Published:
By Savanna Yelling
Central Connecticut State University’s LGBTQ Center and the Office for Equity and Inclusion hosted the annual Rainbow Breakfast and award ceremony on Oct. 13 in Alumni Hall.
“Being out and proud is something that everyone should be able to do,” said Dustin “Dusty” Rader, the interim coordinator of the LGBTQ Center and a Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies professor.
With 175 registrations, the Rainbow Breakfast had a substantial turnout.
Keynote speaker, Connecticut State Representative Dominique Johnson, shared her journey as the first out genderqueer legislator in the state.
“I’m not going to be the last and that’s what’s important,” Johnson said. “I didn’t see any queer politicians. I started out as an activist.”
Johnson said she could see herself in the Central students attending the breakfast and encouraged them to keep up their work.
“You’re blazing a trail,” Johnson said. “We need you to step up in any way you want, and we’ll be here for you. We need you at the table with us.”
Two Central students — Emma Costa and Monica Oquendo — were awarded the Richard S. Spada and Robert G. Childers scholarship. This scholarship awards students who are members of the LGBTQ community for overcoming adversity and exhibiting leadership.
Mick D’Arcy, women’s soccer coach, was honored with the first Rainbow Award.
“To say that I’m humbled to be up here is an understatement,” said D’Arcy, who was nominated by his players for his allyship.
Nova LaPointe, Pride Club president, also received a Rainbow Award.
“She’s always ready to throw her whole self at a problem,” Cody Cody, past Rainbow Award recipient said of LaPointe. Cody emphasized LaPointe’s selflessness and unconditional support towards LGBTQ students on campus.
Dr. Joanne DiPlacido, psychological science professor, was honored with the surprise Lifetime Advocacy Award.
DiPlacido who is approaching retirement, said departing from the university is bittersweet for her.
“I was embraced as an out lesbian from the very beginning,” DiPlacido said. “They (Central) hired me when other universities wouldn't hire me.”
Image
