Creating-a-Community-of-Belonging.php

Creating a Community of Belonging

• Students
• 06/18/2026

Earlier this month, Rock Valley College (RVC) celebrated Pride Month by bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community members to learn, grow, and discover who they are without judgement.

 

“Education is strongest when people feel safe enough to bring their whole selves into the classroom, workplace, and community,” said Adriana Londoño, one of RVC’s Safe Zone co-facilitators.

This month’s LGBTQ+ campus initiatives included:

• Pride Month Kickoff Celebration
• Lunch & Learn: LGBTQ+ Themes in Nature
• Lunch & Learn: Why Pride Month?

These events create space for meaningful conversation, while the month of June is an opportunity to intentionally celebrate the commitment that everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

Adriana emphasized that supporting others means respecting people’s identities, using inclusive language, and challenging stereotypes and discrimination when they arise.

“Pride is a reminder that authenticity is powerful and that everyone deserves to live openly, safely, and with dignity."

Recognizing this month is crucial because it acknowledges ongoing work that reflects on LGBTQ+ history, and builds real connection.

“It encourages us to celebrate differences, challenge misconceptions, and build a campus culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Adriana.

For her, Pride Month is deeply personal and underscores why the work she does matters. It reminds her that creating affirming spaces is ultimately about people, not just policies or programs.

Adriana emphasized, “It is a time to honor the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of those who came before us and fought for the rights and visibility many of us have today.”

Celebrating LGBTQ+ initiatives on campus can be life-changing for many students. It reassures them they’re not alone and reinforces that their identities and experiences are valued at RVC.

Over the past few years, one of the most meaningful breakthroughs Adriana has witnessed is the growth from isolated events into a more intentional, visible support system.

She recognized one individual in particular, Lien Vu, who manages the Safe Zone program and serves as co-adviser for SAGE (Sexuality and Gender Equality) Club.

“Our community on campus would not be what it is today without her hard work, Adriana stressed. “Today, we see broader institutional support, stronger partnerships across departments, increased participation, and more resources dedicated to creating inclusive spaces.”

She added that students who initially attended events quietly and cautiously have become leaders, advocates, and mentors for others.

Ollie Hougan, RVC student, joined SAGE club after their involvement with The LIAM (Love, Integrity, Advocacy, and Mentorship) Foundation, seeking more community on campus.

"At RVC, I felt like I belonged for the first time as a queer autistic student,”  they shared.

Shortly after starting, Ollie became president of the club and has held the position for the past three years. Through the challenges of the role, they were reminded that people are often not ready to change their perspectives unless they’re willing to do so, and they learned the importance of communicating clearly.

“As an autistic person, I need people to be very direct with me and not leave anything up for interpretation,” said Ollie. “I realized I need to make sure everyone is on the same page and know what is expected of them when it comes to communication,” they reflected.

The safe spaces built at Rock Valley College helps create an environment where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just words, but lived experiences.

That focus is carried through in Lien’s work as RVC adjunct anthropology instructor, which she describes as the study of diverse ways of being human. She extends those values into her community involvement, including her role as one of the 2026 honorary Pride Parade Grand Marshals, where, for her, awareness, visibility, and representation are essential in every space.

“Growing up, I've never really seen an Asian person in the Pride parade celebrating their identity,” Lien shared. “Being Asian and queer, I didn't have that representation, so there's that sense of needing to understand difference, needing to be seen, and seeing others.”

Inclusion extends beyond a single month. Everyday acts of kindness, allyship, and advocacy can make a profound difference in helping people feel a sense of belonging.

Students are not alone in their journey. RVC offers a strong network of support, resources, and people invested in their well-being and success, including:

• Student clubs like SAGE
• Safe Zone trainings with trusted faculty and staff allies available
• Culture & Belonging efforts
• RVC PAIC
• RVC Personal & Success Counseling

“To every student and community member: You belong. Your story matters. Your identity is something to be respected, celebrated, and embraced,” said Adriana. “Whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, each of us has the power to create a more welcoming and compassionate world.”