Lavender Initiatives

Lavender Initiatives

Lavender Initiatives, housed within the Office of Student Life, is Bakersfield College’s LGBTQ+ Student Success Program. We provide affirming programs, courses, and support resources that foster belonging, academic equity, and leadership for LGBTQ+ students and allies. Our work is rooted in intersectionality and aligned with Bakersfield College’s values of equity, access, and community care. 

Upcoming Events

Statement of Purpose

Lavender Initiatives exists to ensure LGBTQIA+ members of the Bakersfield College community experience belonging, equity, and support as essential components of student success. The program addresses the systemic barriers and inequities that impact LGBTQIA+ individuals by centering intersectionality, advancing inclusion, and strengthening connection across our campuses and service area. Through this work, Lavender Initiatives contributes to a more just, affirming, and inclusive college community. 

Campus Contacts

Program Dean: Dr. Nicky Damania
Program Director: Wendy Cordova
Program Lead: Carlos Lucatero
pride@bakersfieldcollege.edu
(661) 395-4614

The Team serve as the LGBTQIA+ Campus Liaisons under CA Ed Code Section 66271.2. Their responsibility to the students and the campus community are to:

• Serve as a main point of contact for students to access community and support on campus
• Receive reports of students who experience biased treatment on campus based on their gender and sexuality and act as liaison with Title IX when sexual misconduct incidents are reported.
• Work with planning groups for LGBTQIA+ focused programming and events
• Encourage campus participation in CCC LGBTQIA+ Summit
• Consult on new policies and procedures affecting LGBTQIA+ students
• Create allyship trainings and workshops for the campus
• Consult or lead spending of LGBTQIA+ funds
• Advocate for LGBTQIA+ needs and concerns on campus and in assigned shared governance meetings.

Lavender Ceremony