LGBTQ+ History Month Kicks Off at Fullerton College with Celebration and Resources
The Cadena Cultural Center is kicking off LGBTQIA2S+ History Month with a Celebration and Resource Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Students, faculty and staff are invited to gather in community, get free swag and snacks, and connect with on- and off-campus resources.
New resources and support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community have taken root at Fullerton College such as an LGBTQIA+ space located in the Cadena Cultural Center where activities and events are facilitated by Faculty Professional Expert Ariel Gentalen. Gentalen also teaches within the Art Department at Fullerton College.
“We are so thrilled to be expanding our commitment to the LGBTQIA2S+ community at Fullerton College by providing support via the Student Engagement and Development Department. We offer programs and services to ensure students feel pride in their identities, can be their authentic selves, and are connected to each other,” Gentalen said.
“With the addition of our LGBTQIA2S+ Community Therapist, Yanel Beuno (they/them), our team is excited to provide a much-needed service to our LGBTQIA2S+ students to help them navigate mental health challenges so they feel seen, heard, understood, and have the tools that will help them through their journey,” Gentalen added.
Bueno joined Fullerton College in September and will work with Student Services and Behavior Health Services three days a week to provide support to students. Bueno identifies as queer, non-binary, Mexican, and an intersectional feminist. They are a licensed clinical social worker and have been working in the mental health field for the last seven years. Their passion is working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community to create more safe and inclusive spaces in the mental health field, schools, and general spaces.
“I’m excited about working at Fullerton College because of the love, care, and attention paid to the students’ basic needs and the promotion of creating community within their Fullerton College family,” Bueno said. “I’m looking forward to making a positive impact on the culture and well-being of LGBTQIA2S+ students here on campus.”
From updating facilities to include gender-inclusive restrooms on campus, to developing more programing and resources for LGBTQIA2S+ students, Fullerton College helps support, honor, and create inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Students can get involved and utilize support services in a variety of ways such as:
- Queer Studies at Fullerton College – SOSC 130 F is an introduction to LGBTQ Studies. The course examines the intersections of heterosexism, racism, classism, ableism, and other systems of power within the LGBTQ political struggles in the U.S. and on a global level. More info here.
- LGBTQIA2S+ Canvas shell – provides a collection of resources for the LGBTQIA2S+ community but is mostly used as a listserv for students to send out events and information.
- Queer Social Hour – 2nd Wednesday of each month on Zoom and 4th Wednesday of each month at Building 500, Room 512 at 1 – 2 p.m.
- Queer Book Club – Book selections are available at the Library circulation desk and can be requested through the book club interest form here. The group meets once a month. The next Queer Book Club meeting is Oct. 14 at 1 – 2 p.m. in Room 822 or on Zoom.
- LGBTQIA2S+ Community Therapist – A dedicated LGBTQIA2S+ community therapist is available through the Cadena Cultural Center and Student Health Services. Yanel Bueno (they/them) is a licensed clinical social worker who has been working in the mental health field for the last seven years and joined Fullerton College this fall. Appointments can be made by calling 714-992-7093.
- Student Life & Leadership Clubs – QTPOC, All About That Ace, and Trans/NB Club are just a few student clubs at Fullerton College. For more info visit the Student Life and Leadership website.
- Gender Inclusive Restrooms Map – The campus map now identifies the location of each gender-inclusive bathroom on campus. There is a dozen gender-inclusive bathrooms available in most of the major buildings on campus.
- Fullerton College LGBTQIA+ website – A central hub of information, events, resources and more.
