September 28, 2012

LGBTQ Month focus is ‘Powering Our Movement’

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- LGBT History Month brings a wide assortment of special events, speakers and activities to Southern Illinois University Carbondale Oct. 1-31.

The Center for Inclusive Excellence's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Resource Center is presenting the celebration with the theme "Powering Our Movement." The event kicks off with an open house at the LGBTQ Resource Center in Woody Hall, Room C326 at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1.

The schedule includes HIV/AIDS educational and support panel discussions, Queer Mentors meetings, weekly knitting circle lunches, flag football games, movies, a gala dinner, drag show, Halloween dance, zine-making party, safe zone training, and much more.  One of the month's highlights is a panel discussion at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, that will focus on support for LGBTQ friends and family through the coming out process.  The SIU Carbondale Wellness Center and the LGBTQ Resource Center are hosting the panel discussion in the Student Health Center Auditorium.  Sarah Steinkamp, a Wellness Center coordinator, will moderate the discussion and panelists are SIU Carbondale students discussing their coming out processes and experiences. 

The complete schedule, along with details about the various events, is available here.  You may also visit the center in Room C326 at Woody Hall or call 618/453-5627.