Photo credit: Photo provided
October 24, 2024
Pride flag commemorates LGBTQ+ History Month
A flagpole outside the Student Services Building has a new addition, which will be on display throughout October, which is LGBTQ+ History Month.
A group of LGBTQ+ faculty, staff and students and allies celebrated National Coming Out Day 2024 (Oct. 11) with the installation of the official flag of the Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center (above), after the pole was modified to allow for a flag to be flown under the SIU Carbondale flag. The center’s flag had previously been flown at the softball field for Pride Month in June and during the pride game for women’s softball.
"The change that SIU made to the flagpole in front of the Student Services Building allows for the university not only to commemorate the 30th anniversary of LGBTQ+ History Month in October but also other history and heritage months and awareness periods that honor the diversity of our Saluki family throughout the year," said Juniper Oxford, director of the Curkin Center.
The center’s original flag is part of a monthlong retrospective exhibit at Morris Library’s Hall of Presidents and Chancellors as the university celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month.