September 25, 2015

LGBTQ History Month events planned at SIU

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- In recognition of LGBTQ History Month, Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host a variety of special events, guest speakers and presentations in October. 

The activities celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and its history. The events are all open to the public, and with a few exceptions, are free. 

The kickoff event is at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 in the Student Center International Lounge, featuring light refreshments, information about upcoming events, and a presentation by Jonathan Gray, associate professor of communication studies. He will discuss LGBTQ and the media and the importance of queer visibility and advocacy.  He is the co-host of “Isn’t It Queer,” a local community radio talk show on WDBX FM 91.1. 

Gray will also speak during “Intersection:  LGBTQ and Environmental Advocacy,” set for 5:30 p.m. in the Mackinaw Room at the Student Center. He will discuss how LGBTQ advocacy and environmental advocacy share common grounds and tactics and which groups work together and which don’t. 

The Intersection of LGBTQ and Title IX is a video and discussion led by Nathan Stephens, director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence. The focus will be on heterosexual sex discrimination, sexual misconduct on and off of college campuses and how Title IX compliance relates to the LGBTQ population. It will take place at 5 p.m. on Oct. 7 in Activity Room D on the third floor of the Student Center. 

Another highlight of the month is “Brown Pride” at 5 p.m. Oct. 8 in the Student Center’s Thebes Room. Leslie Delgado, a sophomore English major and student employee in the LTBTQ Resource Center, will discuss various issues within the LGBTQ community in the Hispanic/Latino culture, including family, religion and expectations. 

LGBTQ History Month also includes other films, discussions, a coming out day photo session, safe zone training, a presentation about hate crimes, and much more. For more information and the complete schedule of events at SIU, visit www.inclusiveexcellence.siu.edu/lgbtq. You can also learn more by calling 618/453-5627 or by email at lgbtq@siu.edu