Brianna Santaella: As long as you’ve got you, that’s all that matters 

CSU Bakersfield Alumni Brianna Santaella found their community right here on campus. There was a club on campus called Club GEN, Gender Equality Now, that helped them discover more of themself.  

“I found my community on campus, and through there, I was able to find… myself,” said Santaella.

Coming from a traditional Latinx Catholic family, it was not a part of the norm to be queer. It wasn’t until Santaella was in a visibly queer relationship that they had to tell their parents. Santaella was met with some pushback  but also so much support. There were people who Santaella calls their “chosen family,” supporting them every step of the way. They said being one of the first people in their family to be as open makes them proud. 

“As long as you internally know yourself, you can laugh at anyone who says otherwise,” said Santaella.  

Angel Garcia: Be Bold and Brave

Being forced out of the closet at 13 is not what is expected, but it is the way it happened for sociology major Angel Garcia.

Fall 2023 is Garcia’s first semester at CSUB. At 31, he is now out, loud, and proud about who he is. Initially, Garcia said his foster parents were in denial, but as time went on, they became more accepting. Friends from high school were the first group of people to embrace him.  

“Never be afraid of the reaction because it’s temporary,” said Garcia. 

Yelitza Amador Orozco: I am who I am  

Fourth-year biology major, Yelitza Amador Orozco, took a more chill approach to coming out. There was not a formal conversation, but when they mentioned to their family that they were nonbinary, their family did not take them seriously. On the other hand, their friends were extremely supportive. They welcomed Orozco in and made them feel safe. 

“I didn’t want to be seen or treated any differently because I’m the same old Yelitza you know and love,” said Orozco. 

When asked who was their biggest supporter, Orozco said, “There is nobody who reaffirms me more in my identity and belief than loe, they are such a huge inspiration to me.”  

 Jovanna Penuelas: Come out on your own time 

 Jovanna Penuelas recently graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology and is currently in the master’s program for school counseling. Looking back on her experiences, she was in high school when she came out to her family. Penuelas’ older brother took it the hardest, but that didn’t last long. Her younger sister always knew, but her mother was a bit hesitant. Her mother’s main concern was how the world would treat her child. 

“It saddened her to think that the world was going to be cruel to me because of my sexuality,” said Penuelas. 

The acceptance process is different for everyone, and it takes time to adjust to a person’s new identity. There’s not always an instant acceptance process, so it’s best to give that person time to adjust. This was the case for Penuelas’ mother and brother.  

“We have to understand that just because we’ve come to terms with who we are doesn’t mean that the people around us have to,” said Penuelas, “it’s not our job.” Now, Penuelas receives nothing but love and support from her family and friends.