MEDIA, Pa. – Penn State Brandywine held its annual Pride Days celebration from April 10-15. Events included discussions on understanding the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation, pronoun protocols, movie screenings, a drag show and more.
During Pride Days, both education and entertainment events were open for the Brandywine community to attend. Staff members shared their experiences with coming out in a panel called “Understanding my Identity: Coming Out and Gaining Self-Acceptance” at the beginning of the celebration. To close out the celebration, Lion Pride hosted a rainbow glow dance.
Brandywine's "Understanding My Identity: Coming Out and Gaining Self-Acceptance" panel was held on April 10.Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Zhane Brooks, a third-year student, attended many events throughout the week. As president of Lion Pride, one of the main sponsors of the events throughout the month, she believes Pride Days are so important because the events make LGBTQ+ students aware of the local community.
“It’s so important that Brandywine celebrates Pride Days just so students know they have a community here to support them,” Brooks said. “Celebrating Pride this month has been very fun.”
Brandywine's Drag Show featuring Bev and Sapphire Cristal was held on Thursday, April 13. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Brooks really enjoys what Brandywine does for Pride Days, and she hopes the event can grow into something bigger in years to come.
“I’m really hoping that next year, the event can be bigger than it is now,” she said. “We have a lot going on now, but I hope that we can incorporate more speakers and educational opportunities about the LGBTQ+ community.”