University News

Big Picture, LGBT*QA Picnic Sept. 18

September 15, 2020

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MACOMB, IL – Members of the Western Illinois University community are invited to attend the 16th annual Big Picture Picnic Friday, Sept. 18 hosted by the WIU LGBT*QA Resource Center. The Big Picture Picnic is held each year as an opportunity for community building among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, asexual and allies within the campus community.

Facial coverings are required by all participants, and attendance is limited to the first 50. The picnic will feature "grab and go" items to ensure pandemic-related protocols are followed.

"We in the LGBT*QA Resource Center would like to invite members of our University community to our annual event that celebrates the identity and culture of all individuals within the queer spectrum. Traditionally, the Big Picture represents the gathering of several students, faculty, and staff who belong to marginalized communities and is a symbol of the shared struggle against oppression that is experienced by those pushed to the margins of society," said Kairo Scott, LGBT*QA Resource Center graduate assistant. "This year we would like to take the time to acknowledge and honor those individuals who lost their lives to police brutality. Many individuals of color across the country, within the campus, and the Macomb community have given their voices and experiences to amplify the message that Black Lives Matter. Please joins us for our annual event where we will be affirming the voices of our Black students and intentionally recognizing the contributions that Queer and Trans* People of Color (QTPOC) have made to the LGBT*QIA+ community."

The picnic will begin at 4:30 p.m. on the Multicultural Center lawn, with the formal picture being taken promptly at 5 p.m. (individuals interested in taking part in the Big Picture should be there no later than 4:50 p.m.). All members and allies of the LGBT*QA community, including family and friends, are invited to take part in the photograph.

The LGBT*QA Resource Center advises Unity, the student organization for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and asexual (LGBT*QA) community on the Macomb campus, hosts several events each year to raise awareness.

Questions can be directed to the LGBT*QA Resource Center at lgbtqa@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing