Pride Spotlight: Rebecca Hutchins, ACC-OC

Openly queer since 16, Rebecca Hutchins said she is still amazed when people make assumptions about who she is as a person.

"I'm definitely not one to shy away from being my authentic self. It makes me laugh because I know I don't fit the mold of what their thoughts are of LGBTQ+ humans," Hutchins said. "I hope that by being true to myself, it gives others the courage to also be true to themselves."

Always the educator, Hutchins — who works at American Career College-Orange County as a surgical technology instructor — says she uses the shock and surprise of breaking someone’s stereotypes to teach about how they think individuals in the LGBTQ+ community should look or act.

"Pride means being able to be YOU. Pride is such an important time for me and my family as it gives us an opportunity to celebrate all the growth that has taken place for our LGBTQ+ community," she said. "We want our children to know how awesome it is that we can be out together and feel comfortable being ourselves."

While a person's journey to love and acceptance won’t always be easy, Hutchins says it doesn't have to be lonely.

"It's helpful to find others who you feel comfortable talking with or just being present in the same space," Hutchins said. "The most important thing to remember is that it's OK if you don't have it all figured out. You have the right to explore and grow at your own pace."

Back to News

Take the first step toward your new career today.

Full Name*

Phone Number*

Email*

Program of Interest*

How did you find us?*

By clicking above, I consent to receive calls, emails and/or text messages** by a college representative with information for educational opportunities at the number(s) provided above. understand calls may be initiated by an automated telephone dialing system. I need not grant this consent to receive information or to be eligible to enroll with ACC. I understand that I am not required to provide consent as a condition of any purchase. I also understand that I may revoke my consent at any time in accordance with ACC's Opt-Out Disclaimer. All information provided is subject to ACC's Privacy Policy. (**Standard rates may apply.) Disclaimer I understand that if I no longer wish to receive text messages from ACC, I may revoke my consent at any time by texting back "Stop" to unsubscribe from the service. I understand that if I no longer wish to receive emails, I may revoke my consent at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link within any email I receive from ACC. I understand I may revoke my consent to receive calls by informing any ACC associate calling me that I no longer want to receive calls from ACC.

*Required