A series of events will be held this month to celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
“At SIUE, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) and campus partners want to celebrate and educate the University community about the importance and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Miriam Roccia, associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, “and provide spaces for members of the community and their allies to come together for learning and engagement.”
Remaining events planned this week include:
- A Space for Healing: A Film and Discussion at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the CSDI, Morris University Center, Second Floor. Please join us for a screening of “The Miseducation of Cameron Post.” The film is based on the novel by Emily M. Danforth and follows the main character, as she is sent to a gay conversion therapy center. Discussion will follow, led by Dr. Courtney Boddie, director of Counseling Services.
- Coming Out Cupcakes with CSDI from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the CSDI. Stop by and celebrate Coming Out Week with CSDI and cupcakes! Grab some free sweet treats and gather together to learn more about LGBTQIA+ History Month events.
- National Coming Out Day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 in the Morris University Center, Goshen Lounge. Please join us for an opportunity to tell your coming out story on National Coming Out Day! Students, faculty and staff are welcome to stop by the Goshen Lounge to share their story on one of the poster boards.
“LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive acronym that represents the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans+, Queer/Questioning, Intersex community,” said Roccia. “The ‘+’ provides greater visibility and recognition to identities that are not specifically represented in the acronym. The SIUE Safe Zone (siue.edu/lgbt/) and the Gay-Straight Alliance student (getinvolved.siue.edu/organization/gsa) are great resources for members of the communities and allies to connect and find support.”
LGBTQIA+ History Month began in 1994 in U.S. by Missouri high school teacher, Rodney Wilson.
Photo:
Renowned jazz musician Bryan Carter was the featured speaker at SIUE’s LGBTQIA+ History Month Celebration. Carter shared his personal coming out story, and the role that jazz played in teaching him about love and self-acceptance.