Los Medanos College hosted a two-day LGBTQIA2S+ Summit watch party in the Unity Room April 15 and 16, bringing together students and staff to engage with virtual sessions focused on equity, identity and support for rainbow communities.

The summit, now in its eighth year, is organized by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and aims to spark conversation and provide resources for supporting LGBTQIA2S+ students and employees across campuses.

“It’s a way to bring attention and dialogue to what’s going on across California campuses and how we can make sure students and staff feel like they belong and can be successful,” said Letta Greene, student equity and diversity program coordinator.

While online participation across colleges was high, in-person attendance at LMC was relatively low. However, the more intimate setting created opportunities for deeper conversations among those who attended.

“We do it as a watch party because you can’t have conversations by yourself,” Greene said. “It’s a way to bring students and staff together and break those boundaries.”

Throughout the two days, participants viewed a variety of sessions covering topics such as intersectionality, discrimination in higher education, mental health, media influence and support for undocumented LGBTQ+ students. A keynote from transgender athlete and advocate Lia Thomas emphasized the importance of education and visibility.

“Education on transness is one of the most impactful ways to support trans people,” Thomas said, highlighting how a lack of awareness can delay self-understanding and access to support.

Participant Jordan Mijares said their favorite session focused on undocumented members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“It was very informative to see how much of the community that the LGBT really contains and learn the resources to help out everyone as a whole,” Mijares said.

In addition to the virtual sessions, the watch party included interactive elements such as pot decorating, photo booth props, opportunity drawings and giveaways like beads, pins and stickers. These activities helped create a more relaxed and welcoming environment for attendees. 

According to Lindsay Litowitz, student life program coordinator, the summit serves both educational and community-building purposes.

“It’s a professional development opportunity, but it’s also about being in community,” Litowitz said. “We want students to know that there’s a space for them and that they’re welcomed here.”

Litowitz emphasized that one of the biggest goals is ensuring students feel represented and supported on campus.

“When you think about coming to college, you should be able to see yourself and know that you’ll be welcomed,” she said.

Greene echoed that message, emphasizing that the event is less about immediate change and more about planting seeds for growth.

“I don’t think one event is going to change someone,” Greene said. “But it opens the door. It’s those moments of light that can start something.”

Despite low in-person turnout, both facilitators said engagement among attendees was strong. Students participated in discussions, asked questions and connected with one another in ways that may not have been possible in a larger setting.

“The best part was the engagement,” Greene said. “People were talking, laughing, and interacting. It felt like a real community.”

Ultimately, the summit watch party highlighted the importance of creating intentional spaces on campus where students feel seen, heard and supported.

“We see you, we support you, and we want to know how to best serve you,” Litowitz said.

• Staff writer Jianna Gray contributed to this report.