The W to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in October
The Office of Student Life at Mississippi University for Women has a slate of events planned to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month throughout October.
Unlike Pride Month, LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day Oct. 11.
National Coming Out Day is also the main event planned for the campus celebration, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1-3 p.m. at the gazebo.
“This event is come and go. Student Life and Housing will provide a fun photo op with a prop door that symbolizes coming out. We wanted to build a door in commemoration of all those who have made the courageous choice to come out and for those who decide to in the future. We will be providing fun takeaways and information about the history of National Coming Out Day,” said Lilith Osburn-Cole, coordinator of student experience and head of planning for LGBTQ+ History Month.
In addition to this, Banned Books Week also falls in October, and there is a crossover as some of the “banned books” were challenged because of LGBTQ+ themes.
There also will be Safe Zone training hosted by The W’s Counselling Center and Queer Space from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 9 and a LGBTQ+ literary reading hosted by W faculty and alumni from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the library.
Lastly, Fant Memorial Library will be hosting a movie night from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25 in the library’s tiered classroom. The movie will be “Coming of Age in Cherry Grove.”
Some student organizations also will be hosting events throughout the month and some events are still being finalized, so be on the lookout for new announcements as they are made.
Osburn-Cole said, “Since this is my first year coordinating events and the calendar for LGBTQ+ History Month, I feel a sense of extra responsibility to our community on campus to present an authentic and engaging month. Celebrating LGBTQ+ history month is about acknowledging the queer community here at The W and connecting it to the larger history and struggle that informs what it means to be LGBTQ+ and an ally in this world. Planning this month has shown me the great connections to be had between departments and offices here at The W, and I hope to continue to build those relationships through shared collaboration in the future. I think this LGBTQ+ History Month will be a great one!”