LGBTQ+ History Month
The Origins of LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month started when teacher Rodney Wilson decided he wanted to educate his students about the legacy of the LGBTQ+ community in 1994. October was chosen because of the second march on Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights, which was later celebrated as National Coming Out Day.
NC State’s Pride Center celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month annually in October with a lineup of educational and celebratory events open to the entire campus community. The featured event, PrideFest, unites colleges and departments across the university to show Pack pride during an afternoon of belonging and festivities.
Featured Events
Inner Wolf Vibe Check
- Thursday, Sept. 25, 11:00 am-2:00 p.m. at Stafford Commons
- Inner Wolf Vibe Check is a mental health resource fair dedicated to helping students reconnect, recharge and reflect. Come explore wellness resources, meet campus representatives and find tools to support your whole self while embracing your inner strength and enjoying free food, giveaways and raffle prizes. The Pride Center will be present tie-dyeing t-shirts for PrideFest.
Student Organization Tabling Kick-Off
- Tuesday, Sept. 30, 12:00-2:00 p.m. in Talley 2nd Floor Lobby
- Join us in celebrating the start of LGBTQ+ History Month by meeting our LGBTQ+ student organizations! Stop by to engage the eight amazing groups connected tot he Pride Center and discover how you can get involved.
Visualization Gallery PrideFest Exhibit
- Wednesday, Oct. 1, Thursday, Oct. 2, and Friday, Oct. 3, 12:00-5:00 p.m. in D.H. Hill Jr. Library, Cyma Rubin Visualization Gallery, Room 3208A
- The annual PrideFest Exhibit is an immersive presentation hosted by the LGBTQ Pride Center and NC State University Libraries. The exhibit celebrates pride by highlighting LGBTQ+ history, stories, and accomplishments.
PrideFest Parade
- Tuesday, Oct. 7, 12:30-2:30 p.m. (convene at Wolf Plaza by 1:00 p.m.)
- Join us at Wolf Plaza at 12:30 p.m. to design posters. Arrive by 1:00 p.m. to ensure your participation in the parade, which will follow an accessible route throughout NC State’s main campus. If you can’t make it that early, cheer us on at one of our designated Rally and Refresh cheering locations with a sign, a pride flag, or other rainbow gear! Attendees will be welcomed back to Stafford Commons with the festival and lawn party featuring food, games, and community resources from across campus and beyond.
- Special perk: Parade participants who are at Wolf Plaza no later than 1:00 p.m. are prioritized for food tickets for the lawn party!
- Who can join in? Anyone! Students, faculty, and staff across campus are all invited, as well as general community members.
- We encourage parade attendees to dress up and wear your brightest & boldest outfits! This includes pride wear, formal or cultural attire, your tie-dyed PrideFest t-shirts from Inner Wolf Vibe Check, or anything from your personal style. Stay tuned for our upcoming lookbook on our Instagram for more details and ideas!
PrideFest Lawn Party
- Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2:30-5:30 p.m. at Stafford Commons
- PrideFest is an annual celebration of the NC State LGBTQ+ community and all are welcome! Each year, the LGBTQ Pride Center unites colleges and departments across campus to show our Pack Pride. Join us for an afternoon of belonging and festivities featuring food, games, and community resources from across campus and beyond.
- Who can join in? Anyone! Students, faculty, and staff across campus are all invited, as well as general community members.
Queer Quorum
- Thursday, Oct. 16, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Pride Center
- Queer Quorum opens up the LGBTQ Pride Center to a variety of intersectional, student-picked discussion topics. Undergraduate students choose the month’s Queer Quorum topic and lead participants in thought-provoking discussion.
