On Tuesday, October 3, audiences gathered at the Arts and Sciences Circle on the Galloway campus for the LGBTQ+ History Month flag-raising. Introductions were made by Van Ni Ho. The first speaker to take the podium was Marques Johnson, Associate Dean of Students. He made an announcement to the students and community present, “The fight does not always look the same…if you are present in any capacity know that you are seen, you are heard, you are supported, you are loved.”

The next speaker was Stockton’s new President, Joe Bertolino. He described his own experience as a gay man, being told in the past that due to his sexuality, he could never get high in the ranks of academia. He shattered all expectations and is now serving in his third presidency, and celebrating 30 years with his husband. He detailed how Stockton now ranks 4.5 out of 5 stars in terms of LGBTQ+ friendliness. “It sends a message to students who are looking for a home.”

Student Senate President and treasurer of the Queer and Transgender People of Color Society (QTPOCS), Andrea Sandoval, took the stage to give an emotional speech about her experience with mental health as she was discovering her sexuality as a young teen.

Van Nhi Ho, Graduate Coordinator of the WGSC,  shared her experience as a queer person, and how that intertwined with their culture. “The journey of self-acceptance as a queer Asian-American woman is not an easy one.” As a child, she was told that she would likely change her mind in the future, but now she stands saying  “Never be ashamed of your identity, embrace the beauty of being queer.”

The president of the Pride Alliance, Kae Durrell took the mic to excitedly reveal to the crowd that they are the first-ever black president of the organization. She talked about the lack of diversity within Pride, and what support means to the community. President and co-founder of the Queer and Transgender People of Color Society, Mo Keane, stated that “this organization was founded on the principles of elevating minority voices and elevating the rich cultural diversity of the queer and BIPOC community.” Their experience as a queer person of color made them feel as though they stuck out growing up in Delaware. “I was too gay for the Asian students and too Asian for the other gay students.” They described that a mix of factors made them realize they don’t have to “surrender [themself] to a life without a voice.”

Yamirah Williams, President of the Coalition for Women’s Rights and Vice President of the Queer and Transgender People of Color Society, spoke on the power of the chosen family. She shared with the audience a piece of who she is. She described the responsibilities she feels responsible for, standing up for all marginalized individuals, and how rights should not be for the cherry-picked. Stockappella’s Stocktones performed a rendition of Dove Cameron’s ‘Boyfriend’ before the flag was raised.