LGBTQ+ Summit 2019
The second biennial LGBTQ+ Summit was held on November 23, 2019 at UC Riverside and was a free higher education conference to support and create resources for LGBTQ people at California Community Colleges. More than 350 students, faculty, and administrators from more than 60 different California Community Colleges attended. The conference was in due in large part to the tireless efforts of Nancy Jean Tubbs, Director of the UC Riverside LGBT Resource Center.
Welcome & Opening Plenary
Chancellor Eloy Otiz Oakley's Welcome Video
Dr. Christine Mata [she/her], UCR Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Student Voices
Anything a Lesbian Ever Touched
Angela Brinskele [she/her], June L Mazer Lesbian Archives
The June L Mazer is one of the oldest and largest lesbian and feminist archives in the world. We will talk about our first founders and the whole history of the Archives from baseball uniforms to personal woman's journals.
The ARC Campus Climate Study
Emilie Mitchell [she/her], American River College
National research on the campus climate for LGBTQ+ community college students is scant. The American River College Campus Climate Study surveyed 1,200 students to assess student perceptions, behaviors, attitudes, and experiences regarding the LGBTQ+ community on campus. The results of the study will be presented as well as recommendations for actions that community colleges can take to make their campuses more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ student community.
arc_campus_climate_study.pdf
Conciencia Raising: Building Safer Zones Training
Magdalena Munoz [she/her], Rio Hondo College
Queer Initiative student members: Jason Reyes [he/him], Ruben de Paz [they/them], Christina Almanza [she/her], Kyara Sandoval [she/her], Krystopher De Lira [he/him], Manuela Plascencia [she/her]
"Building Safer Zones" strives to raise consciousness on the need to build intersectional safe zones. Many times Safe Zones focus on limited experiences of LGBTQIA+ experiences and this workshop explores ability, body image, mental health, non-binary, People of Color experiences, and their multiple intersections. The workshop also includes a student panel who contribute their lived testimonios.
Creating a Lived/Chosen/Preferred Name Program in Your District
Erin Pollard [she/her], Irvine Valley College
Many campuses are now integrating our legal mandates with best practices for support of our transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive students through the creation what are often called by campuses a Preferred Name Program. The programs allow students to be known on campus by their chosen name and personal pronouns appropriate to their gender identity. This presentation will cover the process of creating a similar program in your district as well as specific details to consider when creating such a program. Laws that affect this topic will be discussed as well as current best practices to protect each student's transgender status.
creating_first_name_program.pdf & why_do_we_need_a_chosen_name_program.pdf
Deconstructing Gender
Van Ethan Levy [they/them], Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate License Professional Clinical Counselor
Gender is a societal construct that can be toxic & negatively impact emotional, physical and/or psychological on those who fall outside of what is deemed/labeled as "normal". This presentation, we will deconstruct these constructs to create a trauma informed lens to create safe spaces for folx who identify outside of cis identities and/or are exploring their identity, while creating safe spaces to grow into themselves.
Gay For Pay: Findings From a Spring 2018 Sabbatical Focusing on LGBTQIA+ Student Equity
Steven Deineh [he/him], MiraCosta College
In the spring of 2018, Steven Deineh went on a (paid) sabbatical to determine best practices serving sexual and gender minorities in higher education. His end-of-sabbatical report, based on academic research and visits to some of the "Most LGBT-Friendly Colleges & Universities" in the United States, made distinct, actionable recommendations to MiraCosta College. This workshop will present those recommendations and give an update on their implementation. (Spoiler alert: the implementation has been slow to non-existent.)
gay_for_pay_2019.pdf
How to Strategically Use the Campus Pride Index--National Benchmarking Tool for Assessing LGBTQ-Friendly Policies, Programs and Practices
Dr. Brian Lofman [he/him], Hartnell College & Member, Campus Pride Board of Directors
The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool for assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ+ campus life and ultimately shape the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of LGBTQ+ and ally people. This workshop will illustrate how two year/community colleges have successfully used the Index and ways you can begin benchmarking your college. The Index responds proactively to the increasing demand for tools and resources to support campuses in providing LGBTQ services and to better enhance academic learning for all students.
how_to_strategically_use_campus_pride_index.pdf
I’m Affirming, Now What? Best Practices for Working with Trans and Gender Expansive College Students
Andrew Sage Mendez-McLeish, M.Ed. [he/him], Pasadena City College
Often Faculty and Staff want to be affirming to Trans* and Gender Expansive students but feel intimidated. This presentation is for professionals who want to take the next step in creating a welcoming and respectful environment for gender diverse students. Topics include the necessity of gender inclusive classrooms through statistics regarding trans individuals; a discussion of common myths and misconceptions of Trans students in the college setting; the concept of gender euphoria, how it can be fostered and the impact it has on the classroom; and introducing a respectful lexicon for gender diverse students in the classroom.
It IS a Big Deal: Anti-LGBTQ Microaggressions in the Classroom
Patrick Rock [he/him or they/them], Pasadena City College
This presentation will cover what a microaggression is as well as the common microaggressions faced by LGBTQ individuals face within academic environments. We will discuss how they are harmful, drawing on both participant experiences and academic research. The presentation will also provide recommendations for faculty, staff and students about how to confront or respond to these incidents and how to advocate for safe classrooms for LGBTQ students. Please note that this presentation is a repeat of the presentation of the same name at te 2017 Summit, designed for participants who weren't able to attend at that time.
LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency: Supporting and Understanding LGBTQ+ Youth
Dr. Has Arakelyan [she/her], LA Valley College and California State University Los Angeles
This workshop will familiarize ourselves with the concept of LGBTQ+ identities existing on spectrums, explore the idea that coming out is not a discrete and linear revelation but rather a daily and lifelong process. This workshop will provide participants with practical resources to support LGBTQ+ youth in a variety of ways, including mental health resources, legal services, and even scholarships to support academic achievement.
Making the Case for Universal Locker Rooms: An Equity Perspective
Stephanie O’Brien [she/her], Trustee, College of Marin
Providing safe, equitable and appropriate environments is paramount to LBGTQ+ people. One strategy is funding and building Universal Locker Rooms. But garnering support for this novel approach may prove difficult. Let’s explore the benefits of this initiative, and open a dialogue into how to enlist the college community to this cause, and identify strategies to fund them. This will be an open discussion, using the UC Berkeley project as a reference.
Navigating Academia while Queer
Valarie Zapata [she/her], Moreno Valley College
Jessica Delgado [she/her, they/them], Claremont Graduate University
Danny Cervantes [he/him, they/them], California State University, San Bernardino
Alejandra Castillo [she/her], Moreno Valley College
Come and learn with a community college faculty member, a current student, and two graduates from Moreno Valley College how you can support Students of Color and LGBTQ+ students. Utilizing anecdotal experiences and culturally sustaining classroom activities, assignments, and curricula, this panel will focus on building collaborative and inclusive classrooms, sharing practical activities, implementing LGBTQ+ curricula, fostering student voices and leadership, and growing activism beyond the classroom walls. All four presenters have been actively involved in LGBTQ+ social justice activism and advocacy via the educational system.
navigating_academia_while_queer.pdf
Protesting Discriminatory Blood Collection Drives on Campus
Johnathon Martin [he/him], Evergreen Valley College
Join us to learn about the discriminatory practice of blood collection drives on college campuses, and how one community college organized against it. Learn strategies to work with stakeholders to increase awareness and stop discriminatory practices in the future.
Show Me the Numbers: How are colleges collecting and using data on LGBTQ+ students?
Marc Beam [he/him], RP Group
Darla Cooper [sh/her], RP Group
The Research and Planning Group will share results from a statewide survey of community college research offices regarding data collection and usage for LGBTQ+ populations. We will then engage the audience in an open discussion about data collection and uses. Participants can give input and feedback to help inform future data collection and research.
show_me_the_numbers.pdf
Spectrum Caucus
Danny Thirakul [he/him] President of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges
The Spectrum Caucus is a group of like-minded students gathered to talk about issues surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community. This group helps bring issues to a statewide level with the help of the SSCCC – Student Senate for the California Community Colleges. Any CCC student can join the caucus and participate, bringing resolutions to the SSCCC's General Assembly which can shape the organization's statewide advocacy efforts and priorities. Learn more about the Spectrum Caucus, how to get involved, and to share ideas for issues the SSCCC might address.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in the CCC System: Practical Strategies and Opportunities from an Institutional Research Perspective
Zahra Mojtahedi [she/her], Skyline College
As the CCC system attempts to collect sexual orientation and gender identity information through voluntary questions on the admissions application, an increasing number of community colleges are taking proactive approaches to better understand and meet the diverse needs of LGBTQ+ students. This session will compare various institutional approaches to understanding the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ students, including the potential role that campus climate surveys can play to raise awareness of barriers that students face from an intersectional perspective. The session will conclude with discussion of practical steps attendees can take in the roles they play on campus to better support LGBTQ+ students.
Transferring to UC and Paying for It
Eduardo Ramirez, Transfer Admission Counselor, UC Riverside
Chris Henthorn, Financial Aid Counselor, UC Riverside
Hear from professionals from UCR's Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Offices on how to transfer from community college to UC and pay for it. Admission requirements can be confusing, but this session will get you on the right track. You will also learn how grants, scholarships, and loans can help you achieve your dreams at UC.
A Way Forward: A Possibility Model for Implementing the Gender Recognition Act on Your Campus
India Pierce [she/her], MiraCosta College
The Gender Recognition Act went into effect this year. This monumental bill makes the process easier for Californians to apply to change their gender markers on California documents. Most significant, the bill creates a non-binary gender category (the letter “x”). These easier processes will allow many people in our community to have full recognition in the State of California. In order to make sure that all of our students and employees are being served at the highest level of excellence changes will need to be made to the binary classification systems and gender specific language used on our campuses. With such a huge undertaking some might not know where to begin. This session will present MiraCosta College's journey as a possibility model to help others create a plan for their campus.
We can do it!: Getting LGBTQ+ programs & services started
Jan Muto [she/her], Norco College
Erin Pollard [she/her], Irvine Valley College
We all have to start somewhere. Not having a formal budget or administrator in charge doesn't have to prevent you from getting started of meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students, even though Student Equity Funds may now be available. This workshop will share strategies for beginning LGBTQ+ programming on your campus through two different campus' approaches to this work. In 2011 Norco College had a handful of faculty who self-identified as committed to this population and virtually no budget. In the years since, we grew our Ally/SafeZone program to approximately 50% of employees, started offering Pride graduation stoles in 2014, and finally opened our Unity Zone space (for LGBTQ+ and Dreamer students) with staffing supported by Student Equity funds. In 2019 the Academic Senate approved the creation of a standing committee tasked with LGBTQ+ advocacy. Erin Pollard will also share her experience in starting a Counselor-led Pride Scholars Program at Irvine Valley College. Participants will leave with concrete ideas on how and where to start supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ students and employees on their campuses.
starting_lgbtq_programs_on_campus.pdf
Closing Plenary
Michael R. Quiaoit [he/him], Dean, Educational Services and Support, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
Danny Thirakul [he/him], President, Student Senate for California Community Colleges
Michelle Velasquez Bean [she/her], Area C Representative for the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges
transcript-summit2019.pdf
Welcome & Opening Plenary
Chancellor Eloy Otiz Oakley's Welcome Video
Dr. Christine Mata [she/her], UCR Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Student Voices
Anything a Lesbian Ever Touched
Angela Brinskele [she/her], June L Mazer Lesbian Archives
The June L Mazer is one of the oldest and largest lesbian and feminist archives in the world. We will talk about our first founders and the whole history of the Archives from baseball uniforms to personal woman's journals.
The ARC Campus Climate Study
Emilie Mitchell [she/her], American River College
National research on the campus climate for LGBTQ+ community college students is scant. The American River College Campus Climate Study surveyed 1,200 students to assess student perceptions, behaviors, attitudes, and experiences regarding the LGBTQ+ community on campus. The results of the study will be presented as well as recommendations for actions that community colleges can take to make their campuses more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ student community.
arc_campus_climate_study.pdf
Conciencia Raising: Building Safer Zones Training
Magdalena Munoz [she/her], Rio Hondo College
Queer Initiative student members: Jason Reyes [he/him], Ruben de Paz [they/them], Christina Almanza [she/her], Kyara Sandoval [she/her], Krystopher De Lira [he/him], Manuela Plascencia [she/her]
"Building Safer Zones" strives to raise consciousness on the need to build intersectional safe zones. Many times Safe Zones focus on limited experiences of LGBTQIA+ experiences and this workshop explores ability, body image, mental health, non-binary, People of Color experiences, and their multiple intersections. The workshop also includes a student panel who contribute their lived testimonios.
Creating a Lived/Chosen/Preferred Name Program in Your District
Erin Pollard [she/her], Irvine Valley College
Many campuses are now integrating our legal mandates with best practices for support of our transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive students through the creation what are often called by campuses a Preferred Name Program. The programs allow students to be known on campus by their chosen name and personal pronouns appropriate to their gender identity. This presentation will cover the process of creating a similar program in your district as well as specific details to consider when creating such a program. Laws that affect this topic will be discussed as well as current best practices to protect each student's transgender status.
creating_first_name_program.pdf & why_do_we_need_a_chosen_name_program.pdf
Deconstructing Gender
Van Ethan Levy [they/them], Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate License Professional Clinical Counselor
Gender is a societal construct that can be toxic & negatively impact emotional, physical and/or psychological on those who fall outside of what is deemed/labeled as "normal". This presentation, we will deconstruct these constructs to create a trauma informed lens to create safe spaces for folx who identify outside of cis identities and/or are exploring their identity, while creating safe spaces to grow into themselves.
Gay For Pay: Findings From a Spring 2018 Sabbatical Focusing on LGBTQIA+ Student Equity
Steven Deineh [he/him], MiraCosta College
In the spring of 2018, Steven Deineh went on a (paid) sabbatical to determine best practices serving sexual and gender minorities in higher education. His end-of-sabbatical report, based on academic research and visits to some of the "Most LGBT-Friendly Colleges & Universities" in the United States, made distinct, actionable recommendations to MiraCosta College. This workshop will present those recommendations and give an update on their implementation. (Spoiler alert: the implementation has been slow to non-existent.)
gay_for_pay_2019.pdf
How to Strategically Use the Campus Pride Index--National Benchmarking Tool for Assessing LGBTQ-Friendly Policies, Programs and Practices
Dr. Brian Lofman [he/him], Hartnell College & Member, Campus Pride Board of Directors
The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool for assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ+ campus life and ultimately shape the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of LGBTQ+ and ally people. This workshop will illustrate how two year/community colleges have successfully used the Index and ways you can begin benchmarking your college. The Index responds proactively to the increasing demand for tools and resources to support campuses in providing LGBTQ services and to better enhance academic learning for all students.
how_to_strategically_use_campus_pride_index.pdf
I’m Affirming, Now What? Best Practices for Working with Trans and Gender Expansive College Students
Andrew Sage Mendez-McLeish, M.Ed. [he/him], Pasadena City College
Often Faculty and Staff want to be affirming to Trans* and Gender Expansive students but feel intimidated. This presentation is for professionals who want to take the next step in creating a welcoming and respectful environment for gender diverse students. Topics include the necessity of gender inclusive classrooms through statistics regarding trans individuals; a discussion of common myths and misconceptions of Trans students in the college setting; the concept of gender euphoria, how it can be fostered and the impact it has on the classroom; and introducing a respectful lexicon for gender diverse students in the classroom.
It IS a Big Deal: Anti-LGBTQ Microaggressions in the Classroom
Patrick Rock [he/him or they/them], Pasadena City College
This presentation will cover what a microaggression is as well as the common microaggressions faced by LGBTQ individuals face within academic environments. We will discuss how they are harmful, drawing on both participant experiences and academic research. The presentation will also provide recommendations for faculty, staff and students about how to confront or respond to these incidents and how to advocate for safe classrooms for LGBTQ students. Please note that this presentation is a repeat of the presentation of the same name at te 2017 Summit, designed for participants who weren't able to attend at that time.
LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency: Supporting and Understanding LGBTQ+ Youth
Dr. Has Arakelyan [she/her], LA Valley College and California State University Los Angeles
This workshop will familiarize ourselves with the concept of LGBTQ+ identities existing on spectrums, explore the idea that coming out is not a discrete and linear revelation but rather a daily and lifelong process. This workshop will provide participants with practical resources to support LGBTQ+ youth in a variety of ways, including mental health resources, legal services, and even scholarships to support academic achievement.
Making the Case for Universal Locker Rooms: An Equity Perspective
Stephanie O’Brien [she/her], Trustee, College of Marin
Providing safe, equitable and appropriate environments is paramount to LBGTQ+ people. One strategy is funding and building Universal Locker Rooms. But garnering support for this novel approach may prove difficult. Let’s explore the benefits of this initiative, and open a dialogue into how to enlist the college community to this cause, and identify strategies to fund them. This will be an open discussion, using the UC Berkeley project as a reference.
Navigating Academia while Queer
Valarie Zapata [she/her], Moreno Valley College
Jessica Delgado [she/her, they/them], Claremont Graduate University
Danny Cervantes [he/him, they/them], California State University, San Bernardino
Alejandra Castillo [she/her], Moreno Valley College
Come and learn with a community college faculty member, a current student, and two graduates from Moreno Valley College how you can support Students of Color and LGBTQ+ students. Utilizing anecdotal experiences and culturally sustaining classroom activities, assignments, and curricula, this panel will focus on building collaborative and inclusive classrooms, sharing practical activities, implementing LGBTQ+ curricula, fostering student voices and leadership, and growing activism beyond the classroom walls. All four presenters have been actively involved in LGBTQ+ social justice activism and advocacy via the educational system.
navigating_academia_while_queer.pdf
Protesting Discriminatory Blood Collection Drives on Campus
Johnathon Martin [he/him], Evergreen Valley College
Join us to learn about the discriminatory practice of blood collection drives on college campuses, and how one community college organized against it. Learn strategies to work with stakeholders to increase awareness and stop discriminatory practices in the future.
Show Me the Numbers: How are colleges collecting and using data on LGBTQ+ students?
Marc Beam [he/him], RP Group
Darla Cooper [sh/her], RP Group
The Research and Planning Group will share results from a statewide survey of community college research offices regarding data collection and usage for LGBTQ+ populations. We will then engage the audience in an open discussion about data collection and uses. Participants can give input and feedback to help inform future data collection and research.
show_me_the_numbers.pdf
Spectrum Caucus
Danny Thirakul [he/him] President of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges
The Spectrum Caucus is a group of like-minded students gathered to talk about issues surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community. This group helps bring issues to a statewide level with the help of the SSCCC – Student Senate for the California Community Colleges. Any CCC student can join the caucus and participate, bringing resolutions to the SSCCC's General Assembly which can shape the organization's statewide advocacy efforts and priorities. Learn more about the Spectrum Caucus, how to get involved, and to share ideas for issues the SSCCC might address.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in the CCC System: Practical Strategies and Opportunities from an Institutional Research Perspective
Zahra Mojtahedi [she/her], Skyline College
As the CCC system attempts to collect sexual orientation and gender identity information through voluntary questions on the admissions application, an increasing number of community colleges are taking proactive approaches to better understand and meet the diverse needs of LGBTQ+ students. This session will compare various institutional approaches to understanding the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ students, including the potential role that campus climate surveys can play to raise awareness of barriers that students face from an intersectional perspective. The session will conclude with discussion of practical steps attendees can take in the roles they play on campus to better support LGBTQ+ students.
Transferring to UC and Paying for It
Eduardo Ramirez, Transfer Admission Counselor, UC Riverside
Chris Henthorn, Financial Aid Counselor, UC Riverside
Hear from professionals from UCR's Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Offices on how to transfer from community college to UC and pay for it. Admission requirements can be confusing, but this session will get you on the right track. You will also learn how grants, scholarships, and loans can help you achieve your dreams at UC.
A Way Forward: A Possibility Model for Implementing the Gender Recognition Act on Your Campus
India Pierce [she/her], MiraCosta College
The Gender Recognition Act went into effect this year. This monumental bill makes the process easier for Californians to apply to change their gender markers on California documents. Most significant, the bill creates a non-binary gender category (the letter “x”). These easier processes will allow many people in our community to have full recognition in the State of California. In order to make sure that all of our students and employees are being served at the highest level of excellence changes will need to be made to the binary classification systems and gender specific language used on our campuses. With such a huge undertaking some might not know where to begin. This session will present MiraCosta College's journey as a possibility model to help others create a plan for their campus.
We can do it!: Getting LGBTQ+ programs & services started
Jan Muto [she/her], Norco College
Erin Pollard [she/her], Irvine Valley College
We all have to start somewhere. Not having a formal budget or administrator in charge doesn't have to prevent you from getting started of meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students, even though Student Equity Funds may now be available. This workshop will share strategies for beginning LGBTQ+ programming on your campus through two different campus' approaches to this work. In 2011 Norco College had a handful of faculty who self-identified as committed to this population and virtually no budget. In the years since, we grew our Ally/SafeZone program to approximately 50% of employees, started offering Pride graduation stoles in 2014, and finally opened our Unity Zone space (for LGBTQ+ and Dreamer students) with staffing supported by Student Equity funds. In 2019 the Academic Senate approved the creation of a standing committee tasked with LGBTQ+ advocacy. Erin Pollard will also share her experience in starting a Counselor-led Pride Scholars Program at Irvine Valley College. Participants will leave with concrete ideas on how and where to start supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ students and employees on their campuses.
starting_lgbtq_programs_on_campus.pdf
Closing Plenary
Michael R. Quiaoit [he/him], Dean, Educational Services and Support, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
Danny Thirakul [he/him], President, Student Senate for California Community Colleges
Michelle Velasquez Bean [she/her], Area C Representative for the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges
transcript-summit2019.pdf
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