RCCD Celebrates National LGBTQ+ History Month
10/06/2022
The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) supports the celebration of National LGBTQ+ History month during October 2022. This month, we honor the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people who have made a difference in this country, and in the communities we serve.
The first LGBTQ+ History month was organized in October of 1994 by a Missouri high school teacher, Rodney Wilson, in cooperation with Kevin Jennings, founder of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), an organization that seeks to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in K-12 schools. The month of October was selected because existing traditions like Coming Out Day already occurred during the month (October 11). October also marked the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979.
Enhancing public awareness through education and ensuring that LGBTQ+ contributions to society are recognized and not marginalized is essential to the community, RCCD, and its colleges. We live in a diverse community with people of many different backgrounds, beliefs, customs, and traditions. We want to ensure that our institutions offer safe spaces for all members of the community. Each college offers LGBTQIA2+ support on-campus and online at:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values that we willingly demonstrate every day by treating all people with kindness, understanding, and respect. It is our responsibility as educators to advocate for the liberties and rights of all individuals. As we learn about historic LGBTQ+ people and events this month, let's remember how far we have come in the fight for equality, and remember that many of our brothers and sisters worldwide are still living and dying without these rights.
May we all continue this worthwhile fight and have a memorable National LGBTQ+ History month.
With Sincerity,
Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications