May 18, 2007 :: No. 209

Christina Sun credits her mother for showing her the value of all people, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation or physical or mental capacity.

“My mom has always worked with developmentally delayed high school students so I’ve grown up watching her and thinking, ‘Wow, my mom is so selfless and she gets great fulfillment in helping and really caring about others,’” Sun said. “The pay isn’t great, but she really loves what she does and that’s the kind of fulfillment I want.”

The 24-year-old, who is participating in commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 20, as she completes her master’s degree in psychology, has figured out her path to such fulfillment. As a strong advocate of equal rights for gay men, lesbians and other underrepresented groups. Sun will begin studying for her doctorate in public health at the University of Massachusetts in the fall. Her ultimate goal is to help eradicate discrimination. She hopes to become a director of a public health agency.

The Fullerton resident who earned her bachelor of science degree in psychology from UC Davis in 2004, already has been doing her part through simple acts of kindness and through research.

Whenever she witnesses discriminatory behavior, she is quick to address it. When she comes across opportunities to serve the underrepresented in a compassionate manner, she does so. For example, she was dining out with a friend who is a lesbian when their waitress refused to treat them equally. Sun said the waitress assumed her friend was gay and pretended to ignore her, brought her the wrong order, did not refill her drink and gave her dirty looks. Sun, on the other hand got the royal treatment — her glass was constantly refilled, and she was repeatedly asked if she wanted anything more.

Though subtle, “It still hurt,” Sun said, adding that she apologized to her friend and told her that she is a special individual and her sexual orientation does not define her.

Her uplifting words are necessary as subtle and overt discrimination, especially against gay men, lesbians and transsexuals is on the rise, Sun said.

Another way to combat such hatred is to further study what could be used to help those affected, she said. That’s why her master’s thesis was devoted to researching the effects of discrimination on the well-being of gay and bisexual men and women.

“This study is relevant to the current sociopolitical climate,” Sun said.

“Both proponents and opponents of gay rights and gay marriage will be very vocal in the coming months and years. Having one’s private identity discussed on the nightly news, in a speech from the President, or by the pastor in one’s church must have important psychological ramifications. The findings from this study advance our understanding of how individuals who are devalued by the society they live in maintain their own psychological health and well-being. I am trying to do my part to understand their psychological health and decrease the prejudice they face.”

Sun is this year’s recipient of the President’s Associates Graduate Student Award, one of the top honors awarded at commencement. She also has been researching intimate partner violence and the delivery of related services to ethnic minority communities, as well as the relationship between coping and academic stress of university students.

Sun presented her research this month at the Western Psychological Association’s 87th Annual Conference and at the Association for Psychological Science’s 18th Annual Conference. She will present again at the American Psychological Association 2007 Convention in August.

Beyond her research, Sun has been involved in improving the climate for gay and bisexual students at Cal State Fullerton. She helped plan the second annual Lavender Pride recognition ceremony and as a member of the campus Lavender Working Group, she launched an anti-hate rally and program.

“Christina has been actively engaged in making this campus a safer and more open place for all students,” said Kristin Beals, assistant professor of psychology.

Sun said she just wants to “feel fulfilled as a person.”

That’s why she said she follows her mother’s rule: “Show tolerance toward everyone by being respectful to all people and doing what you can to help eliminate hatred and discrimination.”

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