Queer History Month Celebration

Queer History Month, also recognized as LGBT History Month, had its origins in 1994 when Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher from Missouri, founded it. Wilson's personal journey included struggles with his sexual identity, but he discovered comfort and inspiration in embracing his true self while delving into the history of the LGBTQIA+ community. Wilson firmly believed "the most powerful advocacy for civil rights for LGBT Americans is the act of coming out."

Apart from Rodney Wilson, there have been numerous champions of LGBTQIA+ rights. October serves as an opportunity to pay homage to those individuals. To commemorate this occasion, various SSU departments and student organizations unite to coordinate programs and events. Our purpose is to celebrate LGBTQIA+ achievement and to challenge social and political injustice.

Common Thread: LGBTQIA + Support Group with CAPS

Monday, October 2 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | HUB Cultural Center

A weekly support group designed to provide a safe and confidential space for SSU students who have lived experience within the wide spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community. Co-create a supportive and affirming space, share common experiences, and deepen your self-understanding. All who have lived experience within the LGBTQIA+ community, including those questioning, are welcome. This group meets in the HUB and is a drop-in group, no need to sign up! Contact the SSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) if interested or if you have any questions or concerns.

Progressive Pride Flag Raising Ceremony

Thursday, October 5 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | SSU Flagpoles

The HUB Cultural Center and the Queer Faculty & Staff Association (QFaSA) are hosting a pride flag raising ceremony for the community.

Queer Movie Night: But I'm a Cheerleader

Thursday, October 5 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm | HUB Cultural Center

Join us in the HUB Cultural Center as we show the iconic movie “But I'm a Cheerleader''. Pizza and popcorn provided.

Movie synopsis: When her parents suspect that she's a lesbian, a high-school student is sent to a sexual-rehabilitation camp.

Seawolf Spirituality Fair: Coming Out Blessing Booth

Wednesday, October 11 | 11:00pm - 1:00pm | Seawolf Plaza

With this fair, we hope to help our Seawolf community find healing, mindful, and divine-feeling spaces to practice their beliefs. This is an occasion for ALL faiths, denominations, and followers of religious practice to get a glimpse of the opportunities available on campus and within the surrounding communities. This year we will also host local faith-based social service agencies who can connect students with further resources within Sonoma County. In support of National Coming Out Day and the intersections of identities, we will feature a Coming Out Blessing Booth with Rev. Lindsey Bell-Kerr and other queer affirming faith-based organizations. You do not need to be affiliated with a faith group to utilize these services. Everyone is welcome.  For more info, contact mo.phillips@sonoma.edu.

Queer & Spirituality Dialogue with Pastor Lindsey Bell-Kerr

Wednesday, October 11 | 1:30pm - 2:30pm | HUB Cultural Center

Coming out as LGBTQAI+ can be difficult, especially in a faith community. Join us for a time of sharing stories, and finding new communities together. Discussion will be led by queer clergy Rev. Lindsey Bell-Kerr. Lindsey(they/them) is the Pastor at Christ Church United Methodist (Santa Rosa). Lindsey also serves as a lecturer at SSU and is on the board of VIDAS (Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy & Services). Lindsey has worked extensively with unsheltered folks, and is an advocate for immigration reform, fair and affordable housing, and LGBTQIIA+ rights. For more info, contact mo.phillips@sonoma.edu.

National Coming Out Day Photo Booth

Wednesday, October 11 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Student Center Ballroom A

Join the HUB Cultural Center as we host a photo booth and provide information about Queer History Month and National Coming Out Day!

“We’re all born naked and the rest is Drag”. - RuPaul

Associated Students Productions Presents: Queens on Campus

Wednesday, October 11 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Student Center Ballroom A

Celebrate National Coming Out Day with ASP! Join us  for our first-ever Queens on Campus Drag Show brought to you by Drag Queen Entertainment LLC. This performance will be hosted by Queen Astala Vista and 2 other talented queens, who will each perform 2 pieces. There will be a Lipsync for your life during intermission followed by a Q and A and a meet and greet. SSU ID required for entry. For any questions or accommodations, contact aspevent@sonoma.edu.

Migguel Anggelo LatinXoxo

Thursday, October 12 | 7:30pm | Weill Hall Loft

A personal story told through an artful collage of theater, queer comedy, physical movement, and sumptuous song. Transdisciplinary artist Migguel Anggelo’s LatinXoxo is a nonconforming and self-accepting rallying cry. Immersing audiences in a highly personal story told through an artful collage of theater, queer comedy, physical movement, and sumptuous song selections, LatinXoxo spans decades of pop hits, Migguel’s own original compositions, and the Spanish boleros that defined his youth. With equal doses of sensitivity and sensationalism, “turning on a dime from anger to devastating tenderness” (Broadway World), Migguel Anggelo reminds us that our greatest love is right there in the mirror. Check out the Green music center website to purchase tickets!

Queer Community & Ally Lunch

Friday, October 13 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | HUB Cultural Center

Come eat, celebrate, and connect with your peers, mentors, colleagues and meet some friends you haven't met yet.  Perhaps now more than ever, it’s important to foster and deepen nourishing relationships. All are welcome! We hope that you join us for this opportunity to connect with one another, build community, and support each other as we enter a new semester. For more info, contact mo.phillips@sonoma.edu

Fighting Attacks on LGBTQ-Inclusive K-12 Education in California

Wednesday, October 25 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Student Center Ballroom D

From textbook censorship to library book bans, and from increased surveillance of trans students to Christian nationalist attempts to take over local school boards, California faces threats to LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education that reflect a national culture war. At the same time, the state has robust laws, policies, and practices affirming fairness, accuracy, and accountability. Rick Oculto, Education Director at Our Family Coalition joins SSU Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) Professor Don Romesburg to discuss the rising attacks and what can be done about them. Oculto and Romesburg have been instrumental to LGBTQ-inclusive educational implementation in the dozen years since passage of the FAIR Education Act. This event is co-sponsored by the WGS Department, Queer Studies Minor, School of Education and the HUB Cultural Center. Free and open to all.

Resources