The Intercultural Center hosted a welcome mixer for San Diego City College’s LGBTQ+ community in L-206 on Feb. 11.

Students had the opportunity to get out of the morning rain and mingle with students and staff over coffee, muffins and other treats.

President Ricky Shabazz spoke briefly about opening up the Intercultural Center as well as welcoming the new head of the center, Nathen Ortiz. 

Ortiz has been with City College for a month and in that time has become the head of the Intercultural Center, an administration position that was “calling” him.

“I was really drawn to (the job) as someone who also identifies as first-gen and a part of the LGBT community. So for me, this was more like a calling to serve my community,” Ortiz said. “Being someone who is again first-gen and queer, and being able to now do that and give back to my community is really exciting.” 

Fine arts student Felix Alexander visited the center for the first time and felt immediately welcome.

“The moment I stepped in, I was just greeted with a sense of belonging,” Alexander said.

When asked about the presence and support from faculty, Alexander was appreciative.

“I think that says a lot about the school, and not just their involvement,” Alexander said, “like (Shabazz) said in words, but also in action. I think that’s incredibly meaningful and important. And also not just them showing up, but also to feel represented by the staff.”

If you missed the welcome event, the Intercultural Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The center also had flyers with information for students to utilize.

Visit TransHealthSD.org for transgender health services and ccssd.org offers support for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking.

You can also reach their 24-hour hotline by calling 888-385-4657.  

This story was edited by David J. Bohnet and Nadia Lavin.