The University of Toledo celebrates the heritage and history of three important campus communities in October, recognizing Filipino-American History Month, LGBTQA+ History Month and Muslim Heritage Month.
University students, faculty and staff can take part in numerous virtual events throughout the month of October as part of the celebration that highlights the unique aspects of the history and heritage each group brings to the UToledo campus.
Filipino-American History Month celebrations focus on the contributions Filipinos have made to the United States, dating back to their first recorded presence in North America in October of 1587.
During October, UToledo is celebrating LGBTQA+ History Month, Muslim Heritage Month and Filipino-American History Month with numerous virtual events that highlight the unique aspects of the history and heritage each group brings to UToledo campuses.
“The Filipino-American Association is everyone’s family,” said Alaina Reyes, the secretary of UToledo’s Filipino-American Association. “Being a part of this organization brings you close to so many amazing individuals and helps you learn and love all the aspects of being a Filipino-American. Filipino-American History Month is tons of fun and gives us a month to celebrate ourselves as everyone should be celebrated.”
UToledo’s LGBTQA+ History Month celebrations are well underway, including Oct. 11’s notable observation of National Coming Out Day. Upcoming activities include various discussions of LGBTQA+ issues, a critical topic during an election year.
“As we celebrate LGBTQA+ History Month let us remember to stand up for our heritage by exercising our right to protect it,” said Brian Baker, president of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance on the UToledo campus. “It’s never been more imperative that the LGBTQA+ community in Toledo and across the country votes in this upcoming election.”
October is also Muslim Heritage Month and UToledo will recognize various aspects of Muslim culture throughout the month through discussions and panels.
“Muslim Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and leadership of Muslims at UToledo,” said Zahra Saanie Naqvi, president of the Muslim Students Association. “This month we are reflecting on the Muslim organizations and the change leaders we have the honor of working with.”
A full list of activities and participation information for Filipino-American History Month, LGBTQA+ History Month and Muslim Heritage Month, as well as information about future months honoring history and heritage of student groups on the UToledo campus, is available on the Office of Multicultural Student Success website.
