Lavender Initiatives

Three students.

Lavender Initiatives

Bakersfield College's commitment to ensuring a safe campus environment, the Office of Student Life provides a space for members of the college community to explore issues related to sexual and gender identities, practices, and politics. The Office caters to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) students and staff, offering them a platform to celebrate their experiences collectively. In addition to providing educational resources and programs for the LGBTQ+ and allied community, the Office also promotes student leadership, academic equity, safe space events, and visibility of gender and sexual minorities. We place a high value on racial and economic justice, intersectionality, and support other campus groups in pursuing justice.

Campus Contact

At Bakersfield College, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, including the LGBTQIA+ community. We understand that homophobia and a lack of knowledge can negatively impact the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. To address these concerns, we have established Lavender Initiatives, a program designed to support and provide information to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals. If you are a BC student or a community member seeking more information about LGBTQIA+ matters at Bakersfield College, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Nicky Damania at nicky.damania@bakersfieldcollege.edu. He will be more than happy to assist you. 

Dr. Nicky Damania
Dean of Students
pride@bakersfieldcollege.edu
(661) 395-4614

Lavender Ceremony

Graduates with Student Life staff and the Dean of Students.

Lavender Pre-Commencement Celebration

The Lavender Pre-Commencement Celebration is a special ceremony that recognizes and honors the achievements and contributions of LGBTQIA+ and allied students. It generally takes place on the same day as the commencement ceremony, and graduates are presented with a lavender sash to wear with their graduation regalia for representation. For more information on why we use lavender, visit the WHMT website.