongoing conversations about supporting LGBTQ+ youth," she stated.

The students presented alternately in English and Spanish about Milk's background and his enduring impact, along with information regarding the flag displayed on Thursday. The banner they showcased is an adaptation of the original rainbow flag designed by Gilbert Baker—a close associate of Milk—enhanced in 2018 through additional artistic contributions from Daniel Quasar. These additions incorporated the hues of the transgender flag alongside black and brown stripes symbolizing members of the LGBTQ+ community who belong to racial minorities. This evolved version has been named the Progress Pride Flag.

This led to an open microphone segment where participants shared their thoughts on what Harvey Milk Day signified for them. Carlos Gonzalez expressed his disappointment about the neglect of LGBTQ+ Indigenous individuals until quite recently, which the incorporation of this group into the Progress Pride Flag aimed to address.

For the last several hundred years, homophobia and transphobia have permeated all aspects of our lives," he stated. "It's crucial to have places where we can recognize ourselves as intended from the very beginning of existence.

Jessalynn Levine, who directs the choirs at Aptos High School and Aptos Junior High School, guided the audience through a group singing session. “Lead with Love” By Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and choir director Melanie DeMore. Levine, who transitioned to becoming openly transgender just prior to resigning from a teaching position in Texas to relocate to California, mentioned that many individuals haven’t grasped the idea of prioritizing love in their actions.

"As this world continues to make education increasingly difficult, particularly for queer individuals and other marginalized groups, it becomes crucial to adopt a personal motto and approach that allows us to maintain our presence in a society which fails to support us," she stated.

"Start With Compassion," which includes verses about placing one step after another and understanding that support is available when things become frightening, resonated strongly with the audience. Levine initiated an a cappella call-and-response session that engaged many attendees.

The following students read the school board’s most recent resolution To mark May 22 as Harvey Milk Day, students hoisted the flag while Lady Gaga’s celebratory song "Born This Way" resonated through the speakers.

Izabella Leon, a student at Pajaro Valley High School who recently received the Queer Youth Leadership Award, spoke with the Sentinel about her delight seeing numerous students in attendance. Compared to the inaugural ceremony she participated in a couple of years ago, which had fewer attendees, this event seemed more substantial. Izabella believes the gathering serves as an encouragement for LGBTQ+ young people, showing them that they have backing and support from others.

It will be quite a difficult period over the coming few years," she stated. "Remember that there are supportive mentors, helpful organizations, and various resources available within the county to assist you in reaching your fullest potential.