What was it like being the first openly LGBTQ+ Student Affairs staff member at USC in the late 1980s?
There was no protection from discrimination in employment. For my first two years at USC, I remained closeted. There was no open gay visibility on campus. On a 1989 freshman survey, 38% said homosexual relations should be prohibited. People back then struggled to even say the word “gay.”
In 1988, USC adopted Principles of Community, encouraging respect for diversity. My counseling center colleagues asked me about my sexual orientation. I came out to them and became the first “out” person in the Division of Student Affairs.
What are some of the proudest moments or achievements from your time leading the Vice President’s Advisory Group for Gay, Lesbian and Bi Issues?
In 1989, the AIDS epidemic was lethal. I organized the first university AIDS Walk LA team, led by our marching band. We raised awareness and money to fight AIDS.
The gay student group invited me to be their faculty advisor. We advocated to the vice president of the student affairs division to create LGBTQ+ student support services. In response, the vice president asked me to chair a new Student Affairs Advisory Group to develop LGBTQ+ student supportive services and to educate interested faculty and staff groups. In our first year, 1990-1991, we gained the vice president of student affairs’ support for the university’s Equal Opportunity Policy to include sexual orientation. More advocacy continued.
Early on, I invited LGBTQ+ student, staff, faculty and alumni leaders to my home for a “vision” and planning retreat. At that time, we had a student-led “Lambda Alumni” outreach group. I proposed that instead we start an alumni-led “Lambda Alumni” organization. Donald Gabard, then a graduate student, concurred. As soon as he graduated, Don began advising the student-led “Lambda Alumni” group and planning for its alumni-led successor organization.*
Also in 1990, I was appointed as the first USC Coordinator of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Student Services — a role that eventually became the LGBTQ+ Student Center. I started and led a Gay and Bi Men’s Support Group at the Student Counseling Center.
How did you envision the Lambda Alumni Association when it was first officially launched by founder Donald Gabard, and how do you see its role evolving today?
Don Gabard envisioned the Lambda Alumni Association’s focus of raising money for student scholarships. Activities with this focus have also supported LGBTQ+ alumni social and occupational success.
Could you elaborate on your integrative approach to psychiatric care and its importance for LGBTQ+ mental health?
My integrative approach starts with a full biopsychosocial and cultural evaluation to identify how past and current stressors contribute to disorder symptoms. Helping LGBTQ+ students deal with the religious, cultural, social and physical challenges of their identities in our homophobic world is essential for health.
How do you think the landscape for LGBTQ+ students at USC and other universities has changed since you began your advocacy?
Institutionalized homophobic discrimination has gradually been transformed into tolerance, inclusion and even institutional support. Students from conservative backgrounds may still face distressing homophobia and sexism, but progressive changes now offer hope for marriage and family equality and for equal opportunities in education, athletics, the military and employment.
What advice would you give to young LGBTQ+ professionals entering fields like psychiatry or student affairs?
Seek educational, social and employment experiences that are congruent with your values and support your career goals.
How has your involvement with organizations like Bay Area Physicians for Human Rights informed your work at USC?
In 1979, I was a founding member of the San Francisco Bay Area Physicians for Human Rights (BAPHR), the first organization of gay physicians. We advocated for the health of gay people.
The support and mentoring I experienced there prepared me to become president of the Southern California Lambda Medical Association when I moved to Los Angeles to work at USC. We promoted health for LGBTQ+ people, addressed public health concerns and produced educational and social events.
In 1993, I founded the Southern California Psychiatric Society’s Gay, Lesbian and Bi Issues Committee, which I chaired for nearly 30 years. We created educational events and advocated for marriage and family equality.
What are your hopes for the future of the LGBTQ+ community at USC and in the broader society?
I wish for health and success in love and work!
*The USC Lambda LGBTQ+ Alumni Association was founded in 1992 and received its university charter that year.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.