UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — October marks a monthlong observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history as well as the larger queer rights movement.
Penn State’s Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) is hosting several activities celebrating LGBTQ+ history throughout the month. In addition, Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day.
"Memories of a Penitent Heart" Film Screening
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, join us for a screening of the documentary "Memories of a Penitent Heart." This documentary explores the life and family drama of a gay, Latino man who died of AIDS.
Late Night: "Et Cohabitabant: Ancient Trivia for the Modern Queer"
Friday, Oct. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., HUB LL011
Join the CSGD as we turn back the clock and take a stroll through the halls of queer history with this themed trivia night. All questions will be focused on queer experiences from ancient civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners and include copies of Madeline Miller’s "The Song of Achilles" alongside CSGD swag.
"Hit the Wall" presented by Penn State Centre Stage
Oct. 3-12, the Pavilion Theatre
Penn State Centre Stage will produce Ike Holter's "Hit the Wall," a story of the Stonewall Uprising and the generation that disrupted the marginalization and invisibility of the LGBTQIA+ community, Oct. 3-12, at the Pavilion Theatre on the University Park campus. The show is directed by award-winning producer and alumnus Robert W. Schneider.
Coming Out Day Celebration
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., HUB LL011
Stop by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to celebrate National Coming Out Day with snacks, activities and music.
Queer Leadership Council: "Queer Theory and Intersectionality"
Monday, Oct. 16, 5-7 p.m., HUB LL011
Join graduate student Gabriel Pulido from the higher education program for an important conversation about Queer Theory and how student organizations serving minoritized communities can frame their process and events from an intersectional lens.
"Being, Believing, Belonging: Religious InQueeries"
Tuesday, Oct. 17, noon to 1 p.m., Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
Hosted by the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, join this joint conversation as we talk about the overlap of faith and spirituality with LGBTQ+ identities.
Active and Proud Discussion
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m., HUB LL011
Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Health Promotion and Wellness, Campus Recreation, and the Department of Kinesiology for an interactive discussion about physical activity among LGBTQ students, and learn about the resources on campus.
International Pronouns Day
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., HUB Information Table 2
Stop by our table in the HUB Main Lounge to learn more about pronouns and why they matter, and pick up a button or T-shirt!
LGBTQ+ Center Awareness Day
Thursday, Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m., HUB LL011
Learn more about the staff members of the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity both online and in person. Check out the CSDG Instagram page on this date for bios and fun facts about our professional staff. Stop by in person to chat and enjoy some snacks and great conversation.
PrEP Info Session with AIDS Resources
Tuesday, Oct. 24, noon to 1:30 p.m., HUB L011
Got questions about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and HIV prevention? Come learn more from an LGBTQ clinician and get your sexual health questions answered.
Late Night: Pride Flag Crafting
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m., HUB L011
Learn more about the history of different pride flags and make your own in this hands-on felt activity.
Out and Engaged, Baltimore
Oct. 27, All Day, Baltimore, Maryland
The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity offers students an opportunity to learn more about various aspects of the LGBTQ+ community through an engaged immersion experience program. Trips expose students to the history of the LGBTQ+ community, promote civic engagement, as well as allow for and encourage personal growth. Seating is limited, keep an eye out soon for a registration link on the CSGD Instagram page and in the center's weekly newsletter.
About Penn State's Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity provides a comprehensive range of education, information, and advocacy services to students, faculty, staff and alumni. The center's staff work to create and maintain an open, safer and inclusive environment honoring gender and sexual diversity. Through educational, social and supportive programming, along with workshops and individual consultation, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity strives to serve the entire Penn State community.