October is LGBTQI+ History Month, and Vanderbilt’s Office of LGBTQI Life has planned a full month of events:
Oct. 5: Lambda Association’s 22nd Annual Drag Show
7:30 p.m.
Student Life Center Ballroom
The Vanderbilt Lambda Association is proud to present its 22nd Annual Drag Show. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a night of gender-bending fun and learn more about why drag has been so integral to the LGBTQI+ community. A panel discussion begins in the SLC Ballroom at 5:30 p.m., followed by a “mocktail” hour at 6:30. The show then begins at 7:30. Read more on Lambda’s Facebook page.
Oct. 10: An Evening with Jennicet Gutiérrez
6 p.m.
Student Life Center Ballroom
The Office of LGBTQI Life and the Center for Latin American Studies presents an evening with Jennicet Gutiérrez, who is an undocumented transgender activist based in Los Angeles. A founding member of FAMILIA: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, her activist work centers on detained undocumented trans women and their communities. She is dedicating her life to advocating for the rights and justice of the transgender community. A reception with light refreshments in the K.C. Potter Center will follow Gutiérrez’ speaking engagement.
Oct. 11: National Coming Out Day Celebration
12 to 3 p.m.
Alumni Lawn
Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, a day to celebrate those around us who are LGBTQI+ and their allies. This fun and eventful celebration, hosted by LGBTQI Life, will include face painting, free food, music and more! You don’t want to miss it. Bring your friends.
Oct. 17: Dinner with the Dean—A Dialogue for LGBTQI+ First-Year Students
5:30 p.m.
Residence, Dean of The Commons
R.S.V.P. to have dinner and conversation with Vanessa Beasley, associate professor of communication studies, associate professor of political science, and dean of The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons.
Oct. 19: 20th Anniversary Tour of Rent
7:30 p.m.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
505 Deaderick St., Nashville
R.S.V.P. to join us at TPAC to see Rent as it makes its 20th anniversary tour.
Oct. 21: LGBTQI+ Alumni Reunion Reception
3 p.m.
K.C. Potter Center
A reunion is planned during this year’s Reunion and Homecoming festivities. Current students also are welcome to attend. Learn more about it here.
Oct. 27: Monsters and Mindfulness
3 p.m.
Center for Student Wellbeing
Participate in a meditation session at the Center for Student Wellbeing, and then have Halloween treats afterward. Learn more about it here.
Contact: Jasmine James, graduate assistant
Office of LGBTQI Life, (615) 322-3330