The University of Alabama is celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month throughout October with support groups, history lessons, art and cinnamon rolls.
The commemorative month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a gay high school teacher in Missouri who wanted to teach children about LGBTQIA+ figures in history.
Some of the events featured this month are:
Rainbow Connection
What? The Safe Zone Resource Center is hosting a weekly support and dialogue group to help LGBTQIA+ students and their allies learn strategies for self-care, resilience skills and personal goals.
When? Fridays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Intercultural Diversity Center in The University of Alabama Student Center
LGBTQIA+ History Month 50 Years: The Stonewall Uprising Traveling Exhibit
What? The Intercultural Diversity Center is hosting the Stonewall National Museum’s “50 Years: The Stonewall Uprising” traveling exhibit, which tells the story of how the LGBTQIA+ rights movement started during the June 1969 riots at Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village.
When? Oct. 4-29 at 3 p.m., at the Intercultural Diversity Center in The University of Alabama Student Center
Cinnamon Rolls, not Gender Roles
What? The Safe Zone is hosting weekly gatherings to discuss gender identity and eat pastries.
When? Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 3 p.m. at the Safe Zone lounge in The University of Alabama Student Center.
LGBTQIA+ History Month Presentation
What? A PowerPoint presentation celebrating LGBTQIA+ pioneers will be shown.
When? Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Intercultural Diversity Center in The University of Alabama Student Center.
Druid City Pride Festival 2021
What? The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is celebrating the Sixth Annual Druid City Pride Festival in downtown Tuscaloosa. The event will feature music and vendors.
When? Sunday, Oct. 10, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Government Plaza in Tuscaloosa.
National Coming Out Day
What? The Safe Zone will celebrate National Coming Out Day with a pride festival. The festival will feature different LGBTQIA+ organization booths, food, music and games.
When? Monday, Oct. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Intercultural Diversity Center in The University of Alabama Student Center.
LGBTQIA+ History Month Keynote: Lydia X.Z. Brown
What? The Women and Gender Resource Center and Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host UA’s LGBTQIA+ History Month keynote speaker Lydia X.Z. Brown. Brown is a gender non-binary, queer, disabled person of color who is described as “multiply-marginalized.” Brown is the director of policy, advocacy and external affairs at the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network in Parkville, Maryland, and was named the “Top Thinker Under 30” in the Social Sciences by Pacific Standard. Brown’s speech may touch on using the law as a tool for change and activism against oppression. Registration is required.
When? Friday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. via Zoom
For a complete list, go to UA’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion website.