The LGBTQ+ Program releases a newsletter every 1st Friday of the month to provide news, updates, and information regarding the LGBTQ+ population, on and off campus. The newsletter includes:

• Basic needs
• Scholarships
• LGBTQ+ campus and global news
• LGBTQ+ Program updates and events for the month
• P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Success Program updates
• S.A.F.E. Club updates
• Cerritos College campus events & initiatives
• A helpful tip for the month

To sign-up to receive the e-newsletter, please fill out and submit this form.

The LGBTQ+ Program is happy to provide letters of recommendation to LGBTQ+ students and program participants! If possible, the Program Facilitator requests that students provide the following items in addition to any other supportive documents that may enhance the overall quality of the final letter:

• Résume
• Cover Letter
• Personal Statement

If the aforementioned items cannot be provided, the LGBTQ+ Program Facilitator may request additional time to meet with the requestor as to discuss any relevant content.

Students interested or in need of an LOR can submit this form. Please anticipate a maximum 2-week turnaround period for receipt of the final draft.

There are many LGBTQ+ champions here at Cerritos College, as reflected in our campus Outlist! This list is comprised of LGBTQ+ (including allied) students, staff, and faculty aiming to increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ identities on campus by self-disclosing and making themselves accessible to those needing support.

Download the current Outlist.  If you would like to be added to the next version of the Outlist, please fill out and submit this form.

Cerritos College is more than happy to come to your class or queer-affirming space(s) or organization(s) to speak on some of the services offered to LGBTQ+ individuals on campus. We love resource fairs and any opportunity to provide resources and information to LGBTQ+ students and allies! Please, contact the Program Facilitator to schedule a time to provide your organization with resources.

There are scholarships for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. Students are encouraged to visit the Cerritos College Foundation to research scholarship opportunities:

• Gary and Steven Hormel Family Endowed Scholarship

Additional Grant & Scholarship Opportunities:

• Visit ComputerScience.org
• Visit Funds For Writers
• Visit Human Rights Campaign

Students may register for the LGBTQ+ Program by submitting the participation form online or in-person at the LGBTQ+ Program office located in the Santa Barbara Building.

Registrants determine the sector(s) of the Program in which they would like to participate or receive services. All program registrants receive updates and communications about LGBTQ+ Program events, workshops, and activities directly from the LGBTQ+ Program staff at lgbtq@cerritos.edu.

Please, keep in mind: submitting the participation form registers students as program participants for the identified section(s) only. It does not register students for all components under the LGBTQ+ Program, such as S.A.F.E. Club, P.R.I.D.E. Scholars, or Lavender Graduation. These sectors and a few others have additional requirements(*). More information can be found on this webpage below.

The LGBTQ+ Program is happy to provide direct linkage to resources on campus that provide queer students with empowering tools to be able to exist on campus safely and unapologetically. The LGBTQ+ Program is happy to provide support accessing the following services/ departments on campus and more:

• Admissions & Records (Name Change Requests)
• Campus Police
• Falcon's Nest (Basic Needs)
• Falcon Safe
• Financial Aid (Dependency Appeal)
• Gender Inclusive Restrooms
• The Foundation (LGBTQ+ Scholarships)
• Student Services
• Title IX

The LGBTQ+ Program assigns buddy escorts to provide supportive accompaniment to those who may not feel safe entering a location on their own. A buddy may conduct an individualized tour and/ or accompany other students to any of the following locations on campus:

• Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
• Campus Police
• Equity Center
• Student Center
• Transfer Center
• Library / Student Success Center
• Falcon’s Nest
• Food Court
• Student Health Services
• & any place on campus one may need support or advocacy

To schedule a Buddy Accompaniment, please fill out and submit the form.

The LGBTQ+ Program hosts an array of programming throughout the entire calendar year. These events are designed to provide safe and brave spaces for LGBTQ+ students and allies on campus, in addition to those who may be seeking additional support or education around LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. These events include art workshops, social spaces, observances, trainings and presentations.

In honor of LGBTQ+ History Month in October, the Program hosts the OUTober event series, which includes allyship workshops and specialized events in celebration of fall holidays which affirm LGBTQ+ identities. A few events include:

• Rainbow Party
• Pride Scavengers
• UndocuQueer Panel
• Navigating Coming Out Workshop

In the Spring, the LGBTQ+ Program hosts Pride Tide, a series of events during the entirety of the spring semester leading up to the Lavender Graduation Ceremony. Some of these events include:

• Day of Silence
• Monsterz Gala
• QTBIPOC Gallery
• Peers, Dears, and Queers

In the summer, the LGBTQ+ Program hosts the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Summer Symposium, a series of events centered around leadership and community building, cultural competency, and Pride Season! These events are designed to support incoming new students, current student leaders, and existing P.R.I.D.E. Scholars in their journeys with success program. With the inclusion of the following events and more, this symposium take place from the conclusion of the spring semester to the inception of the fall semester:

• Student Leadership 101
• Pride Parade & Luncheon
• Equity Center Summer Activities
• Meet & Greet the LGBTQ+ Program

For more information on specific events or timeframe, please contact the Program Facilitator.

LGBTQ+ Student Orientation is held twice a year: once in January for the spring semester; and once in August for the fall semester. At the orientation, students are provided information on resources and services on campus for LGBTQ+ students, including the LGBTQ+ Program and the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Success Program.

The LGBTQ+ Student Orientation includes information pertaining to programmatic advocacy and referral processes on campus and more:

• Name change request process through Admissions.
• Escort services through Campus Police.
• Book vouchers, dependency appeal, and LGBTQ+ scholarships.
• Affirming apparel / protocols of Falcon's Nest.
• Campus victim advocacy services through Falcon Safe.
• Locations of gender-inclusive restrooms on campus.
• LGBTQ+ courses and LGBTQ+ studies certificate through WGS.
• Student Alliance for Equality "S.A.F.E." Club.
• LGBTQ+ Program & P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Success Program.

Additionally, the LGBTQ+ Program hosts an exclusive P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Orientation thrice a year: once in January for the spring semester; once in August for the fall semester; and once in the summer for the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Summer Symposium.

All students are invited to come learn more about this program and how one may make an impact in completing it at the P.R.I.D.E. Scholar Orientation! There is time designated for attendees interested P.R.I.D.E. Scholars to ask questions and fill out a participation form on site. For more information on the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Program, please route to Section VII below.

Registration for LGBTQ+ Student Orientations is unrequired; however, individuals interested in attending or receiving updates leading up to either orientation throughout the year may RSVP by submitting this form.

Students at Cerritos College are invited to participate in the LGBTQ+ Student Initiative Project!

Participating students will have an opportunity to create, organize, and execute an event of their choice on campus. This event is entirely up to the participating student(s). The only requirement is that it be an event that amplifies the voices of the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

Students interested in this project may consider holding a clothing or food drive for a non-profit. They may also consider hosting a vigil or something akin to an LGBTQ-centered talent show. The LGBTQ+ Program encourages collaborations with other programs on campus such as LINC/CARE/EOPS, Justice Scholars, Umoja, Puente, S.A.F.E. Club, UndocuFalcons, or International Student Services.

The LGBTQ+ Program Facilitator will aid in the coordination of this campus event, and in assuring that the event aligns as much as possible with the participants' goals. As items are subject to change, it will be important to maintain communication with the Program Facilitator in the event anything shifts.

Please, keep in mind the following items of consideration:

• Proposals will need to gain approval from the Program Facilitator at least three weeks in advance.
• Student Initiative projects can only take place during the academic mid-season (March - May; September - November). Events that fall outside of these two timeframes will require further advisement.
• First come, first served: only three (3) proposals will be accepted per semester.
• Runner-ups will be selected and contacted in advance in respect to the timeline associated with the anticipate event(s).
• Frontrunners are able to recruit other students, staff, and faculty to support their vision and execution of this project.

Initiative Project Benefits:

• Direct sponsorship for the event.
• Hands-on community engagement.
• Resume and leadership experience.
• LGBTQ+ Program invitationals.
• One-on-one consultation for program coordination.
• Potential to earn Lavender Graduation P.R.I.D.E. Scholars regalia.
• Feature highlights in the LGBTQ+ Program and S.A.F.E. Club Newsletters.
• More!

Any student who submits a proposal will be contacted within 3-5 business days upon submission by an LGBTQ+ Program staff member. Students whose proposals are accepted (frontrunners) will be asked to schedule an initial meeting with the LGBTQ+ Program Facilitator to discuss the next steps.

NOTE: An LGBTQ+ Program staff member will attempt to contact all frontrunners a maximum of two (2) times within a week's (7-day) period, with a second week to provide response time. If the LGBTQ+ Program does not receive a response from within 2 weeks (14 days) from the initial date of outreach to the selected frontrunners, priority will automatically default to the runner-ups.

You may access and submit the LGBTQ+ Student Initiative Project Proposal Form online.

Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor LGBTQ+ and ally students, and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the institution. Cerritos College held its first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in May 2022.

All LGBTQ+ (including allied) students are invited to participate. To register, please, fill out and submit this form. Please note, the deadline to register for the Lavender Graduation Ceremony is the final Wednesday of March.

Lavender Graduation Regalia:

The LGBTQ+ Program offers a variety of Lavender Graduation Regalia. Only one of these items, however, is offered to each Lavender Graduate, irrespective of club or program participation.

All Lavender Graduates receive a Lei.

Lavender Graduates who have completed the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Success Program may apply through the Lavender Graduation RSVP form* to receive the following regalia:

• Lavender Tassel
• Lavender Cord
• Pride Stole

*Eligibility requirements for each item vary. Details included in the RSVP form.

P.R.I.D.E. Scholars is Cerritos College's LGBTQ+ student success program. As the larger LGBTQ+ Program offers a multitude of activities, including social groups, art projects, and leadership opportunities, the success program is designed to empower LGBTQ+ students and allies to champion their academic and interpersonal journeys through a sense of P.R.I.D.E.

In order to complete the program, program participants must attend selected events under the LGBTQ+ Program and accumulate P.R.I.D.E. Scholarship points by engaging with any of the following three (III) tiers:

• Volunteer & Engagement (I)
• Leadership & Professional Development (II)
• LGBTQIA+ Living Learning Communities (III)

Completion of the Program:

Students complete the success program by accumulating 125 P.R.I.D.E. Scholarship points.

Upon successful completion of the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Success Program, Scholars are invited to walk in Pride Parade with Cerritos College, receive a P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Announcement at Lavender Graduation, and earn the Totem of P.R.I.D.E. Scholars: an LGBTQ+ Tote Bag comprised of exclusive P.R.I.D.E. Scholar and Lavender Graduation regalia.

Program Benefits:

• Advocacy and allyship development
• Cultural workshops and activities
• Direct resource connections
• Field trips
• Leadership opportunities
• LGBTQ+ career programming
• Mentoring
• Resume crafting and expansion
• Social support and community building
• LGBTQ+ student success planning

To access the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Success Program syllabus, the Participation & Agreement Form, and/ or for more information on the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars program, please visit the program webpage.

In partnership with the LGBTQ+ Program and Associated Students of Cerritos College (ASCC), S.A.F.E. Club seeks to enrich diversity, and contribute to a high quality: intellectual, cultural, educational, and safe environment for all students at Cerritos College. This space exists to ensure equitable treatment of students through promoting awareness, sense of personal empowerment, growth, and critical thinking to develop leadership and life skills applicable to the real world; to promote the idea of social equality; and to bring LGBTQ+ community members back to community college.

S.A.F.E. Club is designed to provide a safe, brave space for those who are of the LGBTQ+ community and a safe place to speak on challenges that are internal & external. Any students interested in joining S.A.F.E. Club must register through FalConnect. To join:

• Route to FalConnect
• Sign in
• Hit the "Join/ Register" button

Once registered, you will be added to the S.A.F.E. Club roster and begin receiving club member invitations and notifications.

For the 2024 Fall Semester (August - December), S.A.F.E. Club will be meeting on a drop-in basis every 1st Tuesday of the month at 12:00 PM in the Living Learning Center:

1. October 1, 2024
2. November 5, 2024
3. December 3, 2024

S.A.F.E. Club Newsletter:

A monthly S.A.F.E. Club Newsletter is designed by the Club's Historian and Vice President, and is made available to eligible community members and all members of S.A.F.E. Club upon enrollment.

You may be contacted to provide additional information before you are included on this distribution list. To inquire about receiving this newsletter, please submit the form online.

The LGBTQ+ Program of Cerritos College is housed under the college's Equity Center.

The Equity Center is the hub on campus for multiple Equity Programs, including LGBTQ+, UndocuFalcons, Puente, and Umoja. The Center is devoted to advancing social and academic justice through community building and culturally responsive advocacy, programs, and services that encourage a sense of belonging, academic success, and ultimately empower students to navigate their intersectional journeys unapologetically beyond Cerritos College.

Down the hall from the Equity Center is the Living Learning Center, which provides the same amenities, but with computers in a setting more suitable for larger group activities and study areas.

• Need a space for community engagement?
• Have refreshments been on the mind?
• Need a place to de-stress after a long day of classes?
• Want to work on homework or have a comfortable place to pass the time?
• Need to reserve a space for a club meeting or group project?

We can help! These spaces offer games, art supplies, comfy seats, resource sharing opportunities, and staff who are more than happy to help you with your endeavors! For specific questions about the Equity Center or Living Learning Center, you may visit the space in the Santa Barbara Building on campus, or email the Equity Center staff at equitycenter@cerritos.edu.  

Often, the Equity Center hosts a variety of activities for students to enjoy and participate in. These events includes but are not limited to:

• Meet & Greets
• Gaming Hours
• Field Trips*
• Art & Allyship Workshops
• Social Mixers
• Snacks

The Equity Center is honored to announce its partnership with Student Health Services in offering mental health services at the Equity Center!

Appointments scheduled at the Equity Center are held on Wednesdays. Student Health offers 6 free and confidential mental health therapy sessions per academic year to currently enrolled Cerritos College students. Short-term therapy is solution-focused and present oriented.

Individual Sessions

Interested in scheduling an appointment?

• Step 1: Contact Student Health Services (SHS). StudentHealth@cerritos.edu or (562) 860-2451, ext. 2321 (press option 3)
• Step 2: Complete all pre-assessment forms.
  Upon request, the Equity Center can provide accompaniment to SHS and support in filling out necessary documentation. Students are invited to contact representatives from any of the following departments, should they want or need support in accessing these services:

Equity Center: equitycenter@cerritos.edu 
LGBTQ+ Program: lgbtq@cerritos.edu 
UndocuFalcons: undocu@cerritos.edu 

LGBTQIA+ Support Group

In partnership with our Student Health Department, the LGBTQ+ Program is very happy to announce the LGBTQ+ Support Group!

This is a safe space where you can explore and share thoughts, experiences, and questions in a non-judgmental environment. These support groups are open to all students. They are also drop-in group spaces: no registration is required, and they can be joined at any moment.

• Recurrence: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Location: Living Learning Center
• Facilitators:
  • Bernadette Ferrel, LCSW
  • Analisa Vanegas, MSW Intern

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Cerritos College's Women's & Gender Studies Department houses and awards two certifications which pertain to LGBTQ+ Studies:

• LGBT+ Studies Certificate
• Social Justice: LGBTQ Studies AA-T Degree

For more information, please visit the LGBTQ+ AA-T & Certificate webpage.

The LGBTQ+ Career Planning Workshop takes place three times throughout the calendar year: once in the fall, once in the spring, and once in the summer for the P.R.I.D.E. Scholars Summer Symposium.

This workshop is designed to provide students with empowering tools in to aid them in becoming LGBTQ+ professionals moving into the workforce. Students will engage in thought-provoking conversations and skill building exercises that encourage engagement in self-advocacy and consideration around LGBTQ+ inclusion in a work or professional environment. The workshop explores the following concepts:

• Historical Overview of LGBTQ+ Discrimination in Employment
• Coming Out to an Employer
• Resume Crafting
• Interviewing Strategies
• Professional Advocacy
• Outness: Composition, Etiquette, & Expression

To request a workshop in addition to the three aforementioned, please contact the Program Facilitator. 

(Anticipated launch: 2024)