Sonoma County Pride stands in solidarity with LGBTQ+ students, educators, families, and community members following the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees’ October 8 decision to end the year-round display of the Progress Pride flag at Sonoma Valley High School, where it had flown since 2019.
The organization is disappointed by the decision, particularly after students repeatedly explained what the flag means to them. Their testimony, and the continued response from the school community, deserve thoughtful consideration.

On October 13, students and community members participated in a walkout protesting the decision. Local reporting also described Pride flags displayed by area businesses and a message of support signed by dozens of school staff members.

“When a young person walks into a school and sees a Pride flag, they see more than a rainbow,” said Christopher Kren-Mora, President of Sonoma County Pride. “They see a sign that they belong, that their identity is respected, and that someone in that school recognizes them for who they are.”

For Kren-Mora, a Sonoma County native who has spent much of his adult life advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, the issue is personal.

“I grew up here in Sonoma County, and I often think about how different my own experience might have been if I had seen a Pride flag flying at my school,” Kren-Mora said. “Growing up, there weren’t always visible reminders that it was okay to be who you were. Something as simple as that flag might have made me feel a little safer, a little less alone, and a little more comfortable with myself.”

“Now, in my 50s, living in a county that has grown and changed so much during my lifetime, it’s disappointing to see young people having to explain why that same symbol of acceptance still matters. I would have hoped that by now, we would be having a very different conversation.”

Listening to Students

School boards have a responsibility to establish fair, consistent policies for their communities. That responsibility also includes listening to students and considering how decisions affect their sense of safety and belonging. Reported findings from the district’s YouthTruth student survey have raised concerns about bullying, emotional well-being, and school safety among LGBTQ+ students—issues that warrant attention beyond any flag policy.

Sonoma County Pride recognizes the efforts of Sonoma Valley Pride, Wake UP Sonoma, and the students, families, and educators who have brought these concerns forward. Their advocacy has kept student experiences at the center of the conversation.

“What disappoints me most is that the students have been telling us what this flag means to them,” Kren-Mora said. “They’ve shared their experiences, they’ve spoken up, and they’ve asked to be heard. Whether or not we all agree on the meaning of a flag, I think we owe it to our young people to take their concerns seriously.”

Belonging Is Not Seasonal

The Pride flag represents visibility, resilience, and the pursuit of equal treatment. At school, it can be a simple sign that LGBTQ+ students are recognized as part of the community. Displaying it does not require others to adopt a particular identity or belief, nor does recognition of one student diminish another.

Designated awareness months create opportunities for education and celebration. But a student’s need to feel respected and accepted does not begin or end with a month on the calendar.

“The Pride flag isn’t about excluding anyone or asking anyone to believe something they don’t,” Kren-Mora said. “It’s about making sure LGBTQ+ students know they have a place in their own school. Our community has spent decades fighting for visibility and acceptance. We should be moving forward, not asking young people to question whether that acceptance still extends to them.”

Looking Ahead

Sonoma County Pride hopes district leaders will continue meeting directly with students, consider whether the policy responds to the needs they have raised, and remain open to revisiting the decision. The district also has an opportunity to address broader questions about bullying prevention, staff training, mental-health resources, and meaningful support for LGBTQ+ youth.

“My hope is that this conversation doesn’t end with the board’s vote,” said Kren-Mora. “These students have shown tremendous courage in speaking up for themselves and their classmates. I hope the district will continue listening, engage directly with them, and remain open to reconsidering a decision that clearly carries such personal meaning for so many young people.”

Sonoma County Pride stands with the students of Sonoma Valley High School and with everyone working toward schools where young people feel valued, respected, and supported.

A flag can be taken down. The dignity of the people it represents cannot.

About Sonoma County Pride

Sonoma County Pride is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community throughout Sonoma County. Through community events, partnerships, and year-round engagement, the organization promotes visibility, inclusion, and belonging.