Skip to main content
CSUN homeNews home
Story
4 of 10

Orgullo y Cultura unites color and community

Vibrant sounds reverberated at the Grand Salon while mariachi music echoed across CSUN’s campus as students gathered to celebrate Orgullo y Cultura: Colors of Our Culture. The Event blended the...

Vibrant sounds reverberated at the Grand Salon while mariachi music echoed across CSUN’s campus as students gathered to celebrate Orgullo y Cultura: Colors of Our Culture.

The Event blended the rich traditions of Latinx heritage with the pride and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Hosted by the Pride Center and the University Student Union on Oct. 14, the celebration brought the community together during a time of uncertainty and division.

Tables were quickly filled with traditional dishes that spoke to generations of culture. It ranged from tacos filled with tender meats, sweet conchas and slices of cake to complement the savory taste. The scent of fresh food carried throughout campus, inviting many students to share not only a meal but also a moment of belonging.

A lively twist on the traditional Mexican game of Loteria, a board game similar to bingo, was the event’s centerpiece, which offered both entertainment and education. Each card represented a familiar cultural symbol and a nod to queer identity. The game’s playful energy filled the air as students competed for prizes ranging from gift cards to an electric scooter.

Cynthia Lee Fontaine entertained students with her last performance of the event, dancing and lip syncing on Oct. 14 in Northridge, Calif. (Alexis Martinez)

Cynthia Lee Fontaine from RuPaul’s Drag Race was the highlight of the event, fully embodying intersectionality. Her performance and fashion showcased that being Latino and queer are not conflicting, but interconnected parts that create a richer identity.

“I’ve been advocating for not only the LGBTQ+ but also the Hispanic community, and now that I have this huge platform, I try to take advantage to promote who we are: Latinidad,” Lee Fontaine said. “To the Latinx community, work hard, you’re in the country of opportunities, all the obstacles just put them to the side and remember you’re representing yourself and your loved ones.”

As the star of the show took her break, the Grand Salon came alive with sound as Mariachi Arcoiris, the world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi band, filling the space with traditional melodies. Songs like “My Way” and “Sabor a Mi” set the tone of the evening; their performances expressed how shared culture becomes a living bond that carries both pride and perseverance.

While the performances took center stage, the real magic happened behind the scenes as assistant events planner Tam Tran worked tirelessly to bring the evening to life.

“We just wanted to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBT History Month with Mariachis and Drag queens bringing in that intersectionality,” Tran said. “I think in the climate that we’re in, it’s important in needing a community and friends where you can feel a part of campus.”

From coordinating every detail to booking the mariachi, her planning ensured that each aspect of the event reflected both cultural pride and inclusivity, which created an atmosphere that felt warm and receptive.

As the sun began to set, anticipation was built once again as a last performance from Lee Fontaine drew the crowd closer. She was seen dancing, lip-synching to the live DJ and getting close and personal to the seated attendees.

Excitement rose as students clutched their raffle tickets, hoping for one last piece of magic. As cheers subsided, it was not just for the winners but for the shared experience of community and culture.

Latest Daily Sundial