Finding Purpose Through Community Service
June 18, 2025 | By NRCF Volunteer
 Hei Fok: NRCF Volunteer Spotlight
National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF) is dedicated to advancing educational equity for LGBTQ+ students, many of whom face unique barriers to accessing and completing higher education. Through scholarships, mentorship, and volunteer engagement, NRCF fosters a powerful community of support for students.
One such volunteer is Hei Fok, Sacramento State PRIDE Center Coordinator and longtime advocate for equity in education. Hei brings more than just his time—he brings lived experience, perspective, and a powerful commitment to visibility.
“Being gay was not accepted where I was born and raised. In Hong Kong, even as a child, I remember feeling like I was different. What strikes me most is that even before I knew about the concept of sexuality or the terminology involved, I knew there was something different about me,” reflects Hei Fok, Sacramento State PRIDE Center Coordinator and dedicated NRCF volunteer.
The weight of that difference followed him through his formative years. “By the time I was in high school, I had acquired the language to describe my feelings. I knew I was gay. When I was growing up in the seventies and eighties, mass media and society as a whole had little to no representation of gay people – and what did exist was not particularly accurate for many. I knew I had to hide my true self.”
A Journey to Authenticity
At 21, Hei arrived in the United States to attend college in Sacramento—a decision that would fundamentally change his life’s trajectory. “Pockets of people showed me they were far more accepting than what I had access to in the past,” he recalls of those early days. “Over time, I gradually came out to more and more people after being here. I felt safe, or safe enough, within that environment. So, I stayed and built a career path in higher education.”
For two decades, Hei devoted himself to supporting students in continuing education, finding fulfillment in helping others navigate their academic journeys. But it wasn’t until the pandemic struck that he felt called to make more of a direct impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
A Pandemic Awakening
“I was out to the people around me and married to a man, but I hadn’t really ever been that active in the community,” Hei admits. “COVID changed so much of everyday life for everyone. I recognized how privileged and fortunate I was during that intense time. I wasn’t significantly impacted, but many of my peers were, and it inspired me to try something different before retiring.”
When the Sacramento State PRIDE Center coordinator position opened, Hei felt an immediate calling. The job posting awakened something he’d carried for decades—a wondering about working directly with the queer community. Nearly a year into the role, he’s found his professional calling intersecting meaningfully with his personal mission.
The Power of Representation
“It is new for me to work in the queer space as a professional, and volunteering as a NRCF scholarship application essay reviewer has been a wonderful way to also give back,” Hei explains. “Reading the students’ statements reminded me of how important it is to have representation. Visibility and opportunity for our community are critical, especially with the current political climate.”
His work has opened his eyes to gaps that still need to be bridged. He’s particularly concerned about students of Latin American heritage who aren’t accessing PRIDE Center resources due to cultural and family pressures—a reminder that intersectionality requires intentional outreach and understanding.
Queer Love Is Here to Stay
At the PRIDE Center, Hei has anchored his work around an inspiring theme: “Queer love is here to stay. Together, we can validate the existence of LGBTQ+ individuals and community. The danger is that people can think to themselves that if they don’t see us, then we don’t exist. Queer people have always existed and will always exist.”
His philosophy centers on connection over division. “Let’s emphasize love over hate. We should be supporting people, not dividing them. We can strengthen our ability to be resilient. We are here to stay—no matter what happens. Volunteering at NRCF is a good way for me to focus my time and effort in the fight for equality.”
Looking Forward
Through his essay review work with NRCF, Hei has gained insight into the next generation of LGBTQ+ advocates. “I recall a number of students who might not yet realize the huge importance of describing themselves fully due to how young they are at this inflection point in their lives. It’s the fundamental importance of self-advocacy that intertwines with the larger aspect of equity.”
His experience has reinforced a truth he’s learned over time: “As we get older, we start to see how important it is to speak up and out for ourselves. I hope that as my work at the PRIDE Center evolves, I can find new and innovative ways to reach students who aren’t coming in person and to let them know we are here for you.”
From a young man hiding his true self in Hong Kong to a professional advocate creating safe spaces for the next generation, Hei Fok’s journey embodies the transformative power of community, acceptance, and service. Through his volunteer work with NRCF and his role at Sacramento State, he continues to build bridges of understanding while ensuring that queer love—and queer people—remain visible, valued and here to stay.
Want to Make a Difference?
Here’s how you can support LGBTQ+ students:
Every action counts — thank you for being part of this movement for educational equity and opportunity. No LGBTQ+ student should ever have to choose between their safety and their educational dreams.