Syracuse Sun

This month, the University community is encouraged to engage in LGBTQ+ History Month through various events. The University commenced these activities on October 2 at the Intercultural Collective. The LGBTQ+ Resource Center, along with students and campus partners, has organized numerous events for the month.

LGBTQ History Month was established in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher from Missouri. In 1995, the General Assembly of the National Education Association passed a resolution that included LGBTQ History Month among commemorative months. October was chosen to align with National Coming Out Day on October 11 and the anniversary of the first march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1979.

The month offers an opportunity for the campus community to explore and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ communities through educational events, social gatherings, and discussions. The planning is led by the LGBTQ+ Resource Center to support their ongoing efforts to raise awareness and provide support to queer and trans students, staff, and faculty while promoting inclusion on campus.

“We invite the entire Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry community to participate in the schedule of events planned to honor LGBTQ+ History Month,” says Emily Stewart, director of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center. “At the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, we are committed to celebrating queer and trans individuals and their many intersecting identities throughout the year. There’s historical pride in holding space for these communities.”

The 6th Annual Potash Keynote Performance will feature Jackie Cox from "RuPaul’s Drag Race" Season 12 alongside local queens Twigs Von’Du and Aria Vee. Student hosts Tommy DaSilva and Tati Nelums will moderate a panel discussing drag's history and significance today with audience participation encouraged. This event is scheduled for October 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Schine Student Center's Underground venue.

Additional events include:

- Friday, Oct. 11: Chalk the Quad: National Coming Out Day (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)

- Tuesday, Oct. 22: Real Talk: Black and Queer Trap and Paint (6-8:30 p.m.)

- Thursday, Oct. 24: Monsters Love Too: Fear Meets Fabulous (6-8 p.m.)

- Saturday, Oct. 26: HalloQueen Ball (8-10:30 p.m.)

- Tuesday, Oct. 29: Pride Pumpkin Carving With Barnes Center at The Arch (4-5 p.m.)