Happy June, everyone! This edition of the Oz Inclusivity Playbook recognizes and celebrates the LGBTQIA2S+ and Caribbean American communities for their culture and their impact throughout society and on our campus. This column will highlight both awareness and address some community engagement opportunities.
Caribbean American Heritage Month
National Caribbean American Heritage Month is celebrated every June to honor and celebrate America’s rich and diverse Caribbean-American culture. The recognition has been officially celebrated since 2006 when then-President George W. Bush signed a proclamation to recognize Caribbean Americans' contributions to this nation. The United States Census notes at least 23 Caribbean countries, including Puerto Rico, Haiti, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and many others.
What’s happening for the campus/community?
The Caribbean Student Association, or CSA, is a space for students of Caribbean descent and others to learn and dialogue with peers about Caribbean culture. CSA regularly holds meetings on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. during the semester.
LGBTQIA2S+ Month
Every June, the LGBTQIA2S+ community celebrates in various ways. Various events are held during the month and throughout the year.
Why was June chosen? June 1969 is when the Stonewall Riots took place. Not only was Pride month started from activism, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of the community's current issues.
What’s happening for the campus/community?
CNY Pride Involvement
SUNY Oswego will be marching and tabling at CNY Pride on June 22 at the Inner Harbor in Syracuse. All current students, alumni and employees are welcome to march with SUNY Oswego in the parade at 11 a.m. and visit with representatives and other vendors at the festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please fill out the Google Form to march in the parade. Organizers are super excited to see everyone at CNY Pride.
LGBTQIA+ Working Group
There is a long history of LGBTQIA+ activism at SUNY Oswego, dating back to the early 1970s. It was a student-led call to action in spring 2022 that catalyzed the formation of the Inclusive Practices LGBTQIA+ Working Group, which includes faculty and staff from all over campus. This joint effort between the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion launched in fall 2022. The working group includes LGBTQIA+ community members and allies working intentionally to address the issues raised by students for the benefit of all campus community members.
In spring 2024, the LGBTQIA+ working group established goals and initiatives for the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ campus community for the upcoming semester. This includes marching and tabling at CNY Pride in June 2024, the intent to attend Oswego Pride in September 2024, and along with the rollout for the landing page and updated map of all-gender restrooms, the establishment of inclusive programming and events for LGBTQIA+ History Month in October 2024, titled “Out-tober.”
This month is a part of the Triandiflou Institute’s Oz Inclusivity Playbook. Stay tuned for more events, programs and information throughout the semester and follow the Triandiflou Institute’s social media (@ozinstitute). Interested in doing an event or program next semester or providing feedback on these entries? Please feel free to complete this form.
-- Submitted by the Triandiflou Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice