Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends
What does Pride Month mean to me?
May 31, 2026
From celebration to connection to remembrance, members of Brandeis’ LGBTQIA+ Alumni Network share what Pride Month means in their own lives.
Observed each year in June, Pride Month provides a time for reflection, joy, community, remembrance, and so much more. At Brandeis, the LGBTQIA+ Alumni Network has celebrated Pride and welcomed alumni from around the world for almost three decades.
When Adam M. Greenwald ’98 became chair of the network three years ago, he wanted to build and strengthen community among LGBTQIA+ alumni across generations and geographies. “Brandeis has always had a deep commitment to social justice,” he said, “and I saw this as an opportunity to help ensure that LGBTQIA+ alumni feel seen, valued, and connected to one another and to the university.”
On a personal level, Greenwald said being part of the LGBTQIA+ Network has reinforced his sense of community and belonging, especially as a parent and someone navigating multiple identities. “It’s been both grounding and energizing to be part of a space where people can show up fully and support one another,” he said.
In honor of Pride Month, we asked several members of the LGBTQIA+ Network what the occasion means to them.
Rebecca Laszlo ’84
“Pride Month is a time when we make ourselves visible, whether we have LGBTQIA+ identities or we stand as allies. When I came out in my junior year at Brandeis, I was able to participate in Triskelion, then an emerging LGBTQ+ student-led community. I used to be closeted at work but ‘out’ in my nonwork life, but eventually I was able to integrate all spheres. Now I try to be visible and make every day as joyous as Pride Month!”
Jason Dick ’14
“Pride Month started as a riot led by queer and trans people of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Zazu Nova. I want to say that before anything else.
“Pride is a month to be queer, big, and out loud, which is something I do year-round as a drag artist with my persona Phoebe Jeebies (@phoebejeebiesnyc). As a working drag queen, I’m crazy busy — Pride is my busiest month of the year. There is an interesting juxtaposition that happens. Some of my gigs, especially the corporate ones, are to pay the bills. I’ll be doing drag on small Zoom screens or in fluorescent office buildings, and although I often connect with people in a lovely way and bring joy and queerness to an unconventional setting, it can often feel far away from the true spirit of Pride Month. My other gigs, like brunches and shows I'm producing, are creatively fulfilling and allow me to connect with more people in our community. Pride Month always means one thing for certain. By the end of the month, I’m exhausted!”
Photo credits for Phoebe Jeebies: Photo by Anthony Cunanan; dress by Gloria Swansong; hair by Bryan Gonzalez; custom jewelry by Robert Sorrell
Renee Chapman-Best ’81
“Pride Month is a time to honor LGBTQIA+ achievements, culture, and activism. It’s about celebrating love and acceptance of self and others. It commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which were a response to a police raid and marked the beginning of the modern fight for rights. It’s a reminder of the need for continued activism against injustice.”
Rani Balakrishna ’25
“Pride Month is a moment to appreciate all that makes us different and to celebrate coming together with people we love. It is an opportunity to educate, connect, and help the queer community shine. It’s also a time when I remember how I came out to my family and was able to share my full self with them. It is a month of inspiration, reflection, and celebration for me.”
Adam M. Greenwald ’98
“Pride Month is both a celebration and a reminder. It’s time to celebrate how far we’ve come as a community, the visibility we’ve gained, and the joy of living more openly and authentically. At the same time, it’s a reminder of the ongoing work still ahead — ensuring equity, safety, and belonging for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. For me personally, Pride is about connection, chosen family, and showing up as my full self.”