Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month is celebrated across the nation in the month of June. Different states and cities have parades, parties, bike rides, drag shows, concerts, etc. It’s a time to come together to celebrate and support the LGBT individuals in our lives and most importantly to remember those who fought for LGBT rights. 

Among these leaders are many  LGBT and allies of color that have paved the way. Learn about Latinx LGBT History 

Celebrating LGBT Pride Month is important because:

• Not too long ago LGBT individuals didn’t have the same basic civil rights as other people. On June 28th of 1969 a series of demonstrations by LGBT individuals in protest of mistreatment (known as the Stonewall Riots) inspired LGBT people to organize, show up and fight for their basic civil rights locally and across the country.
• Acceptance of who you are is essential. Sure, now you can see LGBT people on TV, magazines and social media. You might even have co-workers that are LGBT, but generally speaking many LGBT youth and adults go to school not knowing if those around are LGBT friendly. When you go to the Pride celebrations you know you are surrounded by individuals who have in some way gone through some of the same struggles, there’s a sense of belonging and acceptance, you know you are not alone and you are not the only one.

The Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs has established a friends board, a non-profit organization with the goal of raising funds for initiatives of the Office and Commission of Latino Affairs, such as the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame and PILA.

Are you interested in being part of the Friends of the Commission and Office of Latino Affairs Board? Click here!

Long Distance ELL Class

In February 2018, Indian Hills Community College's ELL Center introduced a live Zoom (long distance) ELL class for non-English speakers who wanted to improve their English skills, but they were not able to attend an in-person class. Students participating in this class are parents who have toddlers at home, have a physical disability, live more than 25 miles from college, cannot drive, are pregnant, and/or are in maternity leave.

This course allows students to sign-in from a personal computer or android directly from home or any other location. Therefore, student attendance and progress is very positive. Punctuality is also evident and does not interfere with instructions.

The ELL instructor and students join the live meetings for two hours, two days a week. They also maintain an open communication by e-mails and text messages. ELL students and the ELL instructor can actively participate in live classes. The instructor uses Burlington English, A-Z Books, YouTube videos, games, and many other educational materials to support English speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. All students have different opportunities for discussion and AQ sessions.

The ELL Center is very satisfied with the outcome and for outreaching those students who have special needs.