Campus Life

Penn State celebrates October 2024 LGBTQ+ History Month

The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, located in the HUB-Robeson Center on Penn State's University Park campus. The new center, opened in early 2020, was designed using student feedback in an effort to create a dedicated space for fostering a sense of belonging and community among sexual and gender diverse populations. Credit: Amir Agharebparast. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — October marks a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history as well as the larger queer rights movement. Penn State’s Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity is hosting several activities celebrating LGBTQ+ history throughout the month. In addition, Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day.

Pop Culture Trivia Night

Oct. 1, 6:15 to 8 p.m., HUB LL011

Think you’ve got what it takes to be the trivia champion? Join us for a night of fun, facts and friendly competition! Bring an LGBTQ+ ally and let the trivia battles begin!

'Mean Girls' Watch Party

Oct. 3, 6 p.m., HUB LL011

Join us for an evening for a "Mean Girls" watch party! Grab your pink, bring your friends, and don't forget — you can sit with us!

Cozy Coffeehouse

Oct. 8, 6 to 8 p.m., HUB LL011

Join us for a Cozy Coffeehouse night at the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Sip on your favorite brew, connect with friends, and enjoy an evening of warmth, music and community. Let’s celebrate love and creativity together!

Rainbow Reels Film Series: 'The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson'

Oct. 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Foster Auditorium

Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and University Libraries for one or all of these films exploring themes of gender, sexuality, media, intersectionality and queer history. October's film will be "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson."

National Coming Out Day Celebration

Oct. 11, 2 to 4 p.m., HUB LL011

Stop by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to celebrate National Coming Out Day with snacks, activities and music!

Queer Peers: Away Game Watch Party

Oct. 12, Time to be announced, HUB LL011

Watch as Penn State football takes on USC! Expect food and community alongside a great game.

John Amaechi Virtual Lunch and Learn

Oct. 14, noon to 1 p.m., Virtual (link to come)

Faculty, staff and graduate students are invited to a virtual chat with John Amaechi, English-American psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt and Penn State, and professional basketball in the National Basketball Association. Amaechi also played in France, Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Danny Franzese Comedy Show

Oct. 15, 6 to 7 p.m., Lion’s Lair, HUB 008

Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity as we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with a comedy show from Danny Franzese. Best known for his roles in Larry Clark's "Bully," and as Damian in Tina Fey's "Mean Girls." Franzese is the creator of several live comedy shows, including "Jersey Shoresical: A Frickin' Rock Opera!" and his one-man, stand-up performances "I've Never Really Made the Kind of Money to Become a Mess" and "Yass! You're Amazing!

International Pronouns Day

Oct. 16, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., HUB Main Tables

Come visit the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity at our table in the HUB Main Lounge to learn more about pronouns and why they matter — and pick up a button or t-shirt!  

Queer Peers: Worm Scavenger Hunt

Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m., HUB 134

First year, transfer and change-of-campus students, join us for an informative scavenger hunt throughout the HUB. Learn about the many resources offered to you as a student and form some great connections.

Snacks and Crafts with Women of the Woods

Oct. 22, 5:30 to 8 p.m., HUB LL011

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon at our Snacks and Craft event with Women of the Woods. Join us at the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to create your own delicious trail mix and design some colorful coasters. Bring your creativity and your favorite snacks — let’s mix it up together!

Queer Peers: Mid-Point Dinner

Oct. 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., HUB LL011

First year, transfer and change-of-campus students are invited to join us for dinner in the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to celebrate and recognize your time spent at Penn State. 

DIY Keith Haring Posters

Oct. 29, 6:30 to 8 p.m., HUB LL011

Unleash your creativity at our Keith Haring Coloring Party! Join us at the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to color vibrant posters inspired by Haring’s iconic art.

QTPOC Mixer

Oct. 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., HUB LL011

Join the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for a collaborative mixer. Enjoy dinner and engage in activities like a scavenger hunt! Costumes encouraged.

About Penn State's Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity 

The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity provides a comprehensive range of education, information, and advocacy services to students, faculty, staff and alumni. The center's staff work to create and maintain an open, safer and inclusive environment honoring gender and sexual diversity. Through educational, social and supportive programming, along with workshops and individual consultation, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity strives to serve the entire Penn State community. 

Last Updated September 30, 2024