Advisory Board Member
Clayton P. was raised in so-called Bakersfield, California—land originally in the care of Tejon, Yokutch, and Tübatulabal Tribes. Currently a PhD candidate pursuing an inter-field degree in English and Cultural Studies from Claremont Graduate University after completing their BA at CSU, Bakersfield and their MA at San Francisco State, their education really began when they became involved in the juvenile “justice” system as a minor. There, Clayton saw first-hand the ways in which historic oppressions continue shaping contemporary systemic inequities—and the need to fight them. Today, as a queer educator and organizer, Clayton strives to carry this commitment to a better world into their personal and professional lives, endeavoring to help build meaningful community connections beyond the classroom, and working to ensure that all students—particularly those from historically and contemporarily marginalized communities—are empowered to succeed in reaching their goals and to advocate in support of others.
