Southern Connecticut State University Celebrates
National LGBTQ+ History Month 2025
LGBTQ History Month is celebrated in October each year in the United States, the United Kingdom, and various other countries. Its origins can be traced back to 1994 when activist Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri, proposed the idea to promote the history and contributions of LGBTQ individuals, The first celebration took place in October of that year, chosen to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11, and in 2009, LGBTQ History Month was officially declared a national history month by President Barack Obama.
LGBTQ History Month not only seeks to celebrate past achievements but also aims to foster a greater understanding of ongoing challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, it plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and acceptance, encouraging individuals to learn from the rich history of LGBTQ experiences.
Events
The Art of Pride
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
1pm – 2pm
Sexuality & Gender Equality (SAGE) Center, ASC 236
Join the SAGE Center for a vibrant and hands-on celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride through the colorful world of string art! This event invites attendees of all identities and artistic levels to express themselves by creating unique string art pieces that reflect the beauty and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and Pride! Limited spaces available for this experience, so make sure you come at the start of the event to engage with us!
Come Catch the Tea, But Don’t Throw Shade
Mondays in October
12pm – 1pm
Sexuality & Gender Equality (SAGE) Center, ASC 236
As part of LGBTQ History Month, join us in the SAGE Center for a weekly themed conversation around a variety of topics. Come Catch the Tea, but Don’t Throw Shade is all about creating space for open and authentic conversations on identity, culture, and current issues. Through guided discussion, fun prompts, and plenty of laughs, we’ll explore what it means to uplift one another while keeping it real. Whether you attend as a member of the community or just as an ally to the community interested in learning more and vibing with friends, this event invites everyone to catch the tea in a welcoming, judgment-free zone! Check out our topics and join us to engage!
- October 6th, 2025: Identity, Intersectionality, and Trans and Nonbinary Experiences
- October 20th, 2025: Coming Out & Staying In the Closet and Queer History & Activism
- October 27th, 2025: Love, Dating, and Relationships & Allyship in Action
National Coming Out Day Celebration
Thursday, October 9, 2025 (Weather Permitting)
11am – 1pm
Academic Quad & Buley Patio
National Coming Out Day is observed annually on October 11. It celebrates out LGBTQ+ individuals, encourages those who have not yet come out to do so, if they feel safe and ready, and honors those who are not quite ready to come out. The day aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community and to promote acceptance and equality and serves as a reminder of the importance of visibility in fostering understanding and support for LGBTQ+ rights. The observance began in 1988, coinciding with the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
Join us in celebrating National Coming Out Day with a powerful and affirming Flag Raising Celebration! This event honors the courage it takes to live authentically and supports those who are on their journey of self-discovery and pride. We’ll raise the Pride flag as a symbol of visibility, love, and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. All are welcome to join for reflection, celebration, refreshments, festivities, and even a few giveaways!
Pride Outside of the Margins (Jeopardy Event)
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Adanti Student Center, Room 201
Join us for Pride Outside of the Margins: Jeopardy Edition, an engaging and interactive program where knowledge meets celebration! Modeled after the classic game show, this event will highlight LGBTQ+ history, culture, media, and trailblazers—while also spotlighting lesser-known stories that exist beyond the mainstream narrative. Come with your friends, test your knowledge, and discover new perspectives in a fun, supportive environment. Whether you’re playing for prizes or just cheering on the contestants, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the diversity and resilience of LGBTQ+ communities.
Contact: Serginho Walker, Graduate Intern for the Sexuality & Gender Equality (SAGE) Center
Queer Tarot: Finding Pride in the Cards
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Interfaith Center, ASC 235
Celebrate LGBTQ History Month through self-discovery, symbolism, and community. Attendees will receive their own queer-themed tarot deck and guidebook, created to center LGBTQ+ voices, imagery, and experiences. Whether you’re new to tarot or already familiar with the cards, this event offers a chance to explore identity, storytelling, and history through a uniquely queer lens. This self-guided experience is designed to help attendees connect, reflect, and then take home the tools necessary for personal growth and empowerment. Limited spacing available for this event.
Nailed It: Queer Expression Through Color
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
11:00am – 2:00pm
Sexuality & Gender Equality (SAGE) Center, ASC 236
Celebrate LGBTQ History Month with a vibrant exploration of identity, visibility, and self-expression. “Nailed It” dives into the cultural and personal significance of painting your nails within the queer community—how something as simple as color can be an act of pride, defiance, and authenticity.
Join us for an open discussion and conversation on the history and symbolism behind nail art in queer culture, and stay to express yourself through your own colors and designs! All materials will be provided, and all are welcome to participate, reflect, and create.
A Taste of Conn Hall: Chef-Inspired Cultural & Identity-Inspired Lunch Menu
Thursday, October 23, 2025
11:00am – 2:00pm
Connecticut Hall
Grab your lunch in Connecticut Hall on Wednesday, October 23, for a special dining experience inspired by world-renowned chef Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef on Food Network and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. In honor of LGBTQ History Month, this featured meal celebrates both culinary excellence and the diverse voices that continue to shape history and culture. Come savor dishes crafted in the spirit of Chef Cora’s innovative style while honoring her lasting impact on food and representation. Learn more about Cat Cora’s culinary journey!
Refresh & Recycle with the SAGE Center Clothing Closet
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Sexuality & Gender Equality (SAGE) Center, ASC 236
Looking to update your wardrobe or give your gently used items a new home? Stop by the SAGE Center to browse the Clothing Closet and pick up some fresh finds, or drop off clothing you no longer need to support the SAGE Clothing Closet. Just for stopping in, the first 50 participants will receive a free bottle of laundry detergent to help keep their new finds looking their best!
Yarn Bombing for Pride
Buley Library, Makerspace
In honor of LGBTQ History Month, join the Buley Library Makerspace for a creative community yarn bombing! Participants will come together to help knit and wrap the Pride Flag around a tree outside of Buley Library, transforming the space into a colorful symbol of visibility, solidarity, and love. All are welcome—whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just picking up your first pair of needles, your stitches will help weave a powerful message of pride and inclusion.
Additional Ways to Celebrate and Embrace Culture
Follow the SAGE Center on Instagram
Stay connected with us all month long! Follow the SAGE Center on Instagram for daily updates, powerful LGBTQ History Month stories, and an exciting new series you won’t want to miss. Celebrate, learn, and engage with us—right from your feed!
LGBTQIA+ Prism Body Meeting
Tuesdays, October 7 and 21, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Adanti 309
Prism is an organization dedicated to creating a safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and work to end homophobia in and around our community. Activities include outreach to our community of allies to educate and include people in our community, through events such as the tie-dye events, bake sales, our Annual Drag Ball, and a Day of Silence.
Khabyra Alston Kennie, President of LGBTQIA+ Prism
Women & Gender Studies Minor
Women's & Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study, consisting of courses taught in various departments throughout SCSU. A course identified as Women's & Gender Studies focuses on the study of gender roles, the social construction of gender, race, class, sexuality, women's and other gender minority's issues and achievements, as well as their place in societies both past and present. Women's & Gender Studies, in all of its diversity, has a goal of a world free of not only sexism, but also of racism, class bias, ageism, ableism, and heteronormative biases — in other words, a world free of all the ideologies and institutions that have consciously or unconsciously oppressed and exploited some for the advantage of others.