The Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity and the LGBTQIA+ Committee at UNC Pembroke recently announced events for LGBTQIA+ History Month. Celebrated annually in October, the month’s events highlight the histories and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual or ace, and other persons along the spectrum.

Events to be held during LGBTQIA+ History Month include:

October 4, 2022

• Safe Zone Education for students will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in Old Main Room 124 (Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity). Safe Zone educates participants about issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and other individuals (LGBTQIA+). The training also provides participants with a functional knowledge of terminology, the gender and sexuality paradigms, and ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community as an active ally and advocate. Registrants will receive a participant packet.
• During LGBTQIA+ History Month, The Leadership Workshop Series will explore the history of LGBTQ+ riots, demonstrations, and protests in their political and social contexts. Why does this history matter? In 2022, the national and local sociopolitical landscapes are different, to say the least. How can these events inspire our own authentic leadership? The session is titled "From Riots to Queer Joy: Creating Change Through Authentic Leadership" will be facilitated by Hannah Baggot (Lecturer with UNCP's Department of English) and Dr. Kelly Barber-Lester (Assistant Professor with UNCP's School of Education). The event begins at 5 p.m. and will be held in the Chavis Student Center Room 208. RSVP on BraveConnect. Sponsored by LEAD Fellows.

October 17, 2022

• Safe Zone Education for students will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Old Main Room 124 (Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity). Safe Zone educates participants about issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and other individuals (LGBTQIA+). The training also provides participants with a functional knowledge of terminology, the gender and sexuality paradigms, and ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community as an active ally and advocate. Registrants will receive a participant packet. RSVP on BraveConnect.
• Join Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for an interest meeting on support groups for the LGBTQIA+ community on campus! We will be discussing and improving understanding around support groups, the need for support groups, and much more! Everyone who strives to empower, support, and uplift members of the LGBTQIA+ community are welcome to attend! The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. in the Chavis Student Center Room 251. RSVP on BraveConnect.

October 18, 2022

The event has been postponed. The new date will be announced shortly.

The Rev. Brian D. Crisp is an ordained minister with the Alliance of Baptists and currently serves as the Minister of Missions at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 2018, Rev. Crisp founded the Interfaith Homelessness Education, Action, and Response Network, a collaboration of 30 communities of faith in Wake County devoted to the systemic change needed to end homelessness. He currently serves on the Board for the Community of Cross of Nails-North American, a multi-faith organization devoted to justice and reconciliation. Rev. Crisp is a facilitator with Racial Equity Institute where he leads workshops in understanding structural racism in the United States.  Prior to ecclesiastical work, he was an internationally recognized educator, worked as a curriculum coordinator, and head of schools in Italy, Germany and the United States. Rev. Crisp is partnered with Charles F. Holden, an architect and housing-rights advocate. Together they focus on building communities that promote and celebrate diverse cultures while resisting the hyper-capitalist tendencies of extraction and exploitation. In this talk, Rev. Crisp will discuss sexuality and gender identity issues in Christianity and in the Bible. The event begins at 3 p.m. and will be held virtually via WebEx at https://uncp.webex.com/meet/miranda.reiter.

October 26, 2022

• Individuals who identify as sexualities other than heterosexual will discuss their identities and experiences with an audience of the UNCP community and others. They will explain their sexuality identities and the audience will have the chance to ask them questions. The event begins at 3 p.m. and will be held virtually via WebEx at https://uncp.webex.com/meet/miranda.reiter.
• Safe Zone Education for faculty and staff will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in Old Main Room 124 (Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity). Safe Zone educates participants about issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and other individuals (LGBTQIA+). The training also provides participants with a functional knowledge of terminology, the gender and sexuality paradigms, and ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community as an active ally and advocate. Registrants will receive a participant packet.

November 9, 2022

Safe Zone Education for students will be held from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. in Old Main Room 124 (Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity). Safe Zone educates participants about issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and other individuals (LGBTQIA+). The training also provides participants with a functional knowledge of terminology, the gender and sexuality paradigms, and ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community as an active ally and advocate. Registrants will receive a participant packet. RSVP on BraveConnect.

November 13-20, 2022

Trans Awareness Week will be celebrated November 13-19 and Trans Day of Remembrance is November 20. For more information, visit the Trans Awareness Week webpage.

November 21, 2022

Safe Zone Education for faculty and staff will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in Old Main Room 124 (Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity). Safe Zone educates participants about issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and other individuals (LGBTQIA+). The training also provides participants with a functional knowledge of terminology, the gender and sexuality paradigms, and ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community as an active ally and advocate. Registrants will receive a participant packet.

November 30, 2022

The Lavender Graduation will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the University Center Annex and recognizes the academic achievements of LGBTQIA+ graduates. Participants are required to RSVP.