Each year, the LGBT Resource Center hosts a series of events throughout the month of October—Coming Out Month on the SU campus. This year’s exciting programming has already begun and the center is enthusiastic about the events occurring in the coming weeks.
“Coming Out Month has been an annual tradition for the LGBT Resource Center and I truly enjoy the level of visibility, connection and education the month provides for our communities,” says Tiffany Gray, interim director of the center. “Each year, our hope is to offer a variety of programs and events that engage people, build relationships and highlight the complexities of LGBTQ identities and broader marginalized genders and sexualities.”
On Oct. 1, members of the LGBTQA campus communities united for the Coming Out Month kickoff event, LGBTQpartAy! This was a great way for individuals to come together, get to know one another and celebrate the month ahead. Left on the list of events are an open mic night, queer and trans* yoga, a guest lecture on “outness” in the workplace and the Month’s keynote address. The center encourages everyone interested to attend the events and be a part of this special month. A complete list of the month’s events appears below.
This year’s Coming Out Month keynote will be a poetry slam and is scheduled for Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel. The event is titled “Dear Straight People,” and it is meant to spark dialogue within and across LGBTQ communities around marginalized genders and sexualities. It is also meant to encourage straight and cisgender individuals to work in solidarity with LGBTQ people as everyone collectively creates a safer campus and community at SU. Four queer and trans* spoken word artists will perform original pieces as a call to action and accountability. The keynote does not require tickets.
Past Events
LGBTQpartAy!
Thursday, Oct. 1
Coming Out Stories & Chalk the Quad
Wednesday, Oct. 7
“You Art Not Alone” List Published in the Daily Orange
Monday, Oct. 12
Safer People, Safer Spaces Training
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Upcoming Events
Open Mic Night @ Café Q
Thursday, Oct. 15, 6-8 p.m.
LGBT Resource Center (750 Ostrom Ave.)
Please join us for a fun coffeehouse night! Share poetry, songs and stories and listen to others do the same. Coffee and cookies will be provided!
Queer and Trans* Yoga
Friday, Oct. 16, 2-4 p.m.
Ernie Davis Exercise Room
Queer and Trans* Yoga is a playful and nourishing yoga class specifically for the LGBTQA community. This class builds and celebrates community as we create space for each other and all of our bodies and genders. This is a yoga class to bring your whole queer self to.
Out @ Work: Featuring Will Simpkins
Monday, Oct. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
500 Hall of Languages
Making decisions about being “out” about your sexuality and/or gender can add stress to career considerations. Will Simpkins, director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, will share his professional expertise and personal experiences about navigating “outness” during job searches and in the workplace. Refreshments will be provided!
Coming Out Month Keynote: “Dear Straight People” Poetry Slam
Featuring: Alix Olson, Danez Smith, Yazmin Monet Watkins and Kit Yan as Emcee
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7-9 p.m.
Hendricks Chapel
Four queer and trans* spoken word poets will perform original work in a slam poetry style event.
Discussion Groups
“New 2 ‘Quse” is a discussion group for students who are new to SU/ESF and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning, asexual and ally campus communities. Meets on Monday, Oct. 19 and 26.
“Embody” is a discussion group for genderqueer, gender non-conforming, gender-questioning and trans* identified people. Meets on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
“Fusion” is a discussion group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning and asexual people of color. Meets on Thursday, Oct. and 22.
