06/03/2026
This Pride Month we’re shining the spotlight on Admissions and Recruitment Specialist Christine Cartlidge (she/her)!
Cartlidge shared what Pride Month means to her, why celebrating the month matters and more:
🏳️🌈What does Pride Month mean to you?
I was introduced to the LGBTQIA+ community through my mother, who came out when I was nine. One of my earliest memories was experiencing the San Diego Pride parade for the first time. As a child, I remember feeling vibrant, joyful, celebratory and full of energy. As I grew older, I began to understand the deeper meaning behind Pride Month and why those celebrations existed in the first place. What once felt simply festive became something far more meaningful: a reminder of the importance of visibility, acceptance, and the right for people to live openly and authentically.
🎉How do you celebrate Pride Month?
For me, celebrating Pride has always been about supporting and appreciating the people and community who have shown me that same support and appreciation since childhood. I think celebration exists in everyday actions: treating people with respect, creating inclusive environments, listening with empathy and helping others feel comfortable being themselves not just during Pride Month, but year-round.
💙 Why is it important to celebrate Pride Month?
I think belonging, connection, and representation are incredibly important, and Pride Month helps create space for people to feel seen, accepted and included for who they are. It’s also important because it recognizes the history, struggles, resilience and progress of the LGBTQIA+ community while reminding us that there is always more we can do to continue building inclusive and supportive communities.
🌈 What advice do you have for someone learning how to be a better ally?
Being an ally doesn’t mean having all the right answers – it means being willing to listen, learn, speak up when it matters and support others consistently. I think one of the most important things is approaching people and experiences with empathy rather than assumptions. Lead with respect, stay open to growth and understand that allyship is often reflected in everyday actions and conversations.
💡What is one thing you want people to remember during Pride Month?
Everyone deserves to feel accepted, respected and safe being who they are. When LGBTQIA+ individuals are able to live openly and authentically without fear of judgment or exclusion, it strengthens the fabric of entire communities. Pride is a reminder that inclusion doesn’t just benefit one group; it benefits everyone by creating a more compassionate, connected and humane society for all.
