UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — June is National Pride Month, which gives LGBTQ+ individuals a significant way to celebrate their lives with the community around them. Penn State’s Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) has a robust line-up of virtual events to mark the month and celebrate with Penn State students no matter where they may be located right now.
Follow the center on social media at @PennStateLGBTQ for up-to-date opportunities and events throughout June and the rest of the summer.
The center, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, will kick off summer and National Pride Month with Camp Crystal Queer. The online summer camp will offer various engagement opportunities for students and the community to interact with the center. A full list of Camp Crystal Queer’s programs and activities can be found on the Camp Crystal Queer Microsoft Sway page.
Out around the campfire
Part of the classic camping experience is telling stories around the campfire. Join center staff as they facilitate a discussion around a different topic each week through Zoom or Instagram Live:
- State College Ghost Stories, June 4, 5 p.m. Prepare yourself to learn more about the haunted past of Penn State. Join our Instagram Live @PennStateLGBTQ for a ghastly conversation.
- Celebrate Pride with CSGD June 11, 5 p.m. Put on your favorite pride shirt and virtually celebrate at home with CSGD. Learn about how cities near you are celebrating pride virtually and how you can participate. Use this Zoom link for Celebrate Pride with CSGD.
- Penn State Cheers and Chants June 18, 5 p.m. Show your Penn State pride and learn more about the chants and cheers one should know as a Nittany Lion. Join our Instagram Live @PennStateLGBTQ to be part of the conversation.
- S’mores Hangout, June 25, 5 p.m. Use your favorite S’more recipe and join us for a community check in through Zoom. The center staff looks forward to talking s’more with you! Use this Zoom link for the S’mores Hangout.
Camp Videos
CSGD will also host a series of videos tutorials and virtual tours on their YouTube channel throughout June. Videos will include "Pride Friendship Bracelet Challenge," "The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks," "State College is a Drag" (resident drag queen Autumn Leaves explores nature trails in State college), and "Gardening 101."
More ways to be involved
- Raise the Flag: Each week throughout the summer CSGD staff will share a different pride flag and its meaning on our social media. Share your connection with the pride flags on our Facebook and Instagram @PennStateLGBTQ.
- Penn Pals: Email the center at lgbtq@psu.edu to learn more about staying connected with your peers at Penn State. Sign up for a pen-pal program and stay connected during social distancing.
- Let’s Get Physical: Join the center on our Instagram @PennState LGBTQ every Monday during the summer, starting June 8 at 5 p.m., for a live workout.
- Discussion Groups: "Beyond the Binary" will meet during the summer starting Friday June 5 at 3 p.m. "Beyond the Binary" is a discussion group for trans/non-binary students led by a graduate student. Use this Zoom link for the Beyond the Binary discussion group.
The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity staff continues to provide advocacy and support along with colleague units in Student Affairs. Please note, all individual consultations and meetings are occurring via Zoom or by phone. Contact the center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 814-863-1248 or by e-mailing LGBTQ@psu.edu for more information and/or to schedule a call.
Looking for community connection while virtual? Join the CSGD Community Discord. For resources that might be helpful wherever you might be located geographically right now, visit the center's website.