Despite such ongoing challenges, CCSF remains a pioneer in the development of the field of queer studies. CCSF has therefore continuously been at the forefront of educating others about our community’s rich history. It is also renowned for its attention to related issues concerning homophobia, racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, sexual harassment, transphobia, and ability rights. The college further reports that it has over 200 out-of-the-closet administrators, faculty and staff.

In this issue of the paper we highlight three LGBT community leaders who are fighting to keep CCSF alive. San Francisco Bay Times columnist Rafael Mandelman was elected to the college’s Board of Trustees in November 2012. Since then, he has worked tirelessly, bringing his skills as an attorney and his knowledge gained from working with multiple non-profits to help CCSF to stay in operation through some of its most difficult years. We present his latest column entry here, in which he addresses City College matters as well as other timely topics.

Alex Randolph, featured on our cover, was appointed to the Board of Trustees in April 2015 by Mayor Ed Lee. Randolph says, “Community college helped me fulfill my American dream when I moved to the United States alone at the age of 16.” Randolph, who was Gavin Newsom’s highly successful special assistant for LGBT community affairs when Newsom was mayor, is running in the current San Francisco election to maintain his seat on the Board. We launch his new column that will cover CCSF news and additional matters.

Out lesbian Susan Lamb was appointed Interim Chancellor of CCSF in June 2015. Since that relatively short period of time, she has already received widespread praise for her work and leadership. With the continued efforts of Mandelman, Randolph, Lamb and others, we hope that City College will not just survive, but also thrive and be better than ever, in the years to come.