Episode 52: Proud First Gens! (LGBTQ+)

Jun 12

Written By HTC

In this episode, Cody chats with 2 fellow first-gens who discuss their experiences on college campuses as members of the LGBTQ+ community.

June is Pride Month, a month where we honor and celebrate those in the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community has faced it’s fair share of discrimination and challenges in our nation’s history, even in the world of education. Part of going off to college is the aspect of fitting in socially, which is a shared experience for both those within the first gen community and also the LGBTQ+ community.

In this episode you will hear from:

Omar (he/him), a College Sophomore who has navigated Jesuit school systems for most of his life both before and during college. Omar has seen college as an opportunity to get away and foster both independence and a better understanding of his identity. Omar also speaks to his level of comfort and acceptance both within his familial structure and his college community.
Rudy (he/him, they/them), who works in Social Services and identifies as gay. Rudy speaks to the experience of growing up in a small town and feeling isolated from any sort of LGBTQ+ community. We also discuss what campuses can do to make students feel safe and supported and how coming to terms with that identity helped to make Rudy a better student.

Thanks again to our guests - Omar and Rudy, for sharing their stories and experiences with our audience. And thank you for tuning in to How to College for first-gens! As you probably noticed, the LGBTQ+ and first gen communities have a lot in common when it comes to going off to college. Both communities often struggle with fear of not fitting in, or not being able to assess self worth/value but both also find strength in community and the support around them. As we continue to advocate for inclusion and equity, we hope that all first gens feel proud to be their true, authentic selves.

Below are some resources as well: