Pride Day at CCWF turns three
On July 25, 2026, in a bright array of color, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) hosted the third annual Pride Celebration in support of its LGBTQIA+ population.
Before the event, residents gathered together for hours at a time to create multi-dimensional floats representing their community, an expression of themselves, and what it means to be prideful.
The morning of the event, all facility yards gathered on the main yard near the chapel for the float competition. While the floats’ designers maneuvered parade-style around the crowd, residents were able to join in and enjoy the festivities as if they were in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In the end, Facility D was proclaimed the winner of the float parade contest.
The event switched gears to the visiting area and opened up with former lifer and CCWF resident Yannick Ortega, as well as several other formerly incarcerated CCWF residents.
“It is an honor to play a part in creating this safe space,” Garcia said later. “I know it’s hard for people to be themselves in here — also being seen and heard.”
For the first time ever, CCWF witnessed a professional drag show. Performers included the event host Katalina Zambrano, adorned in a green dress. And styled in a powder blue blazer, white jeans, and a bedazzled cane, was Ryder Moore.
“To be here on stage means more to me than the thousands I’m used to performing for,” Moore said. “The hope I see in here gives hope to those on the outside struggling. You all are little miracles; God works through you.”
