SRU hosting LGBTQ+ History Month events in October

Slippery Rock University will be hosting several events as part of LGBTQ+ History Month in October.

Oct. 4, 2024

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — In recognition of national LGBTQ+ History Month, Slippery Rock University is celebrating the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and extended community during October with a series of events.

"As a community that is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture, SRU celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month with a variety of programming for our students and the community," said Ivory Dunlap, director of SRU's Office for Inclusive Excellence. "This is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, support each other and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and cultures." 

Coordinated by the SRU Office for Inclusive Excellence and the Pride Center, the following events will be hosted by campus groups and student organizations:

• Stride for Pride, 1:45 p.m., Oct. 10, in The Quad. Led by The Pride Center, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies are invited to march across campus to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month.
• National Coming Out Day Celebration, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 11, in the Smith Student Center Lobby. The Pride Center will have a table set up to offer students activities, including a photo booth and trivia contest, as well as giveaways.
• The Power of Stories Series: Queer, Black and Getting Away With It: The Power of Hope, Struggle and Community, 5-6 p.m., Oct. 14, via Zoom. This event features a presentation by Kristopher Oliveira, '15, director of the LGBTQ+ Equity Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, who will share his journey in queer and trans advocacy. The Zoom link to the event can be found on CORE, SRU's online platform for student events and organizations. The event is hosted by the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Burlesque Bash: Havanna Nights, 8-10 p.m., Oct. 19, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. Hosted by the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Rock the Weekend, this speakeasy-style party includes musical performances, a magician, casino games, raffles and a photo booth. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1920s attire. 
• Unapologetically Me: Wellness and Resilience in the Drag World, 7 p.m., Oct. 29, in the Alumni House, with a presentation by John Musser as Veronica Bleaus. Musser, a teaching assistant professor of gender, sexuality and women's studies at the University of Pittsburgh, will talk about wellness, queer identity and healthy coping means, followed by a Q&A session. The event is hosted by the President's Commission on Gender Identity & Expression and Sexual Orientation, the President's Commission on Wellness and the DEIB Office.
• Safer Sex Spooktacular, 6-8 p.m., Oct. 30, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. Hosted by the SRU Wellness Peer Educators, this informational event about sexual health and wellness will include food, games, giveaways and a Halloween costume contest.

Additionally, RockOUT, the LGBTQ+ student organization at SRU, is hosting Karaoke, Oct. 21; a drag show, Oct. 22; a table display in the Smith Student Center lobby honoring LGBTQ+ individuals, Oct. 23; and a letter writing campaign to transgender youths, Oct. 24. More details about these events will be available on CORE once they become available.

More information and resources about how SRU and its organizations support our LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff is available online. For more information about LGBTQ+ History Events at SRU, contact the Pride Center at 724.738.4378 or by email at oie@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 |  justin.zackal@sru.edu

Slippery Rock University’s Vision is to “excel as an accessible, inclusive, and engaging community, centered on student learning, positively shaping the future of the region, through the lives of our graduates”.

One way we pursue this vision is through our commitment to Core Value 1. Community and Belonging as “We champion diversity, support divergent ways of thinking, and offer an inclusive experience so that our students, faculty, staff, and alumni consider SRU their ‘extended family’”. This commitment includes our students within the trans community.

When we say SRU is a First-Choice Institution for prospective students, we mean for all students. Although we acknowledge the right to free speech, we also recognize the importance of creating a safe and affirming space where all identities are respected, valued, and celebrated.

During October, LGBTQIA+ History Month, we have provided resources, advocacy, and programming that uplift LGBTQIA+ voices and experiences, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Together, we strive to promote understanding, acceptance, and equality for all members of our campus community. In doing so we uphold our Mission to foster “an environment of belonging,” and enhance “the quality of life of our learners and our region”.

Read more about our Vision, Mission and Values.