Rainbow decorations, dance music and a table filled with eye-catching cupcakes greeted visitors at the second annual Unity Fest on June 26 as Hillcrest and Pomona Valley Pride invited people to celebrate belonging while exploring what it means to be an ally.

The free event focused on conversations about belonging, acceptance and allyship.

For Shirley Turner, Hillcrest's director of sales and marketing, Unity Fest reflects the organization's broader mission.

"It draws our community together," Turner said. "It gives people an opportunity to feel welcome and to know that they're welcome here."

She said the message extends beyond the annual event.

"You are welcome here, no matter your background, your walk of life, where you come from, what you've done, what you haven't done," Turner said.

Turner described allyship as creating safe spaces for people who may feel vulnerable. She believes allyship means seeing people for who they are rather than how they differ.

"I think being an ally is being open-minded and looking at people as people," Turner said. "Look at your similarities. Look how we are actually connected."

For Bob and Jane Salinger, allyship begins with love—and a willingness to keep learning.

"It means I love my grandchild," Bob said. "I don't care what she wears or looks like or says. I love her anyway."

The couple said supporting their transgender grandchild has been a learning experience. Jane said making mistakes, such as accidentally using a former name, can happen, but what matters is responding with humility.

"If you make a mistake, apologize and move on," she said. "I'm always learning."

She admitted her understanding has evolved over time.

"My grandchild is who she is now," Jane said. "I'm on a big learning curve, and it's a journey."

When asked what advice they would give someone trying to become an ally, Jane's response was simple.

"Listen, listen, listen," she said. "Let people talk."

Bob added that patience is equally important.

"We have to resist the temptation to be angry with people who don't get it," he said.

Kennen Dykstra, outreach coordinator for Pomona Valley Pride, said allyship can be demonstrated in both everyday actions and intentional learning.

"It's to show support, and you can do that in a lot of little ways," Dykstra said, suggesting visible signs of support, such as wearing a shirt or pin, can help LGBTQ+ people recognize welcoming spaces.

They also encouraged people to educate themselves, listen to members of the LGBTQ+ community and stay informed about issues affecting them.

"Make sure that you're really listening to people in the community and listening to their stories," Dykstra said. "We're human too."

Other attendees echoed many of the same themes.

La Verne residents Helene Pichardo and Edmund Nahmias said allyship begins by recognizing shared humanity.

"We're talking about people," Nahmias said. "People are different."

Pichardo encouraged those who are unsure where to begin to "keep an open mind" because "everybody's different."

Richie Do a volunteer with Pomona Valley Pride said allyship starts with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

"What it means to be an ally is just trying to educate yourself, try to better yourself, ask people about their pronouns ... and just be there to support them," the attendee said.

Although attendees offered different perspectives, many emphasized listening, keeping an open mind and treating people with respect.

Attendees' Tips for Being an Ally

• Listen to people and their experiences.
• Keep an open mind and recognize that everyone is different.
• If you make a mistake, apologize, learn and move forward.
• Show support in ways that help others feel welcome and safe.
• Focus on shared humanity rather than differences.
• Lead with patience, respect and compassion.

Learn More

Pomona Valley Pride offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Information is available at pomonavalleypride.org/volunteer-page