Keeping History Alive
October is LGBTQ+ History Month
Sharing Our History
When you think of LGBTQ+ history, you might reflect on the 1969 Stonewall Riots or Pride Month. October is probably not a month that comes to mind for celebrating the contributions of the LGBTQ+ Community. That is one of the challenges in our society, where and how is our history taught? There is no shared LGBTQ+ history in our society, it is something you often hear about instead of learning in a text book in high school or sometimes even college; you have to learn it from someone else. This is very true for many queer and trans people, we know the highlights of our history but are missing so much more.
This year for LGBTQ+ History Month, the Pride Center is intentionally curating opportunities to learn, discuss, and share LGBTQ+ history. From national celebrations to exploring local events and history, the month will focus on ways queer and trans people have always been here and continue to shape the future for the next generation.
Beyond Stonewall
October 03, 12:30p.m. – 2p.m., Pride Center
Join the Pride Center in kicking-off LGBTQ+ History Month with a documentary and brick painting. Bricks have become a strong symbol of advocacy and activism in the queer and trans community; an important piece of our history. Paint a brick, learn some history, and gather in community.
National Coming Out Day
October 11, 11a.m. – 1p.m., Memorial Union Main Floor
Celebrate National Coming Out Day with the Pride Center! There will be rainbow cupcakes and Pride SWAG to show your support and visibility for those that can and are unable to live openly and authentically. National Coming Out Day commemorates the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights along with the first time the AIDS Memorial Quilt was displayed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
LGBTQ+ Scholarship Info Session
October 14, 12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m., Pride Center
Come learn about scholarship opportunities for LGBTQ+ students. Now is the time to start applying and exploring what is availble for local, regional, and national scholarships.
Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains
October 16, 12p.m. – 1p.m., Memorial Union 318
Join the Red River Rainbow Seniors for a presentation on on their oral history project, “Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains.
In this presentation, we use voices of three of our early narrators to tell the story of growing up and living in North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota. These stories introduce key themes: the experiences of coming out, developing a “family of choice,” creating social community, experiences of discrimination (bullying, job loss, estrangement from family, etc.), and the strength and resilience of these individuals.
The Current State of Affairs for Queer & Trans Inclusion in Higher Education
October 23, 12p.m. – 1p.m., O’Kelly Hall 343
Join Dr. Jeff Maliskey, director of the Pride Center, to engage in a conversation about the current state of affairs pertaining to queer and trans programs, services, and initiatives in higher education. Gain insight into the national and regional landscape as we explore the possibilities of this future work.
Express Yourself
October 28, 12p.m. – 4p.m., Pride Center
Express yourself, your identity and more through art! Queer art allows us to intertwine personal narratives, social commentary, and expression; challening our ways of thinking and redifinding the boundaries of queer expression. Stop by the Pride Center to express yourself through art in a way that makes sense to you and learn about the history of queer art. Supplies provided.
