At Pomona Valley Pride, we believe Pride is more than a celebration, it’s our life. This post is for anyone who’s wondered what it truly means to be part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, whether you’re finding your voice, supporting a loved one, or seeking a place to belong. Wherever you are in your journey, you have a home here.
What You’ll Learn
This guide offers a warm, plain-language look at the LGBTQIA2S+ acronym, the power of belonging and visibility, and where to find supportive resources in Pomona and across the Inland Empire. Most of all, it’s a reminder that being part of this community means being seen, heard, and loved for who you are.
Understanding the LGBTQIA2S+ Spectrum
When people first see LGBTQIA2S+, it can feel like a lot—an alphabet of identities that may be new or unfamiliar. But each letter represents real lives and real experiences. Together, they form a living tapestry of courage, discovery, and connection.
- L = Lesbian — Women who love women.
- G = Gay — Often used broadly; most often men who love men.
- B = Bisexual — Attraction to more than one gender.
- T = Transgender — Gender identity differs from sex assigned at birth.
- Q = Queer or Questioning — A proud, inclusive umbrella; or a place of exploration.
- I = Intersex — Natural variations in sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male/female.
- A = Asexual — Little or no sexual attraction; many still form deep emotional/romantic bonds.
- 2S = Two-Spirit — A sacred identity in many Indigenous cultures reflecting a balance of masculine and feminine spirit.
- + = Plus — Identities not listed above, pansexual, nonbinary, demisexual, agender, gender-fluid, and more.
Q: What does LGBTQIA2S+ mean?
A: It’s a broad, inclusive spectrum of identities, each one valid, creating space for everyone to see themselves and be seen.
You don’t have to know every term to be respectful. Curiosity, kindness, and listening with care go a long way.
The Power of Belonging
Belonging is a quiet form of resistance. It’s the moment you stop hiding, even a little, and let yourself be seen. For many in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, belonging isn’t just personal; it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply meaningful. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving.
When people gather, something shifts. You can feel it in a first Pride hug, or the relief of entering a space where explanations aren’t required. At Pomona Valley Pride, we see this transformation every day. Folks arrive unsure there’s room for them and leave standing taller, more rooted in who they are. Community turns isolation into connection and self-doubt into pride.
Want to connect in person? Join us for circles, celebrations, and simple meetups that help belonging take shape in our daily lives. Come join us at any of our upcoming events!
Representation & Visibility Matter
Seeing Pride represented in the media, in leadership, in your neighborhood, and other spaces changes what feels possible. Pronouns used correctly, chosen names respected, stories told with care: these small acts affirm existence.
Local visibility is powerful. When LGBTQIA2S+ voices show up in Pomona classrooms, small businesses, art shows, and city events, it normalizes diversity where it matters most, right here at home. For young people still finding language for who they are, visibility says, Your future lives here, too.
Visibility also ripples outward. It encourages allies to speak up, institutions to adapt, and families to open their doors wider. Being seen doesn’t just reflect who we are; it creates room for who we’re becoming.
Local LGBTQ+ Support in Pomona & the Inland Empire
Every thriving community needs a home base: a place to ask questions without fear and find support that meets you where you are. For the Inland Empire’s LGBTQIA2S+ community, that home is Pomona Valley Pride.
How we show up for our community:
- Safe, Welcoming Events — From Pride festivals to movie nights and forums, our gatherings center inclusion and visibility.
- Resources & Referrals — Our resources page connects you to counseling, youth programs, affirming faith communities, and trans-competent care across Pomona and neighboring cities.
- Health & Wellness Connections — Partnerships with local clinics and advocates support LGBTQ-friendly healthcare, HIV prevention/treatment, and mental health.
- Support for Youth & Families — Mentorship and family-inclusive events help young people and loved ones navigate identity and acceptance together.
We also collaborate with regional allies to strengthen a network of care that stretches across the Inland Empire, because no one should have to walk this path alone.
If you live in or near Pomona Valley, this is your community, and these are your people. The doors are open, the conversations are waiting, and someone here is ready to say, “You belong.”
How Allies Can Help
You don’t have to share every experience to make a difference. Some of the most powerful advocates are people who choose to stand with empathy and courage.
- Listen more than you speak. Listening creates space for others to feel seen.
- Amplify marginalized voices. Share local stories and events; uplift LGBTQIA2S+ creators and leaders.
- Volunteer or donate locally. Your time and support keep community programs strong.
- Educate gently, don’t center yourself. Correct misinformation with care and redirect attention to LGBTQ+ voices.
- Challenge harmful language and bias. Speaking up changes culture, one conversation at a time.
Every small act matters. Together, we can make Pomona a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and celebrated.
Final Thoughts: Pride Every Day
Pride is more than a single weekend or a parade route. It’s the everyday choice to live authentically, and to help others do the same. At Pomona Valley Pride, we carry that spirit all year: in classrooms and living rooms, in community events and quiet conversations, in the ways we keep making room for each other to belong.
Stay connected with us. Reach out, share your story, or subscribe for events, local updates, and ways to get involved. We’re here for you, today and every day. Contact us & subscribe.
