Randy Okamura, board president of San Jose/Evergreen Community College District, said when governing boards support their openly gay executives, the latter are better able to focus on their jobs. "In our district, we support students who are undocumented residents, which is a hot issue in of itself. I don't need for Rosa to worry about someone hassling her just because she is lesbian. I don't need for someone to hassle David just because he might be seen at a gay bar."
Pérez conceded that executives who are ethnic minorities often face additional complications by coming out. "Many of us have religious or cultural backgrounds that keep us closeted. And with so much anti-immigrant sentiment in this country right now, there's pressure to keep intact the dignity of our families.
"But you are no less Latina if you come out," Pérez said. "You are no less of a college president if you come out."
- Community College Jobs