CHC Celebrates National Coming Out Day - Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: Nov. 10, 2020

A “National Coming Out Day” event was held October 8 to support the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community and their allies. Panelists reflected on a series of questions about personal experiences with self-disclosure of their sexual orientation and gender identity by moderator Isaiah Mataele, a board member with the Utah PRIDE Center.

The panel was comprised of CHC alumnus Anthony Abate, community member Anthony Harris and California Community College health and wellness representative Laureen Campana.Also featured was CHC administrative coordinator and part-time faculty member Tina Marie Gimple, who reflected, “It was a fantastic event; it takes so much courage to become who you really are. I’m so proud to work with people who value everyone regardless of who they might be.”

Event organizers want the entire CHC community to feel supported and included while addressing barriers to fairness and justice for everyone. Ericka Paddock, Director of student life, is committed to continuing this event on an annual basis. Paddock concluded, “Continuing to host events such as these is key to shaping a campus and world that is inclusive and encouraging to LGBTQ rights.”