Rio Hondo’s event for National Coming Day brought a speaker to students that made an impact on students.

Dr. Jon Higgins, born in Los Angeles and a native to San Bernardino, has a doctorate in education and has used their platform over the last 10 years to, “speak truth to power.”

Higgins who identifies as non-binary, someone who doesn’t label themselves as male or female, has made the push in their life to speak out against injustices both online and off. Higgins has also written for publications like Teen Vogue and has spoken for TEDx. They are currently working on a book.

Higgins main focus of the talk was to explain what it takes to make a safe zone. They touched on how certain people have a privilege and how even they, as an educated person, have it.

Higgins’ goal was not to talk down on students, but instead engage them. “I don’t like to just come in and tell you what the bad is, I’m telling you how you can all actively participate in getting rid of the problems present.”

“There is a lot of unlearning we have to do,” Higgins commented on. They recognize that despite being a person of color and someone who identifies as queer and non-binary that they still have to check themselves.

The audiences participated with Higgins during the talk. It was clear the students wanted an engaging speech. When asked what made students feel safe, one replied “support from friends.” Another said, “a jacket.”

A safe zone, in Higgins’ opinion, should not make someone feel tied to his or her identity. Instead, a person should be able to speak about it freely as though it’s a part of them.

Higgins says people should make an effort to call out people on others negative views. When asked why they feel the need to call things out their reply is, “If I don’t, who will?”

They also touched on how the experience of a person of color who is on the LGBTQ+ spectrum is different. Higgins recalled a time when he was asked, “are you black or queer today?” by a co-worker.

He continued the speech discussing issues that marginalized groups may face before students make a safe space for others. Higgins brought up how there needs to a place for people to say what’s on their mind without fear. Intersectionality was the main focus. According to Higgins, the whole experience should be recognized.

The students continued to participate in the speech which made most content with the event. One student really enjoyed the events and would love to come to more events held in Rio.

Aside from possibly wanting events, like a fundraiser, and joining the Spectrum club on campus, Ashley Sanchez, a first-year student, said she likes to see the event held in a more open space. “So it’s not just hidden here (at the student lounge).”

Sanchez suggests, “the lower quad, it has the cafe and it’s more populated.” An alternative location to hold future events.

“It’s like open arms, free hugs, it’s something nice to have around,” Sanchez exclaimed when talking about having a community on campus. “A weekly rally,” filled with the discussion is also something she’d like to see.

And as Rio has taken a strong stance in supporting its students. Who identify outside the binary by opening gender-neutral bathrooms a short while ago, Sanchez says that makes her happy to know the school supports it. Since she has friends identify themselves as non-binary.

The event was a success for the event coordinator, Cristina Almanza, Chair of Culture and Diversity.

“There were chairs filled. People were standing in the back, we had a lot faculty there too. Yeah, it was a really good turnout,” said Almanza.

And more events will come like Trans Remembrance Day for this semester and Pride in the spring.

As for advice for fellow LGTBQ+ students, Almanza says get a support system with friends who will and talk to faculty. She also brought up how there is free therapy available on campus for students who need it.  “We are restarting the spectrum club,” Almanza added they would have services and sources that could help LGBT students when it’s officially up and running.

The print version of this article appeared Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Editors Note: A few minor changes were made before posting to better suit readers.