In honor of LGBTQA+ History Month, The University of Toledo’s Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS) is excited to again collaborate with the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) and the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women to bring a variety of engaging events throughout October. The month will be dedicated to honoring and educating the campus community about the history and achievements of the LGBTQA+ community.
“To us, LGBTQ+ History Month means educating the community on our deep and important history and reminding ourselves to be proud of how far we have come, especially in the uncertain times we exist within today,” said Cam Taraszka, a senior studying marketing and president of SAGA. “We use this month to celebrate and honor our queer siblings who came before us and will come after us as well.”
UToledo’s celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month is dedicated to honoring and educating the campus community about the history and achievements of the LGBTQA+ community.
• Monday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. — History of Ballroom and Radiance Ribbons in Thompson Student Union Room 2500. Join us for an evening celebrating the vibrant history of ballroom culture, an iconic tradition that has empowered and shaped the queer community for decades.
• Friday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — National Coming Out Day Photoshoot in Thompson Student Union Room 2500. Get a portrait in front of our rainbow closet door or relax in OMSS with some gay crafts.
• Wednesday, Oct. 16, from noon to 2 p.m. — International Pronouns Day tabling in the Student Union and Health Science Campus. Pick up a pronoun sticker or button in honor of this important day.
• Friday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. — Brunch and Business in Thompson Student Union Room 2500. Watch a documentary that looks at an important piece of LGBTQ History as we partake in the gayest meal – brunch.
• Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3:30 p.m. — Drag BINGO in Thompson Student Union Ingman Room. Celebrate LGBTQA+ History Month with an exciting afternoon of Drag BINGO, led by local drag queens from Toledo. It’s a fabulous opportunity to connect, have fun and celebrate pride.
Safe Place Training
During Safe Place training, participants are introduced to LGBTQ-related terminology, provided information on common issues and challenges face by LGBTQ individuals, what it means to be an LGBTQ Ally, and international, national, state, local and UToledo resources. Safe Place is a three-hour training and will be offered on Thursday, Oct. 17, and Monday, Oct. 21. For more information, visit the Safe Place Training website.
OMSS OUT Rockets Campaign
Sign up to be part of our OUT Rockets campaign, open to faculty, staff and students who identify as members of the LGBTQA+ community. OUT Rockets will debut on National Coming Out Day (Friday, Oct. 11) across social media, celebrating pride and visibility for LGBTQA+ members of our campus community. Please sign up no later than Monday, Oct. 7.
SUCCEED Mentorship Program
The Students United for a Courageous, Creative, Educated and Empowered Destiny (SUCCEED) mentorship program provides mentorship and professional development for emerging LGBTQA student leaders at The University of Toledo. Open to students, faculty and staff members, SUCCEED aims to create connections that inspire personal and professional growth. To learn more or register visit the OMSS website.
Additional events and activities will be announced throughout the month. For updates on events and locations, visit Invonet.
LGBTQA+ History Month demonstrates a continued dedication to inclusivity, diversity, and education by celebrating the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQA+ community. The Office of Multicultural Student Success also has a list of LGBTQA+ History Month resources online as well as a site devoted to the campus celebrations of LGBTQA+ History Month and all History and Heritage Months.
