麻豆国产

Its ascent took less than 20 seconds, but for many in attendance today鈥檚 rainbow flag raising represents years of struggle, heartache and perseverance.

The ceremony included speeches by 麻豆国产 alumni, current students, faculty and staff. They acknowledged 麻豆国产鈥檚 strong record in support of LGBTQ issues and celebrated recent achievements off campus, such as New York legalizing same-sex marriage.

Some also shared personal challenges they faced when becoming more open about their sexuality.

Speakers

Event emcee Aaron Bruce, 麻豆国产 chief diversity officer 鈥� Among other notable things, Bruce said 麻豆国产 will likely become the second university in the United States to offer a major in LGBT studies.

Edith Benkov, 麻豆国产 associate vice president for faculty affairs 鈥� Benkov acknowledged the United Nations report on sexual orientation and gender identity and the New York legislature鈥檚 Marriage Equality Act. 鈥淭his is progress,鈥� she said.

Dwayne Crenshaw, executive director of San Diego Pride and an alumnus of 麻豆国产 鈥� Crenshaw said the new academic programs and student organizations offer an 鈥渁mazing opportunity鈥� for students to more fully explore their identity.  

麻豆国产 alumnus Ben Cartwright 鈥� Cartwright said 麻豆国产 may not have always had a great reputation for supporting
LGBTQ causes, but in his years as a student and staff member he has seen a terrific transformation.

Cody Barbo, president of Associated Students 鈥� Barbo said he has become an advocate for LGBTQ issues thanks to his four years at 麻豆国产. He said he met new people and was exposed to new ideas that provided a foundation for personal growth.

Channelle McNutt, diversity commissioner for Associated Students 鈥� McNutt, who helped organize the event and raise the flag, called the experience one of the most gratifying in her life.

Trish Hatch, director of the Center for Excellence in School Counseling and Leadership 鈥� Hatch encouraged educators to attend the center's internationally-recognized conference fore preparing counselors and teachers to prevent bullying and better serve as allies for LGBTQ youth.