Chris Tompkins
The Importance of LGBTQ Inner-Equality
The most important step any of us can take to unlearn thought systems based on fear, including queerphobia (a term used to describe all...
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Chris Tompkins
- May 11, 2020
- 5 min
4 Ways to Support LGBTQ Youth during Quarantine.
I spend many sleepless moments these days, thinking about how LGBTQ youth are being supported, and how youth, in general, are being...
Chris Tompkins
- Feb 13, 2019
- 3 min
Repealing ARS 15-716 matters, but so does how we talk about it
Dear Arizona Daily Star, My name is Chris Tompkins and I am a teacher in Los Angeles. I was born and raised in Tucson and my mom is a...
Chris Tompkins
- Apr 10, 2018
- 4 min
My Response to Perez Hilton Preferring His Son to Not Be Gay
A friend recently shared an article with me about Perez Hilton saying he would prefer it if his five year old son wasn’t gay. Hearing an...
Chris Tompkins
- Jul 18, 2017
- 3 min
Why Heteronormativity Is Harmful
Last month, at an educational event, I spoke on a panel with an elementary school teacher who has two decades’ worth of experience. She...
Chris Tompkins
- Jun 9, 2017
- 3 min
Being Authentically Proud
Last week I was speaking at a high school and a young girl asked me whether or not I loved myself. I was there to share with them my...
Chris Tompkins
- Feb 20, 2017
- 3 min
A Surprise Lesson From My Relationship.
I’m in a new relationship. It’s not that new, but it’s unlike any other I’ve had. Up until now I haven’t talked much about it to anyone....
Chris Tompkins
- Dec 11, 2016
- 4 min
Helping Create Allies One Child at a Time
Michelle’s mother realized she’s transgender one night while consoling her after a panic attack. She said Michelle began getting really...
Chris Tompkins
- Oct 1, 2016
- 4 min
What Running The L.A. Marathon Means For Me
I’ve always loved running. The last time I ran a marathon I was living in Monterrey, Mexico. I wasn’t out of the closet and so signed up...
Chris Tompkins
- Mar 16, 2016
- 6 min
Our Beliefs Matter: A Deeper Look at Institutionalized Homophobia.
James was my friend’s brother and best friend—he passed away last month from a heroin overdose. He was 25 years old. James was many...
Chris Tompkins
- Jan 14, 2016
- 3 min
Loving Your Enemy, Religion, and the LGBT Community
I recently went to Arizona to visit my family. My mom has always wanted to take me to this church called, Our Lady of the Sierras in...
Chris Tompkins
- Jan 9, 2016
- 3 min
Humility, Colombia, and the Connectedness of the LGBT Community
Last week I had something happen to me that I haven’t experienced before. A young man sat at my bar. I immediately felt his energy and...
Chris Tompkins
- May 13, 2015
- 9 min
Messages from the Playground: How to Address Homophobia and Bullying
“Uncle Chris, is she your girlfriend?” Suddenly I was a teen again. I felt like I did before I was out of the closet and someone would...