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October marks LGBT History Month, a time to celebrate and spotlight the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. At Rollins, we’re commemorating this month with a vibrant array of campus and community events, offering opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, themed festivities, and more.

Started in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, the first openly gay K-12 teacher in Missouri, Gay History Month has since become LGBT History Month and is recognized as a commemorative month after a 1995 resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association. October is significant because of the anniversaries of the first and second LGBT marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987, and October 11 is National Coming Out Day.

From student-led events to diverse campus programming, discover how the Rollins community is both honoring the triumphs and adversities of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout U.S. history while paving the way for future change.

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PRISM Employee Resource Group (ERG) Launch

• Where: Kathleen W. Rollins Hall, Social Impact Hub, Room 240
• When: October 3 | 4-5 p.m.

Faculty and staff are invited to a special reception to spotlight PRISM, an employee resource group at Rollins, as we also observe LGBT History Month. Established in 2011 to promote awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community and to foster a safe and inclusive environment for the community on campus, PRISM has continued to be a supportive presence on campus for all employees and is looking forward to elevating its impact through the new ERG program. There will be a special Latin-inspired, happy-hour-style spread to enjoy as you network with colleagues in joint celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

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Ally Training

The Student Center for Inclusion & Belonging partners with students, staff, faculty, and community partners to nurture a climate where all are welcome to cultivate a sense of belonging and work to eliminate challenges that stand in the way of their success.

Ally 1.0

Faculty and Staff

• Where: Kathleen W. Rollins Hall, Room 310
• When: October 4 | 1-3 p.m.

Students

• Where: Bush 308
• When: October 7 | 4-6 p.m.

Facilitated by the Student Center for Inclusion & Belonging, Ally 1.0 is an introductory course on the LGBTQIA+ community. Topics like how to support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community effectively and allyship in practice will be discussed. RSVP to secure your spot.

Ally 2.0

Faculty and Staff

• Where: Kathleen W. Rollins (KWR) Hall 340
• When: October 9 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Students

• Where: Kathleen W. Rollins (KWR) Hall 330
• When: October 10 | 4–6 p.m.

Alumni and Employers

• Where: Kathleen W. Rollins (KWR) Hall, Galloway Room, Room 300
• When: October 24 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Facilitated by the Student Center for Inclusion & Belonging, Ally 2.0 is an advanced course on the LGBTQIA+ community and all things gender. There will be a deep dive into allyship with a focus on understanding gender diversity and how to support individuals across the gender spectrum. RSVP to secure your spot.

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Lessons with Lucy: Neuroqueer Vibes

• Where: Lucy Cross Center
• When: October 11 | Noon-1 p.m.

Hosted by the Student Center for Inclusion & Belonging, Lessons with Lucy is an opportunity to learn and speak more about a topic of interest. If you’re neurodivergent and identify as LGBTQIA+, join us to discuss building a supportive community for neuroqueer folks and their allies.

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Trivia Night

• Where: Dave’s Boathouse
• When: October 15 | 7-8 p.m.

Brought to you by the Center for Campus Involvement, Curtis Earth will be hosting Tuesday Trivia in Dave’s Boathouse: LGBTQIA+ History Month edition! Grab a friend and test your knowledge to win a prize.

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Politics on Tap: LGBTQ+ Focused

• Where: Campus Center, Dave’s Boathouse
• When: October 17 | 6-7 p.m.

Join the Rollins Democracy Project for Politics on Tap, which brings together leaders and experts for a dynamic roundtable discussion on pressing topics. This is your chance not only to listen and learn but also to actively engage and share your own experiences and perspectives. It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to a shared learning space and be part of meaningful conversations that matter. All are welcome.

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PRISM and Spectrum Poster Making

• Where: Lucy Cross Center
• When: October 18

Join PRISM and Spectrum for Pride Parade poster making. Create posters to share loving messages and spread pride at the Coming Out with Pride Parade.

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Pride Parade: Come Out With Pride Orlando

• Where: Lake Eola
• When: October 19 | Noon-10 p.m.

The nonprofit organization Orlando Pride will once again play host to the annual pride parade and festival. Join Spectrum, PRISM, and the Student Center for Inclusion & Belonging at the Coming Out with Pride Parade at Lake Eola to show the Orlando community that #LoveWins at Rollins.

With over 200,000 attendees all coming together to celebrate LGBTQIA+ life, culture, and community, the festival is filled with a diverse series of events—from performers and an array of food trucks to local vendors and the popular pride parade.

PRISM is providing transportation for 14 students, so be sure to RSVP to secure your spot.

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Pidgeon Pagonis on Intersex Empowerment: Challenging Norms and Inspiring Change

• Where: Bush Auditorium
• When: October 29 | 4-6 p.m.

Join an enlightening session with Thomas P. Johnson (TPJ) speaker Pidgeon Pagonis, a renowned advocate for intersex rights and empowerment. Pagonis will share their powerful journey and insights on challenging societal norms, advocating for intersex visibility and inspiring transformative change. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leading voice in the intersex community and be part of a movement toward greater understanding and inclusion.

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myGwork’s 2024 WorkFair

• Where: Virtual
• When: November 13 | 4-7 p.m. (GMT)

myGwork’s 2024 WorkFair is the world’s largest virtual career fair specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ students, recent graduates, and allies in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This event helps students and recent graduates connect with inclusive employers who are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, providing students and graduates with access to job opportunities with employers across all sectors. Participating companies include S&P Global, Pfizer, JP Morgan, AstraZeneca, and many others. Beyond job opportunities, the event will offer specialized panels and workshops designed to enhance essential job-search strategies and skills.

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Rollins Museum of Art (RMA)

Throughout the year, RMA continues to showcase works by artists who identify as LGBTQ+. During the fall season, view works by artists who address this aspect of their identity through their art, including Zanele Muholi (on view at both RMA and The Alfond Inn), Jacob Wan (on view at RMA), and Jeffrey Gibson (on view at The Alfond Inn). View works any time at The Alfond Inn. Enjoy free admission to RMA Tuesday-Sunday.

• Arts & Culture |
• Center for Inclusion & Belonging |
• Lucy Cross Center for Women, Gender, & Sexuality |
• Campus Life