Southern Connecticut State University Celebrates
National LGBTQ+ History Month 2024
LGBTQ History Month is celebrated in October each year in the United States, the United Kingdom, and various other countries. Its origins can be traced back to 1994 when activist Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri, proposed the idea to promote the history and contributions of LGBTQ individuals, The first celebration took place in October of that year, chosen to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11, and in 2009, LGBTQ History Month was officially declared a national history month by President Barack Obama.
LGBTQ History Month not only seeks to celebrate past achievements but also aims to foster a greater understanding of ongoing challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, it plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and acceptance, encouraging individuals to learn from the rich history of LGBTQ experiences.
Events
Explore Interdisciplinary Studies
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Engleman Hall B121
The Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) team is hosting “Explore Interdisciplinary Studies” on October 8 from 11:30am to 1:30pm in Engleman Hall B121. If you are interested in creating a custom degree that centers LGBTQ+ studies, stop by and learn about self-design. Can't attend? Visit IDS in Engleman Hall B116.
Erin Larkin, Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program
Jordan D. Jones, Administrative Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program
LGBTQ+ Sexual Violence Prevention Tabling w/ Women & Families Center of New Haven
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024
12:30 p.m.
Adanti Student Center, Rm. 235
The SAGE Center invites you to stop by the Center where a tabling event will be occurring with Brandon Iovene, LGBTQ+ Counselor/Advocate for Women & Families Center, and former Graduate Intern for the SAGE Center. Learn about the various services provided by the Women and Family Center of New Haven, take from our plethora of resources, and connect with some of the many queer voices and faces from around campus.
Jay Henderson, Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs
Brandon Iovene, LGBTQ+ Counselor/Advocate for Women & Families Center
Coming Out: Practice Makes Perfect
Thursday, October 10th, 2024
10 a.m., 1 p.m., & 4 p.m.
Adanti Student Center, Rm. 235
A pre-celebration of National Coming Out Day, participants will practice walking out of our physical closet (with an optional picture!) to celebrate or affirm their freedom. Then, groups throughout the day will sit together in the SAGE Center and discuss the very real complexities of coming out: the good, the bad, the highs, the lows. Learn more about what "coming out" means to others while showing them your support.
Serginho Walker, Graduate Intern for the SAGE Center
Dusty Rader, University Assistant for the SAGE Center
National Coming Out Day Celebration
Friday, October 11th, 2024 (Weather Permitting)
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Academic Quad
National Coming Out Day is observed annually on October 11. It celebrates LGBTQ+ individuals, encourages those who have not yet come out to do so, if they feel safe and ready, and honors those who are not quite ready to come out. The day aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, promote acceptance and equality, and serve as a reminder of the importance of visibility in fostering understanding and support for LGBTQ+ rights. The observance began in 1988, coinciding with the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the SAGE Center invite you to join us for a community raising of the PRIDE flag!
Serginho Walker, Graduate Intern for the SAGE Center
Dusty Rader, University Assistant for the SAGE Center
Queer Jeopardy
Wednesday, October 16th, 2024
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Adanti Student Center, Rm. 201
Join the SAGE Center in a game of JEOPARDY centering around topics of queer history. Come learn about the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community with your peers and the team from the SAGE Center!
Serginho Walker, Graduate Intern for the SAGE Center
Dusty Rader, University Assistant for the SAGE Center
SCSU LGBTQ+ Employee Affinity Group
Thursday, October 17th, 2024
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
EN B121 A/B
The SCSU LGBTQ+ Employee Affinity Group is made up of faculty and staff who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community and serves as a space to share joys and challenges and create a supportive space for members. Join us for the monthly meet-up with light refreshments. Unable to join? Email torresbaezd1@southernct.edu to be included in the Teams group.
Daisy Torres-Baez, Faculty and Staff Diversity Recruitment and Retention Specialist
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Tabling Event
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024
12 p.m.
Adanti Student Center, Rm. 235
The SAGE Center invites you to stop by the Center where a tabling event will be occurring with members from our campus’ Wellbeing Center Team. Learn about the various services provided by the Violence Prevention, Victim Advocacy & Support (V.P.A.S.) Center on campus, take from our plethora of resources and connect with some of the many queer voices and faces from around campus.
Serginho Walker, Graduate Intern for the SAGE Center
Colleen Kearney, Coordinator of Victim Advocacy & Support Services
Chrystal Long, Coordinator of Multicultural Counseling
Prejudice and Pride: LGBTQ+ Banned Book Showcase
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Adanti Student Center, Rm. 201
Join us as we showcase the power of queer literature at our queer-banned book celebration: Prejudice and Pride! Check out the titles of some of the most iconic LGBTQ+ titles that have faced censorship over the past years, and explore their significance in promoting visibility, acceptance, and understanding. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or new to queer literature, this event promises to be a vibrant celebration of voices that deserve to be heard. Let’s stand together for the freedom to read and express ourselves!
Jay Henderson, Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs
Are You Familiar with the Ballroom Scene?
Thursday, October 24th, 2024
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Adanti Student Center, Rm. 301
The ballroom scene is a vibrant subculture within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among Black and Latine individuals, that originated in New York City in the late 20th century. The ballroom scene is deeply rooted in self-expression, creativity, and resilience, offering a safe space for those who may feel marginalized in broader society. It also highlights themes of family and community, with "houses"—groups led by a "house mother" or "house father"—offering support and a sense of belonging.
Serginho Walker, Graduate Intern for the SAGE Center
Dusty Rader, University Assistant for the SAGE Center
Religiously Queer: Exploring the Intersection of Sexuality & Religion
Thursday, October 31st, 2024
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Adanti Student Center, Rm. 236
Join us in the Interfaith Center as we explore the intersections of identity and religion. During this event, attendees will hear from former student, Kyle Magri, as he discusses his experiences finding queerness in faith.
Danielle Campbell, Graduate Assistant for the Interfaith Center
Additional Ways to Celebrate and Embrace Culture
LGBTQIA+ Prism Body Meeting
Wednesdays, October 9th and 23th, 2024
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Adanti 309
Prism is an organization dedicated to creating a safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and work to end homophobia in and around our community. Activities include outreach to our community of allies to educate and include people in our community, through events such as the tie-dye events, bake sales, our Annual Drag Ball, and a Day of Silence.
Khabyra Alston Kennie, President of LGBTQIA+ Prism
Women's & Gender Studies Minor
Women's & Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study, consisting of courses taught in various departments throughout SCSU. A course identified as Women's & Gender Studies focuses on the study of gender roles, the social construction of gender, race, class, sexuality, women's and other gender minority's issues and achievements as well as their place in societies both past and present.
Women's & Gender Studies, in all of its diversity, has a goal of a world free of not only sexism, but also of racism, class bias, ageism, ableism, and heteronormative biases — in other words, a world free of all the ideologies and institutions that have consciously or unconsciously oppressed and exploited some for the advantage of others.