University News
Pride Week April 15-19
April 8, 2019
MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University LGBT*QA Resource Center will host Pride Week Monday-Friday, April 15-19 to celebrate - and raise awareness of - LGBT*QA at WIU.
"The week of events will have something for everyone interested in reinforcing Western's commitment to social justice and diversity," said Robby Specht, graduate student adviser for Unity, Western's LGBT*QA student organization, and the resource center.
The following programs will be held in celebration of Pride Week at WIU:
Monday, April 15 - Safe Space Training, 3-5 p.m., University Union Sandburg Lounge.
Safe Space is an interactive two-hour training, which serves as a "beginner's guide" to learning how to best assist the LGBT*QA community at WIU.*
Tuesday, April 16 - Gaymer Tournament, 5-8 p.m., Union Sandburg Theatre
Test your skills in Mario Kart with the LGBT*QA Resource Center and Unity. Compete against your fellow students to take home the title of Gaymer Champion.
Wednesday, April 17 - NOH8 Photoshoot, 1-4 p.m., Union Concourse
NOH8 is a national organization dedicated to ending the silencing of LGBT*QA voices. Stop by the Union Concourse and get your picture taken to show support.
Thursday, April 18 - Movie showing, "Love, Simon," 6:30-9 p.m., Union Sandburg Theatre
Seventeen-year-old Simon is just like any other high schooler, though he has a massive secret: Nobody knows that he's gay. "Love, Simon" is a funny and sentimental teen rom-com that stands firmly on the idea that everyone deserves a great love story.
Friday, April 19 - OMG Drag Show, 7-9 p.m., Union Heritage Room
Unity, in partnership with UUB, the LGBT*QA Resource Center and the Women's Center present the 10th Annual OMG Professional Drag Show. The event is open free to the public (but bring tipping money for the talented queens performing).
In 2004, the WIU student group, BGLFA (Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians and Friends Association) changed its name to Unity, but the student organization has a long history at WIU. In the 1970s, WIU's first gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered (GLBT) group, Activist Alliance, was formed and was forced to meet secretly off campus. A decade later Activist Alliance became Open Door and eventually moved back on campus, sponsoring the first gay and lesbian awareness week on campus in 1987. In 1993, Open Door became BGLFA and achieved a seat in the Student Government Association. The resource center was established in 2011.
For more information, contact the LGBT*QA Resource Center at lgbtqa@wiu.edu or (309) 298-4004.
Sponsors of 2019 Pride Week include the LGBT*QA Resource Center, Unity, UUB and the Women's Center.
*See separate "Safe Space" release.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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