Bakersfield College has had many clubs throughout the years; however, one club has been at BC since 2009 that club is the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance club or SAGA.

SAGA is one of the many BC clubs on campus that promotes a safe space for both students and staff on campus. This club brings together many people from the LGBT+ community; however, Co-advisor Chris Holland has stated “come on by and get to know the club whether you are in the LGBT+ community or not.” Many members of the club have been promoting SAGA has a safe space for all.

This safe space for all promotion of the club has been happening since Sept. of 2009 thanks to Advisor Helen Acosta accepting an offer from a former student about becoming an advisor. Acosta had stated “that at the time I had no experience advising a club, but I had experience being a part of the queer community.” With her knowledge of the community and the help of Professor Gloria Dumbler co-advising the club has been standing for the last 16 years. Since then, the club has been meeting every Wednesday at 4:10 pm.

Throughout the years many members of the club have felt a more welcoming atmosphere compared to the space they felt during high school. Many of club members have shared that during high school their own SAGA was welcoming; however, it wasn’t as welcoming as BC’s SAGA. The president of SAGA, Lloyd Chatterton shared “the club here is more inclusive.” The reason for so much inclusivity is due to the fact there isn’t any cliques here at BC. One member Rin stated, “I hope that new members get a sense of belonging and feeling of support.”

Apart from this SAGA has overcome one of their biggest challenges, which was the 2020 pandemic. Due to this pandemic shutting down everything it became a challenge for the club to meet on a weekly basis; however, the club created a speaker series. This series had many of the club members be given a chance to speak to multiple people from across the country, most of whom were former BC students. During this closed off period the club created an outlet to connect with others from the community.

Furthermore, SAGA is holding a special event on Sept. 17, which is Constitution Day. SAGA and many other clubs will be coming together to educate BC students and staff on understanding their Constitutional rights.

Overall, as previously stated, many of the SAGA club members and advisors have been creating a safe environment for all BC students and staff to enjoy.