Dr. Mike Muñoz has led Long Beach City College (LBCC) as Superintendent-President since 2021, serving as the chief executive officer and overseeing its administrative operations. He is a dedicated champion for equity who has been widely celebrated as a transformational leader on a national scale. Dr. Muñoz's expertise lies in dismantling racial success gaps for students of color, cultivating safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ students, and championing innovative initiatives that transform LBCC into a premier destination for a diverse student body.
Dr. Muñoz's book recommendation for this Pride Month is On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. “As a queer Latino reader, Ocean Vuong’s poetry resonates with me because it speaks to the experience of living between worlds: navigating identity, family, culture, and belonging,” says Dr. Muñoz. “His reflections on queerness, love, and the search for acceptance echo many of the challenges faced within communities of color, where family ties are deeply valued yet can sometimes create tension around self-expression.”
“I also connect with his themes of intergenerational sacrifice, resilience, and the lasting impact of our ancestors’ struggles,” he continues. “What moves me most is the tenderness and vulnerability in his work; he finds beauty in pain, strength in softness, and dignity in experiences that are often overlooked. Vuong’s writing reminds us that our stories matter, that vulnerability can be a source of strength, and that understanding one another’s experiences is essential to building more inclusive communities. Though his story is uniquely his own, the emotions at the heart of his poetry feel deeply familiar and universal.”
Book: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
Author: Ocean Vuong
“I hope readers recognize the power of seeing marginalized voices centered in literature,” expands Dr. Muñoz. “During Pride Month, it is especially important to celebrate stories that illuminate the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ lives. This book serves as a powerful reminder that visibility and representation matter, and that literature can help build understanding across differences.”
“For many queer people, people of color, and first-generation students, books provide opportunities to see themselves reflected in stories and experiences that have historically been overlooked,” he explains. “Reading can validate our identities, inspire resilience, and remind us that we are not alone. Whether we read to learn, to escape, or to connect, books have the unique ability to help us better understand both ourselves and one another.”
“At a time when conversations about diversity, inclusion, mental health, and social equity are increasingly important, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous encourages readers to listen to voices that are often overlooked,” Dr. Muñoz adds. “It reminds us that our communities are strengthened when we embrace complexity, practice empathy, and recognize the humanity in one another’s stories.“
