Living Your Authentic Self: DeSales Commemorates LGBTQ+ History Month

The BeYou Alliance and Office of Multicultural Affairs commemorated LGBTQ+ History Month with a special talk from alumnus Vinny Chrepta ’13.

Chrepta, who came out during his time as a student at DeSales, is the cofounder and liaison for the LGBTQ+ ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem. He specializes in human resources, specifically diversity, equity, and inclusion; workplace culture; and community engagement.

Chrepta spoke about the resilience and progress of the LGBTQ+ community over the decades and offered his personal story and insights. He led a discussion about the significance of October as LGBTQ+ History Month, the meaning behind the current LGBTQ+ flag, and the past, present, and future struggles of this community. 

“History isn’t something you look back at and say it was inevitable. It happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities,” he said quoting Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman who became one of the most prominent figures of the gay rights movement in New York City in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Throughout his talk, Chrepta emphasized the importance of action and activism on an individual level by highlighting the historic achievements of many LGBTQ+ activists and members. 

Afterward, he shared his coming out story. He spoke not only about the relief he felt after sharing his truth with his mother and friends, but how he felt comfortable and safe enough to do so on campus. He also discussed how his Christian faith had not faltered during this process. 

“I’ve always had my faith,” he said. “We are made in God’s image. If I wasn’t meant to be here, I wouldn’t be here.”

Fiona O’Brien ’26, a theatre STEP education major, attended the event and credited DeSales with providing a supportive environment for all students and communities. 

“It was nice to see support from familiar and some unfamiliar faces,” she said. “A Catholic school having an event like this—it makes students and allies feel seen.”