LGBTQ+ History Month, not to be mistaken with the Pride observance in June, is a month-long celebration of the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and the importance of civil rights movements in the pursuit of LGBTQ+ rights. The observance was founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a former history teacher at a Missouri high school.
Following its emergence, LGBTQ+ History Month was added to the list of commemorative months in a resolution forwarded by the General Assembly of the National Education Association in 1995.
October was chosen as the month of observance as National Coming Out Day, which was already established as a holiday on Oct. 11, 1988. The anniversary of the first march for gay rights in Washington also took place on Oct. 14, 1979, contributing LGBTQ+ History being observed on the month.
On campus, Pride Alliance (Instagram @ozpridealliance) will table in Marano Campus Center from 11 am to 4 pm for National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, while the Oz Peer Eds (@ozpeereds) also will table in Marano from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with free rainbow cookies, pride swag, and information.
LGBTQ+ History Month allows the opportunity to learn about the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, and what factors and measures will be successful in building communities and providing role models who will best represent and address the issues of the LGBTQ+ community.
For this month, the college encourages all faculty, staff, students and community members to engage with the following programs:
- The Student Association Programming Board will host a LGBTQ+ Fest in Marano Campus Center from 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 22.
- The Student Association Programming Board in collaboration with Fashion at Oswego will host their inaugural Drag/Vogue Show on Oct. 22 in The Space from 7 to 9 p.m.
- A Flags of Meaning panel discussion about the Pride Flag will take place on Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. in 114 Marano.
- The Oz Peer Eds have scheduled a pair of Safe Zone Trainings this month as well: one for faculty and staff from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 21 in 142 Marano and one for students from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 in 133 Marano.
Stay tuned for more events, programs, and more information on LGBTQ+ History Month by checking out Oswego Today updates and following The Triandiflou Institute’s social media (@ozinstitute).
Note: October also is recognized as Italian Heritage Month (see this announcement appearing Friday in Oswego Today).
-- Submitted by the James A. Triandiflou Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice