UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — October is LGBTQ+ history month and Penn State is celebrating the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community with a list of events, including speakers, rallies, and more held around campus.
The LGBTQA Student Resource Center, a unit of Student Affairs, will be hosting several events throughout the month and encourages the entire Penn State community to participate:
Oct. 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center
HUB Takeover: Organizations representing the LGBTQ+ community will be on the first and ground floor of the HUB-Robeson Center, to provide information and kick off the month. Join us for music and networking.
Oct. 11, 12 p.m., HUB Monumental Steps
Annual National Coming Out Day Speak Out and Rally
Oct. 13, TBD, Medlar Field, Suite 520
Alumni and Penn State Community Homecoming Tailgate
Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center Freeman Auditorium
Keynote speaker — Ash Beckham: Give Voice to Your Truth. Beckham speaks about empathy, respect and the power of having real conversations. In February 2013, Beckham had her first speech at Ignite Boulder addressing the use of the word, “gay.” The video of her speech still ranks as the most viewed Ignite talk of all time.
Oct. 17, International Pronouns Day
A day to make asking, sharing and respecting personal pronouns commonplace.
Oct. 18, Spirit Day
Wear purple to show your support for the LGBTQ youth and take the pledge against bullying.
Oct. 19, LGBTQ+ Center Awareness Day
Hosted by CenterLink, focusing on awareness around the work of LGBTQ+ community centers everywhere.
Oct. 22, 6:00 p.m., HUB Flex Theater
Keynote speaker Beck Gee-Cohen: LGBTQ & Addiction Recovery. Beck addresses concerns of equality and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in recovery and promotes improved mental health services, acceptance, as well as specific treatment plans that can assist in improving outcomes for recovery.
Penn State was recently recognized as one of the Campus Pride “Best of the Best” Top 30 LGBTQ friendly colleges and universities. Penn State’s campus pride index, which is based on institutional policies and dedication to sexual and gender diversity, scored a five out of five.
To learn more about the center and its upcoming events, visit the LGBTQA student resource center website.