LGBTQ+ History Month began in Missouri! In 1994, a Missouri high School teacher, Rodney Wilson, wanted to create a month to celebrate the role models, build community, and commemorate the LGBT March on Washington. On October 11, 1987, 500,000 people marched for LGBT rights. The month was not formally recognized until 1995 as a nationally observed month. October 11 also became National Coming Out Day to celebrate our identities, love, and pride in ourselves. LGBTQ History Month is separate from Pride Month, which happens in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan; History Month is dedicated to learning the rich history and education around LGBTQ+ identities.
In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, we are giving away pride flags, stickers, and pronoun buttons. If you are an ally or part of the LGBTQ+ community, please stop by! If you want to hang an LGBTQ flag for the month in solidarity, contact jpeter@nwmissouri.edu.
October 3Payton Head served as Student Body President in 2015 during Mizzou’s student protest and hunger strike to fight for the rights of marginalized communities on campus. Now a speaker on inclusion, intersectional identities, and race relations on American college campuses.
October 8thExplore the history of LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy in this funny and heartfelt documentary featuring personal stories from an all-star roster of performers.
The Safe Zone workshop was created to share knowledge and gain a network of allies among faculty, staff, and students to create safe and welcoming environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people.
October 29th
LGBTQ+ Heritage Month Activity: Love is Love Bracelet Making
Union Tower View Room
6 p.m. -8 p.m.
This is an excellent opportunity to show your LGBTQ+ pride and support others who may be coming out.