Campus Life

      Penn State community celebrates Campus Pride Month in April

      Virtual and in-person events to be held at University's campuses across the commonwealth

      The Penn State and State College communities came together to celebrate the pride of the LGBTQA+ community at the annual 'Pride March and Rally' held April 12, 2023 on Penn State's University Park campus, The event is one of the highlights of Campus Pride Month at Penn State, celebrated in April and hosted by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

      UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As we look to the second half of April, events continue to be offered to celebrate Campus Pride Month on Penn State's campuses, offered by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, and other units across the University.

      Penn State was again recognized in fall of 2022 as a leading university for LGBTQ students, according to the Campus Pride Index, with a 5-out-of-5-star rating.

      Upcoming at University Park

      • Health Promotion and Wellness presents: “Queer Sex Ed” — Monday, April 17, 6:30–8 p.m., HUB LL011.
      • “Karao-Gay” — Tuesday, April 18, 5–8 p.m., HUB 008 Lounge.
      • “Super Gay 5K” — Saturday, April 22, 9–11 a.m., outside HUB-Robeson Center.
      • Late Night: “Unpacking the Year” — Tuesday, April 25, 5–8 p.m., HUB LL011.
      • Penn State Gayla: “Fairy Garden” — Friday, April 28, 6–10 p.m., Alumni Hall.
      • Outdoor Brain Break — Saturday, April 29, 12:30–5:30 p.m., Stone Valley Recreation Center.

      Upcoming campus events

      Penn State Altoona

      • Dinner and Dialogue – April 18 at 5:30 p.m., Port Sky Café, Mountain View Room.

      Penn State Brandywine

      • Presentation: “Difference Between Gender & Identity & Sexual Orientation” — April 26, noon-1 p.m., Student Union 114-117.
      • Film: “Knock at the Cabin” — April 28, 4 p.m. and again at 7 p.m., Student Union 114-117

      See the following full schedule for event details.

      Penn State University Park 

      • “Art + Identity” Self-Guided Palmer Museum Tour: — throughout April at the Palmer Museum of Art. Drop in any time during museum hours for a self-guided tour on “Art + Identity,” featuring works by LGBTQA+ and BIPOC artists. Plus, follow Palmer social channels as we celebrate LGBTQA+ staff and community partners and their favorite works of art. All are welcome at Palmer events, including Family Day on April 8; Mindfulness in the Museum on April 15; and Art After Hours on April 20; the full schedule is available here. 
      • Pride HUB Takeover  — Wednesday, April 5, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center. Celebrate Pride Month in the HUB-Robeson Center! Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, student groups, campus and community partners in celebrating Pride! Learn more about resources, dance with our DJ, or win big in drag bingo!  
      • Late Night: “Rainbow Road Tournament” — Wednesday, April 5, 5–8 p.m., HUB LL011. Bring some friends to this game night special! We'll be starting off with a Mario Kart tournament featuring everyone's favorite track: Rainbow Road. The contestants each round will play one of the Nintendo Switch rainbow road tracks, chosen at random.  
      • “A Conversation with Jim Buzinski” — April 10, 6–7:15 p.m., Foster Auditorium, Paterno Library. A conversation with alumnus Jim Buzinski, co-founder of Outsports and copy editor for The Los Angeles Times. Presented by the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism and the Penn State Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Read more here. 
      • “Women of Color in Hollywood” Panel — April 10, 6–7:30 p.m., Flex Theater, HUB-Robeson Center. A panel of participants who have built successful careers in the entertainment industry. Participants include Charlotte Casey, Laura Nava, Cori Uchida, Yasemin Yilmaz and Adam Lash. Read more here. 
      • Keynote speaker: Cory Wade — Tuesday, April 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Freeman Auditorium. Cory Wade is an American model, actor, singer, songwriter and LGBTQ activist and spokesperson. He is best known for being the last eliminated on the 20th cycle of America's Next Top Model and being the first openly gay male participant in the show.  Throughout the show, Corey stood against the criticism of fellow male models and especially judge Rob for being too "feminine" and having a lack of masculine poses for the photoshoots. He described the experience of being on the show in an interview: "I went through an identity crisis that almost completely destroyed me when I was on that show. All of that said, my experience as a Top Model was incredible and life changing. It was a very positive thing. I just wish I could've desensitized myself to all the pressure I was receiving to 'man up' or to ‘act straight.’"  
      • “Emilia” — April 11-22, Pavilion Theatre. Penn State Centre Stage will produce Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's "Emilia," directed by Jenny Lamb. "Emilia" tells the story of Emilia Bassano Lanier, a writer of radical feminist poetry who lived during the English Renaissance period in Bishopsgate, London, England. There is little known about Emilia, though history indicates her works are one of the first published collections of poetry written by a woman in England. Read more here. 
      • Pride March and Rally  — Wednesday, April 12, noon–2 p.m., HUB LL011 to Old Main. Join us as we come together as a community to celebrate the pride of the LGBTQA+ population at Penn State and beyond, sharing affirming stories on the steps of the iconic Old Main administrative building.  
      • Campus Comedy Night featuring Preacher Lawson with an opening set by Kate Sisk — April 12, 8 p.m., Eisenhower Auditorium.  The Center for the Performing Arts will present a Campus Comedy Night featuring sets by Preacher Lawson and Kate Sisk at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, in Eisenhower Auditorium. Lawson, a self-proclaimed “stand-up comedian, actor, singer, human and professional Black guy,” made his debut on Season 12 of “America’s Got Talent.” Sisk’s material touches on life as a gender-nonconforming person and experiences as a former player for the Puerto Rico Women’s National Soccer Team. Read more and get tickets here. 
      • Lunch and Learn with Kevin Naff — Thursday, April 13, noon–1:30 p.m., HUB 134. Penn State alum Kevin Naff returns to campus to discuss his first book titled, "How We Won the War for LGBTQ Equality — and How Our Enemies Could Take it All Away." This event is aimed towards the Safer People Safer Places network along with any interested students   
      • Lavender Graduation — Friday, April 14, 6–8 p.m., HUB Heritage Hall. Lavender Graduation is an annual celebration that recognizes Penn State's LGBTQ+ students and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the University as students. It is an inspiring and affirming ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduating students in the LGBTQ+ community. The ceremony includes scholarships and awards, and time to thank a significant supporter. In recognition of their achievements, graduates receive a rainbow tassel, stole, and graduation certificate.  
      • Health Promotion and Wellness presents: “Queer Sex Ed” — Monday, April 17, 6:30–8 p.m., HUB LL011. Health Promotion and Wellness will be partnering with the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity in this interactive and educational workshop about sexual health and safety. Students are encouraged to bring their authentic selves and questions as we tackle sex ed from an LGBTQ+ focus.  
      • “Karao-Gay” — Tuesday, April 18, 5–8 p.m., HUB 008 Lounge. It's Karaoke — or should we say “Karao-Gay” — Time! Show off your karaoke skills or be part of the audience. Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity as we celebrate Pride with snacks and LGBTQ+ themed karaoke!  
      • “Super Gay 5K” — Saturday, April 22, 9–11 a.m., outside HUB-Robeson Center. Get ready for our second Super Gay 5K! Run or walk our designated route across campus to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ population at Penn State. Feel free to sign up as a participant or a volunteer. Register here.
      • Late Night: “Unpacking the Year” — Tuesday, April 25, 5–8 p.m., HUB LL011. We acknowledge the many diverse feelings that arise at the end of the year for students. Come to the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to spend some time with your community, talking with campus resources, or engaging in de-stress activities.  
      • Penn State Gayla: “Fairy Garden” — Friday, April 28, 6–10 p.m., Alumni Hall. The LGBTQ+ organizations at Penn State in conjunction with the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity will be hosting the second annual Penn State Gayla. This year's theme is Fairy Garden! This night serves as a second-chance prom for anyone who did not feel comfortable at their high school prom or for anyone who could not be their authentic selves. We welcome everyone here and celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQ+ Penn State community. Register here.
      • Outdoor Brain Break — Saturday, April 29, 12:30–5:30 p.m., Stone Valley Recreation Center. In conjunction with Campus Recreation-Outdoor Adventures and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), this program will allow students to get away to Penn State's Stone Valley location and step away from the academic pressures that can occur at the end of each semester. Activities will be supervised by Campus Recreation staff. Register here.

      Penn State Altoona 

      • Pride Alliance Meeting – April 6 at 7 p.m., Hawthorn 134. Kick off Pride Month by connecting with the LGBTQ+ community and building connections through open discussion and group activities. Register here.  
      • Pride Celebration – April 11, 4-7p.m., Adler Auxiliary Gym. Food, games, giveaways, music, photo booth, and lots of fun centered on celebrating Pride! Register here. 
      • Dinner and Dialogue – April 18 at 5:30 p.m., Port Sky Café, Mountain View Room. Share a simple meal and conversation with your peers. This is a chance to nourish your body as you slow down and enjoy time with others. Register here. 

      Penn State Berks 

      • Drag Bingo — April 20, 7 p.m., Perkins Student Center Auditorium. The Penn State Berks Campus Activities Board will host a Drag Bingo event for Penn State Berks students, faculty, and staff. Drag performers will roast attendees who will have the opportunity to win fun prizes.
      • “When it starts, we will let the host know you are waiting” multimedia art installation — Wednesday, April 19– Saturday, May 13, with reception 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, April 27; Freyberger Gallery. This art installation by Philadelphia-based artist Alicia Link addresses inequity through the visual language of the gynecologist’s office and waiting room, with tactile sculptures, ink drawings and media work. According to Link, this "everyday" space illustrates the often subtle violence of inequity enacted upon certain bodies. The exhibition will be open from noon to 5 p.m., Monday-Thursday and Saturday. Visitors attending the gallery from May 6 to 13 will need to schedule an appointment. For more information, contact Kevin Brophy, Freyberger Gallery coordinator, at 610-396-6024 or kbb5676@psu@edu.

      Penn State Brandywine 

      • “Understanding My Identity: Coming Out and Gaining Self-Acceptance” — April 10, noon-1 p.m., Student Union 114-117. Panel discussion on “Understanding My Identity: Coming Out and Gaining Self-acceptance” featuring Brandywine employees and alumni. Moderated by Laura Evans, associate teaching professor of human development and family studies. Sponsored by the Chancellor’s Commission on LGBTQ+ Equity. 
      • “On Our Own Terms: The Visibilities of Queer X Chinese X Women” — April 11, 7 p.m., Vairo Library. Opening of the exhibition “On Our Own Terms: The Visibilities of Queer X Chinese X Women.” Sponsored by University Libraries. 
      • What to Do Wednesday: “Pronoun protocol” — April 12, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Student Union Fireside Lounge. What to Do Wednesday presents “Pronoun protocol” (information on chosen pronouns and pronoun usage) and rainbow sand art. Sponsored by BEAST, Lion Pride and Student Engagement. 
      • Pride Month Trivia — April 12, 5 p.m., Student Union Parsons Hall. Sponsored by Student Engagement. 
      • “Drag Brinner with Bev & Friends” — April 13, 7 p.m., Student Union 114-117. A drag show with brunch for dinner. Sponsored by Lion Pride and Student Engagement. 
      • Pride Rainbow Glow Dance — April 14, 7 p.m., Student Union 114-117. Sponsored by Lion Pride and Student Engagement. 
      • Saturday Movie: “Bros” — April 15, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Student Union Parsons Hall. Sponsored by Student Engagement. 
      • Presentation: “Difference Between Gender & Identity & Sexual Orientation” — April 26, noon-1 p.m., Student Union 114-117. Sponsored by Student Engagement. 
      • Film: “Knock at the Cabin” — April 28, 4 p.m. and again at 7 p.m., Student Union 114-117. Two showings of the film “Knock at the Cabin.” At 6 p.m., Penn State alumna Jemimah Mwaba will discuss her role with the film. Sponsored by Student Engagement & Development.

      Penn State DuBois 

      • Penn State DuBois Pride Tabling — April 3, 12:15–1:15 p.m., Hiller Student Union. Giveaways at the table will include Pride flags, stickers, and other items supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

      Penn State Harrisburg 

      • Pride Prom: “Love Out Loud” – April 7, 7-10 p.m., Capital Union Building 210. Please join Pride at Penn State Harrisburg as they host the first Pride Prom: Love Out Loud. Free food and DJ. RSVP on Engage. 
      • National Day of Silence Panel Discussion – April 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Olmsted C213. This event, for students, faculty, and staff, will feature the airing of a video segment titled “Gendered and Non-Heteronormative Experiences” followed by a moderated panel discussion. Presented by the Diversity and Educational Equity Committee.

      Penn State Hazleton 

      • Pride Flag Giveaway — Monday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Upper Butler Lobby. Learn about the meaning of the Progressive Pride Flag and take a free flag with you! 
      • Paint Your Pride — Tuesday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Upper Butler Lobby. Students, faculty and staff are invited to create images of Pride in this window painting event. 
      • Rock the Block Celebration for Pride — Wednesday, April 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us on the campus mall between the Butler and Graham buildings for games, music, food and giveaways. 
      • Allies / Safer People Safer Places Breakfast — Thursday, April 6. Time/location TBA. Learn about and discuss the importance of Pride advocacy during a special breakfast.  
      • Pride Trivia — Thursday, April 6, 8 p.m., Highacres Café. Trivia games and prizes — show us your Pride knowledge!

      Pennsylvania College of Technology 

      April 3-7 is PCT Pride Week at Penn College, which includes the following public events: 

      • Pride Display: “With Open Heart and Open Arms” – April 3 to April 7, Bush Campus Center lobby. Traveling museum display focuses on LGBTQ Cuban refugees in 1980. Presented in partnership with the LGBT Center of Central PA. 
      • Pride Week Flag-Raising Ceremony — April 3 at noon, Hager Lifelong Education Center Loop. 
      • Educational Display – April 4 and 5, Bush Campus Center lobby, Dauphin Hall hallway and Hager Lifelong Education Center lobby. The display (the same at all three locations) focuses on Queer identities and pronouns. 
      Last Updated April 14, 2023

      Tags