The Inaugural Pride Week

On April 27, Alliance and Transcend—Marlborough's queer and transgender affinity groups—brought Pride Week to campus for the first time. The students planned a week of activities and programming that was fun, thoughtful, and community-oriented. Their stated goal was to “build community, raise awareness, and champion inclusion.” To add a little friendly competition, participation in the week’s activities could earn points for each grade, with the ultimate prize of a grade-wide free dress day.

Monday and Tuesday turned the community’s attention outward. The week opened with a donation drive for gently used clothing and shoes to support the Trans Wellness Center, an organization that serves transgender and nonbinary Angelenos. On Tuesday, students and staculty rolled up their sleeves to assemble toiletry and hygiene kits for the Los Angeles LGBT Center. It was a hands-on reminder that advocacy can be as simple as showing up and doing the work.

Wednesday shifted the lens towards education as Marlborough welcomed Dr. Julie Galles from Chrysalis Academy to campus for a Pushing Perspectives. She discussed gender identity and the legislation currently impacting the LGBTQIA+ community around the country. Dr. Galles made clear that these policies being debated in legislatures are not abstract, they are shaping the daily lives of real people.

She shared ways in which individuals can support one another: “There are always things that we can do,” she said. “Educate yourselves, talk to your friends, talk to your family. If you are not a member of the LGBT+ community, you can be an ally to friends, family, and even people you don’t know. It’s unbelievably powerful, because then [that person] feels seen and valued.”

The week culminated on Thursday with a high-energy celebration. During Community Time, an exciting game of dodgeball took over Booth Field while other students enjoyed a quieter pace at the bracelet-making station. The highlight of the afternoon was a raucous game of musical chairs in Combs Gym. Laughter—and more than a few epic dance moves—filled the gym as dozens of students celebrated together.

When the final points were tallied, the Class of 2027 claimed the top prize. But the real win belonged to Alliance, Transcend, and the Marlborough community. In their inaugural Pride Week, student leaders created something that embodied one of Marlborough’s most important core values this year and always: Champion Inclusion. Every student has a place here—to serve, to learn, to play, and to feel seen.