June is Pride Month. Throughout the month, Austin Community College (ACC) interviews faculty and staff who self-identify as LGBTQIA+, or an ally, to learn about their stories and what the month means to them.
To view LGBTQIA+ events the college is hosting or participating in throughout the month and other resources, visit ACC’s Pride Month webpage.
Herman Cavazos
Herman Cavazos (he/him) is a Student Life Regional Coordinator who has worked at ACC for four years.
Why do you think it’s important for ACC to celebrate Pride Month?
In the current era, so many people within the LGBTQIA+ community are facing the denial of their basic human rights and are engaged in a battle for their very existence. This struggle is particularly hard for our trans people of color. Consequently, it is crucial for every community, without exception, to establish safe spaces that embrace and support all members. It is essential for our students to encounter individuals who embody the diverse aspects of their own identities, whether those identities are self-selected or imposed upon them by societal norms. ACC has a responsibility to consistently amplify the voices of our community, demonstrating unwavering support not only throughout this month but every single day.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
To me, Pride Month is a time to celebrate who we are — to give some extra love to our community of people and give voice to all of those who are scared to come out, have lost loved ones by coming out, can’t come out due to safety concerns, are unsure of their sexuality/gender, don’t have a support system, or are out and proud!
How do you celebrate Pride Month?
I just try to live extra-authentically this month and feel good about it. I try to make sure people know that I can be a safe space for them whenever or however they need.
How do you support the LGBTQIA+ community?
First and foremost, I am a part of the community and make sure everyone knows it. It can be scary to live authentically in today’s climate so I try my best to scream I AM GAY to any and everyone who is in ears’ reach. Hopefully, it makes people feel like they can also do they same.
Any LGBTQIA+ resources you’d like to share (ex: books, artists, websites)?
My go-tos are always the Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org) and the Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org).
Any advice you’d like to share with our LGBTQIA+ students?
Know that you are loved and supported. If you aren’t sure where you can find a safe space, you can always find your campus Student Life Office, and please know my office is at the Northridge Campus! We are here for you, and you are not alone.
Kimberly Hernandez
Kimberly Hernandez (she/her) is an assistant professor of surgical technology and a certified surgical technologist. She is a former surgical technology adjunct (2020) and supplemental instruction leader (2011).
Why do you think it’s important for ACC to celebrate Pride Month?
I think it’s important for ACC to celebrate Pride Month to support the diversity of students and faculty in the community. Pride Month is a chance to celebrate individuals who may have struggled with their acceptance in the community.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month is a time for excitement! It’s a time to express yourself for the beautiful people we are as a gay community. It’s a time to gather and celebrate our unique perspective on life.
How do you celebrate Pride Month?
I love attending parades, dressing in colorful, fun outfits, and gathering with friends who I’ve gained throughout the years.
How do you support the LGBTQIA+ community?
I support the community by attending LGBTQ events and looking for opportunities to meet new people.
Any advice you’d like to share with our LGBTQIA+ students?
Life is a journey, remember that you are beautiful just the way you are!
Sean Loraas
Sean Loraas (he/him) is an accessibility technician who has worked at ACC for 25 years.
Why do you think it’s important for ACC to celebrate Pride Month?
With the continued climate of aggression and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community in the state and across the nation, it is important that we take every opportunity to rehumanize the individuals who are being impacted. We can expose the bigotry and harm that’s happening to real people with families for what it is, fear for those who are different. These are honest people who contribute to their communities in normal, ordinary ways you can relate to, and in some cases, remarkable, extraordinary ways that will inspire anyone. The message that individuals belong and are welcome in the ACC community as they are, is so important.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
It means honoring those who came before us, who were persecuted for loving someone of the same sex, admitting they identified differently than their physical gender, or acknowledging they don’t fit in the limited, narrow definitions of society for sexual orientation and gender identity. It accepts those who deviate from the confines of a narrow definition of family and the closed-minded belief that romantic love only happens between one man with one woman. It means honoring the brave LGBTQ activists who had the courage to speak up, to come out, and to stand up and publicly acknowledge that they were different, even when it meant physical harm, losing money, jobs, and even their lives. We are the beneficiaries of their fight for the right to be themselves — it is our responsibility to stand up and share our story when the opportunity arises, listen to the stories of those around us, and celebrate that we belong as we are, and can be who we are and loved as we are. The power of humanity resides in the rainbow of human diversity. It is that breadth of diverse experiences that makes us such incredible problem solvers when we work together. So, in this time of so many challenges facing humanity, it is recognizing the value of every human that will determine our future.
How do you celebrate Pride Month?
I think I have learned to celebrate the small victories. That I can live my life, love my husband of 29 years, and do the work that I love. That to me is success. I owe the freedoms I enjoy to all those who have long fought for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and for those of other communities who fight and have long fought for civil rights, women’s rights — including reproductive rights — people of color, people with disabilities, the neurodiverse, immigrants, the poor, and all marginalized groups who are denied the freedoms that this country was built on. Until all of us are free, none of us are free!
How do you support the LGBTQIA+ community?
I try to use my consumer power and my attention wisely, to be intolerant of bigotry and discrimination, to vote and vote wisely, and — above all — to be informed, seek out diverse opinions, and challenge my own assumptions. I donate my money to causes I believe in, and volunteer my time when I’m not able to afford to support causes financially.
Any LGBTQIA+ resources you’d like to share (ex: books, artists, websites)?
There are so many great resources out there. I would encourage people to start in their own neighborhoods and communities and support local artists, authors, and businesses. That is the best way to strengthen the community around you. In this time of global reach and global exposure, people shouldn’t forget to connect with the people in the spaces around where they live and work — that’s where connections have the deepest meaning.
Any advice you’d like to share with our LGBTQIA+ students?
Don’t feel pressure to label yourself. Identity is a process, an evolution, an exploration of who you are and what you like. You don’t have to know the answers. Be kind to yourself and others. Your path is unique, and you are beautiful and valuable as you are. Don’t let social media define success and worth. What is important is the group of people who surround you and connecting with friends and family — however you define that. Don’t get sucked in to this outrage culture. Be slow to criticize, and remain respectful of others, especially those who disagree with you. If you ever feel down or depressed, reach out for help. There are always people who are willing to help. You are never alone.
Kelli Blount
Kelli Blount (she/they) is an associate professor of Accounting. She has worked at ACC for 7 years.
Why do you think it’s important for ACC to celebrate Pride Month?
To send a message to students and employees that ACC supports Pride, and to give LGBTQIA+ students a way to connect and celebrate together.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
It’s a celebration for our community, a time to appreciate the progress we’ve made, and to highlight all that we still have to fight for.
How do you celebrate Pride Month?
I enjoy going to local Pride events and shows to support local artists and take the opportunity to be a little bit louder and prouder of my queer identity.
How do you support the LGBTQIA+ community?
I try to buy from local LGBTQIA+-owned businesses when I can, vote for politicians who support human rights, and advocate for political change, particularly for trans kids whose rights are under attack right now.
Any resources you’d like to share (ex: books, artists, websites)?
www.thetrevorproject.org
Jay Byrd
Jay Byrd (he/him) has been an administrative assistant at ACC Highland Campus for six years.
Why do you think it’s important for ACC to celebrate Pride Month?
When I went to college (many years ago), being queer was not celebrated in society. There was no support for young people to allow them to be who they were; it was not a safe environment. ACC needs to celebrate Pride Month because ACC represents the community, and because young queers need to know that they are not only safe and welcome here, but celebrated.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
I lived in New York City for 10 years in my 20s and 30s and witnessed Pride on a huge scale; it was kind of a training ground for being out and proud. Pride Month is when I make a point of showing the community who I am. While I’m proud of who I am 12 months out of the year, June is the month I add a little extra sparkle to my smile, a little more “zhuzh” to my walk.
How do you celebrate Pride Month?
I consider myself an alternative, performative queer. You’re more likely to find me prancing in QueerBomb or performing with the ultra-queer band Gretchen’s Disco Plague than other more traditional Pride events.
How do you support the LGBTQIA+ community?
I don’t hide who I am. My wardrobe tends toward the warm end of the rainbow spectrum, plus at 6’4”, I’m extra hard to miss in the crowd. That’s not to say that everyone who dresses like me is queer, but I sure as hell am!
Any LGBTQIA+ resources you’d like to share (ex: books, artists, websites)?
My former partner, and still best friend, Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer’s four-woman rock musical, “Lizzie,” based on the tale of Lizzie Borden, has toured the world and will be in Austin in July at the Austin Playhouse. Queers/queer works I love: “We the Animals,” by Justin Torres; “How to Write an Autobiographical Novel,” by Alexander Chee; filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me By Your Name” and “We Are Who We Are”); and the music of Sufjan Stevens.
Maze
Maze (they/them) is a Career Workforce Development trainer in Career Services who has been with ACC for two years.
Why do you think it’s important for ACC to celebrate Pride Month?
ACC is for EVERYONE! Celebrating Pride Month shows that ACC is warmly welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Pride Month is a way ACC shows LGBTQIA+ people that we belong here.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
I grew up in a culture of shame around my queer identity. The shame almost killed me. I had to turn my shame into pride to save my own life. I celebrate pride to celebrate that I’m still queer and still here!
How do you celebrate Pride Month?
I support LGBTQIA+ businesses. I attend some of our local pride events (there are so many now). I wear extra rainbows. I tell the story of my life and my journey of identity. I live!
How do you support the LGBTQIA+ community?
As part of the LGBTQIA+ community myself, the most important thing I’ve done is take care of myself and learn to love myself. For the overall community, I have been involved in both lobbying and direct action for over 15 years. I’ve marched on three different capitals for LGBTQIA+ rights: Austin, Texas; Washington, D.C.; and Mexico City. I was part of an organization called ‘Queer LiberAction,’ and we did a lot of street activism: protests, marches, kiss-ins, queer caroling, queer soap boxes, and more. I’ve done drag to raise money for LGBTQIA+ charities. I also support and promote LGBTQIA+ businesses.
Any LGBTQIA+ resources you’d like to share (ex: books, artists, websites)? (optional)
My gay musician Holy Trinity is: Rufus Wainwright, Mika, and Darren Hayes.
Any advice you’d like to share with our LGBTQIA+ students? (optional)
Be open to your journey of identity and embrace your whole, beautiful, divine self. I’m a Queer, fluid, nonbinary person. It took me a long journey of trying on different labels over the years before I found myself, and I’m open to wherever this journey of self-discovery and self-love leads me next. Find yourself and find your people. Know that you are not alone — you are never alone! There is a whole, vast, diverse community here ready to embrace and support you.
To participate or nominate a colleague for ACC’s Pride Month interview series, email [email protected].