The Office of LGBTQI Life will celebrate LGBTQI History Month throughout October with several programs, trainings and events aimed at educating and engaging students, faculty and staff across Vanderbilt’s campus.
“We’re proud to be celebrating history month and thrilled to collaborate on this year’s events with other campus entities and student groups,” said Chris Purcell, director of LGBTQI Life. “This year also marks 10 years of the K.C. Potter Center here at Vanderbilt, which will make this month that much more special.”
The month kicks off with a Pursuing Respect, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (P.R.I.D.E.) educational training on Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. in the Sarratt Student Center, Room 189. The P.R.I.D.E. training program intends to create a visible network of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex individuals and their allies by providing an avenue through which any member of the Vanderbilt community can engage in ongoing education about gender, sexuality, intersecting identities and the importance of recognizing how oppression and privilege affect marginalized communities.
On Oct. 6, LGBTQI Life invites the Vanderbilt community to participate in the 27th Annual Nashville AIDS Walk and 5k Run. This event raises funds to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee.
National Coming Out Day will be celebrated on Oct. 11 at Rand Patio from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Now in its 30th year, the program provides the Vanderbilt community with the opportunity to celebrate those who have come out and to support those who have not come out or are unable to come out.
The month concludes with a celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the K.C. Potter Center, the campus space that houses LGBTQI Life. On Oct. 2, from noon to 2 p.m., enjoy food, music and community as Vanderbilt honors the significant impact the center has made on the university over the past decade.
Additional LGBTQI History Month programs and events will take place across campus throughout October.
P.R.I.D.E. training with the Office of LGBTQI Life
Oct. 3, 1-4 p.m.
Sarratt Student Center, Room 189
LGBTQI faculty and staff reception
Oct. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Alumni Hall Lounge, Room 100
Lambda’s 24th Annual Drag Show
Oct. 10, 8-11 p.m.
Student Life Center Ballroom
National Coming Out Day
Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rand Patio (Rain location: Rand Lounge)
Reunion reception and open house for LGBTQI+ alumni
Oct 12, 3- 4:30 p.m.
K.C. Potter Center, West Side Row
10-year anniversary of the K.C. Potter Center
Oct. 24, noon-2 p.m.
K.C. Potter Center, West Side Row
To learn more about LGBTQI Life and upcoming programs, visit the center’s website.