On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall uprising began by the QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous People of Color) community following a police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City.
More than a half-century later, that resistance has become a rallying cry and a milestone for QTBIPOC and LGBTQA+ folks, who are still fighting to make the world a safer and more affirming place for everyone.
Pride Month is a time to honor that history and celebrate the continued activism, resilience and vibrancy of the LGBTQA+ community.
“Since coming out, celebrating pride has always been one of my favorite parts of summer,” said Danielle Lutman, program manager for Gender Equity Student Initiatives, Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women.
“Being in a community with my LGBTQ+ siblings and folks showing up as their authentic selves is so rejuvenating! I’m especially excited this year to be able to connect and be in community with other LGBTQA+ Rockets after being apart for so long.”
UToledo celebrates and stands in solidarity with the LGBTQA+ community on campus and in the Greater Toledo Area, with LGBTQA+ events happening now through September.
Sunday, June 13. Virtual Cookie Decorating Party at 1 p.m.
The LGBTQA+ Alumni Affiliate just announced a Virtual Cookie Decorating Party with drag queen Plenty O’ Smiles on Sunday, June 13, as part of Pride Month. The virtual event is open to everyone: alumni and friends, LGBTQ individuals and allies.
Cookie kits will include six cookies and three colors of icing in UToledo colors and will cost $40, with the proceeds from each kit sold will go to the participant’s choice of scholarship: LGBTQA+ Alumni Affiliate Scholarship, Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Affiliate Scholarship or College of Medicine and Life Sciences Legacy of Excellence Scholarship.
The event will be recorded for those who want to decorate cookies but are unavailable to attend the Sunday event.
Visit the event’s website to learn more about the Virtual Cookie Decorating Party and to purchase a cookie kit.
Friday, Aug. 20. Pride Pack Pick Ups from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is working with LGBTQA+ Initiatives in the Office of Multicultural Student Success and the Ryan White Program to host a pre-pride event for folks to stop by, build a grab bag of rainbow swag, take pictures in front of a rainbow backdrop and enjoy a Pride playlist and a rainbow treat. Pride Pick Ups are available for students, staff, faculty and alumni.
Saturday, Sept. 11. Big Gay Welcome from 2 to 4 p.m.
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is working with LGBTQA+ Initiatives in the Office of Multicultural Student Success and the Ryan White Program to host a Big Gay Welcome during Welcome Weeks to welcome UToledo students, staff and faculty back to campus. The Big Gay event will consist of food, yard games, a rainbow balloon arch and Pride T-shirts.
