3 Essential Tips for LGBTQ Community College Students

Going to community college can be a difficult balance, and for LGBTQ students, being successful in school means also fighting oppression and adversity from their school environments. In a survey of Point Community College applicants between 2019 and 2020, 50% or more of LGBTQ community college students reported that they had been discriminated against at school by student groups, campus housing, campus food services, Greek life groups, and/or their school's athletic faculty and teams.

Point Foundation is dedicated to supporting students with the Community College Scholarship Program with the aim to help students not only access, but succeed in their college experience. The program helps support students with finances, while also providing ongoing community and coaching support.

Recognizing the shared experiences of LGBTQ students across the country, Point Community College Scholars share their top tips for peers starting or continuing their community college journey.

If you are interested in becoming a Point Community College Scholar, apply here before May 3, 2022!

1. Find your community

"I understand that sometimes it may feel as if we're invisible in institutions and classrooms, but I promise there are people who see and honor you as you are. There will be those who claim not to agree with your identity or views, but that is their issue and not yours. You'll find your people, and they'll be more than happy to welcome you with open arms."

"Around the world, there are always other LGBTQ+ people and advocates fighting every day for the continued empowerment of our LGBTQ+ rights. For every person who tries to get you down, there are so many others out there to help you back up."

2. Know that you are good enough

"Many of us have been told throughout our lives that we are not good enough or are incapable of achieving our highest goals, so it’s important to remember that those false external limitations do not have to be your truth."

"Love yourself as a whole. Whether you're new to the community or have been out for while, it’s always important to reflect back on yourself and appreciate how far you’ve come as well as the person you are becoming."

3. Be you

"I have only realized recently that it is best to be radically yourself, radically queer, even if it defies existing societal categories and predetermined expectations. In a society where queerphobia is unfortunately all too prominent, it is an act of resistance to love yourself and your queerness, to embrace that part of yourself unapologetically."

"Sometimes people will just not like you for various reasons, and those people don't matter. Keep being proud of yourself, keep wearing whatever you want, expressing yourself and being happy -- truly the best revenge towards negative people in your life."

This post includes quotes from the following Community College Scholars: Coach Dream It Real Scholar Ness Rodriguez, David C. Kleiman Scholar Peter Balluffi-Fry, Wells Fargo Scholar Avery Maltz, Guidehouse LLP Scholar Alexzander Baetsen, Bryan A. Fitzgerald Scholar Em Beltran and Selena Rodriguez.

Read more about the Point Community College Scholarship for LGBTQ students and apply for the program by May 3.