October is GLBT History Month

In the 1990's, teachers and community organizations determined that a month should be designated for GLBT history. They chose October because public schools are in session and traditions, such as National Coming Out Day, occur then.

Here at Vassar, we will be celebrating GLBT History Month through programs, awareness campaigns, and blogposts. Thanks to the Equality Forum our blog will feature a daily video of an important GLBT icon for each of the 31 days in October. Just log on daily beginning tomorrow, October 1, to see the new videos featured above all our blogposts.

I will be updating our blog frequently throughout October with details of our own events and celebrations, but here is a quick overview of our schedule for the month. (Feel free to send me information about your own LGBTQ-related events throughout the month as well!)

Friday, October 3 - FagBug

1-5pm on Main Drive - Visit Erin Davies and her newly repainted rainbow VW Beetle
7-9pm in CC MPR - Come hear Erin's story about how an incident of vandalism turned her into an activist as she drove cross-country with her "FagBug" and recorded people's reactions to the car.

Sunday, October 5 - Bill Konigsberg Meet & Greet
4-5pm in the LGBTQ Center
Informal meet and greet with openly gay sports writer, and author of the new novel Out of the Pocket - about a high school football player who is gay.

Monday, October 6 - ACT OUT Fundraiser
10am-3pm in the Retreat
ACT OUT will be holding a fundraiser to support marriage equality in California. Stop by during their tabling times to donate, make buttons, eat gayke, and learn about Proposition 8.

Thursday, October 9 & Friday, October 10
Coming Out Day T-Shirts!
(sponsored by the LGBTQ Center, QCVC, and ACT OUT!)
Stop by our table in the College Center Atrium between 11am-3pm on these days to get your FREE Coming Out Day T-Shirt.

In the spirit of visibility, you will be able to show your pride by writing any identity you are proud of on the front of your shirt.




Wear these shirts in solidarity on Friday, October 10!

Friday, October 10 - Out on the Town
"Meet Me In Poughkeepsie" Event - 11:45-3:45pm
(Sponsored by ACT OUT, QCVC, and Spectrum Leadership Council)
Come out for a day in the park with members of the Hudson Valley's queer community. We'll hang out with students from Marist, Bard, SUNY New Paltz, and the CIA as well as members of the Poughkeepsie community! We'll discuss queer issues, foster some great connections, maybe event play kickball, and spend a fun low-key afternoon getting off the Vassar campus and getting to know each other and the area.

Monday, October 13 - Wednesday, October 15

Ally Week and Intersex Awareness
Stop by our table in the College Center Atrium from 11am-3pm on these days to learn about Ally week, Intersex Issues, and some general LGBTQ information.

Tuesday, October 14 - Free HIV Testing
10:30am-2:30pm in the Baldwin Parking Area
(sponsored by the Health Education Office)

Wednesday, October 29 - Fruit Salad!
12noon - 1pm in the LGBTQ Center
Come to our October Fruit Salad! discussion about gay male culture and the pressures to conform.
FREE PIZZA!