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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

LGBTQIA+ Students

» LGBTQIA+ Students

This page is for students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. You will find information, support, and resources tailored specifically to meet your needs. 

From campus organizations and resources to counseling services, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and affirming environment where every student can thrive.

Welcome from Kevin Nguyen-Stockbridge, Director of LGBTQ Pride and Achievement

kevin profileWelcome! Chapman is dedicated to the thriving of all students and the cultivation of the rich diversity that makes our Panther family strong. As Director of LGBTQ Pride and Achievement, I am here to support Chapman’s inclusive mission by fostering a campus environment that embraces individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

We hope that the information that you find on this page will help you to discover ways to be involved in the Chapman community and provide answers to questions you may have.

By immersing yourself in life here at Chapman, you may not only discover your own community, but also contribute to the overall growth of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are proud to have such a vibrant Panther family and to have you as a part of it.

Should you ever need any guidance and support, feel free to reach out to me at kstock@chapman.edu.  

Kevin Nguyen-Stockbridge is Chapman’s Director of Pride and Achievement. You can learn more about him and his role in this news story.

 


LGBTQIA+ clubs and activities

Chapman encourages students to embrace their diversity and explore their interests by engaging in various student organizations and extracurricular activities, including:

  • Queer Student Alliance is a place of trans and queer resistance and solidarity. We provide a safe and welcoming space for anyone who identifies with the LGBTQQIAP+ community.
  • Queer and Trans People of Color Collective (QTPOCC) serves to create a radical space of support for students who are queer and/or transgender and are non-white, of mixed heritage, and/or are part of a racialized or marginalized group based on minority status.
  • Q-Spirit supports LGBTQIA+ students around the intersection of their queer identities and experiences with religion and spirituality. 
  • oSTEM empowers LGBTQIA+ students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
  • OUTLaw is a collaboration of law students, faculty, and staff interested in working with both the Chapman and local communities to foster a supportive, positive, and safe environment for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. 
  • Shift/Happens cultivates a community for transgender and nonbinary individuals by providing a support group and space for students to speak about any and all topics.
  • Reading the Bible through Queer Eyes: In a series of sessions, Rev. Nancy Brink, Director of Church Relations explores the Bible scriptures frequently cited in opposition to LGBTQ rights (often referred to as “clobber passages”). 
Chapman University student
Kiana Kalahele ‘24
Business Administration & English Journalism double-major; Psychology minor
“As a queer POC individual, being in QTPOCC has helped me find a place of belonging and community at Chapman. I’m able to have a safe space where I feel heard and understood, and the opportunity to discover more about myself and feel proud in expressing my identity here at Chapman.”

LGBTQIA+ life in Southern California

Southern California has established itself as one of the most welcoming places for LGBTQIA+ individuals. As a result, there are several organizations and events for this community, including: 

LGBTQIA+ local events disneypridenite-1-1.jpg

  • Disney After Dark Pride NiteHeld during June (Pride Month), Disneyland holds a Pride Night to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Only a short 15-minute drive from  Chapman’s campus, students can enjoy after-hours park access, themed entertainment, Disney characters, photo opportunities, specialty menu items, LGBTQIA+ merchandise and more.
  • OC Pride Parade & Festival: Held during June (Pride Month) in Santa Ana is a free, annual Pride celebration for all ages that features live performances from diverse artists and drag queens, a supportive youth space, and access to helpful resources.

LGBTQIA+ local resources

  • LGBTQ Center OC: Advocates on behalf of the Orange County LGBTQ communities and provides services that ensure their well-being and positive identity. 
  • Groundswell: Provides programs in partnerships with schools, corporations, individuals, cities and foundations to eliminate prejudice, intolerance and discrimination
  • P.F.L.A.G. Orange County Chapter: The LGBT Center OC’s mission is to advocate on behalf of the Orange County Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer/Questioning communities and provide services that ensure its well-being and positive identity. 

LGBTQIA+ academics

  • The LGBTQ Studies minor offers you the opportunity to analyze facts, theories, research and realities concerning diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, communities and histories. 
  • The Women’s and Gender Studies minor allows you to study the interdisciplinary approaches of women and gender inequality; cultural representations of women and their social roles; and the social axes of gender, race, class and sexuality.

Students may declare a minor once the semester begins and before they reach 60 units. Please keep in mind that some minors may require an application process. For further instructions on how to declare a minor, visit the Change or Add Majors and Minors page.

Chapman University student
Flo Singer '23
Broadcast Journalism & Documentary major; LGBTQ Studies Minor
“My ‘Film, Gender & Sexuality’ class discussions had always left me with such a greater awareness. As an Asian American non-binary person, what I appreciated most was how intersectional the curriculum was.”

LGBTQIA+ study abroad considerations

Our LGBTQIA+ Study Abroad brochure can guide through the process of identifying a study abroad program that aligns with your needs and supports your sense of belonging.

You can also visit the Center for Global Education page for more details on the  programs that Chapman offers and how to get started.

 


Student resources

Chapman offers support to LGBTQIA+ students in any situation. Refer to the drop-down list below for available resources and find the ones that best suit your needs.


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Advocates for LGBTQIA+ students

Below is a list of staff, faculty and administrators separated by department who are advocates for student diversity, equity and inclusion at Chapman. The people in these lists have committed to being an open door and advocate for students from underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community.

Office of Admission 

  • Steele Viverette (he/him/his), Undergraduate Admission Counselor, Office of Admission, steelev@chapman.edu 

Financial Aid

  • Jonathan Charres (he/him/his), Assistant Director of Diversity & Outreach, Undergraduate Financial Aid, charres@chapman.edu 

Athletics

Center for Global Education

Office of Church Relations

Wilkinson College

College of Performing Arts

Attallah College 

Dodge College

Fowler School of Law

School of Pharmacy