LGBTQIA+ History Month
Videos
- StoryCorps OutLoud is an initiative of StoryCorps, an independent nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives.
- LGBT+ Collection includes more than 500 public radio and television programs and original materials contributed to the American Archive of Public Broadcasting by 35 stations and organizations across the United States. The recordings date from the late 1950s to 2018.
- Origin of Everything is a history show that covers a variety of topics from PBS Digital Studios.
Other Resources
- National Geographic — From LGBT to LGBTQIA+: The evolving recognition of identity
- 2023 Icons for LGBT History Month
- The Library of Congress LGBTQ Resources (blogs, resource guides, the arts, civil rights and government, sports, the workplace, and more)
- LGBTQ+ Legal Resources: A Beginner’s Guide provides resources for those interested in law surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation
EVENTS
Campus
Tabling at Druid City Pride Festival
Sunday, Oct. 1 | 1 p.m.-5 p.m. | Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA Students, Faculty, and Staff-Approved
Join the Safe Zone Resource Center for tabling at Druid City Pride’s annual pride festival. The Safe Zone Resource Center will have refreshments, buttons and other giveaways. Participants can stop by the table to learn about LGBTQIA+ resources at UA, meet the Safe Zone staff, and learn about LGBTQIA+ identities. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
LGBTQ+ History Month 50 Years: The Stonewall Uprising Traveling Exhibit
Monday, Oct. 2–Tuesday, Oct. 31 | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA system employees| DEI Passport event
To celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, the Intercultural Diversity will host the Stonewall National Museum’s “50 Years: The Stonewall Uprising” traveling exhibit. In June 1969, riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village are generally cited as the starting point of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Participants will learn about the creation and execution of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the era of LGBTQ+ liberation and the impact of gay activist organizations and understand why the Stonewall riots became the catalytic movement in the effort to secure equal rights for LGBTQ+ Americans. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Living Queer History Exhibit
Tuesday, Oct. 3–Tuesday, Oct. 31 |
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System employees
In collaboration with Queer Southern History, the Summersell Center for the Study of the South and the Safe Zone Resource Center will host a monthlong exhibit commemorating Tuscaloosa’s LGTBTQIA+ history. Participants will learn about the historic sites and organizations that formed Tuscaloosa’s LGBTQIA+ community over the past 40 years. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Diversity, Coffee and Conversations
Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
In celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month, Dr. Stephanie Anne Shelton, associate professor of Qualitative Research in the College of Education, will talk about the impact of the month on higher education and share her personal story, research and books. She also will share ways to support the month and become an LGBTQIA+ ally. Join the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for this conversation and enjoy biscuits, eggs, sausage and beverages.
Dr. Shelton’s PowerPoint presentation is available online.
Pop-Up Shop: LGBTQ+ History Month
Wednesday, Oct. 4 | noon-2 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students, faculty and staff, UA System employees | DEI Passport event
The Intercultural Diversity Center continues its Pop-Up Shop Series focusing on LGBTQIA+ History Month, the annual monthlong observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high school history teacher Rodney Wilson. Participants will have the opportunity to recognize LGBTQ+ pioneers, explore the Stonewall Uprising, see the Queer History Exhibit, view additional online exhibits, and expand their knowledge through conversation starters and video presentations. Desserts and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
National Coming Out Day
Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 3 p.m.-5 p.m. | Student Center Plaza
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students | DEI Passport event
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a mini pride day for LGBTQIA+ individuals at UA. LGBTQ+ and allied organizations will be tabling and refreshments, giveaways and a photobooth will be available. Participants will learn about LGBTQIA+ communities and resources in the area while celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
LGBTQIA+ Homecoming Dance
Friday, Oct. 13 | 7 p.m.-9 p.m. | Student Center Ballroom
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
Open to UA students
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a Homecoming dance celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals and offering a queer friendly space to celebrate the week. Participants will learn about the importance of celebrating with the community and building healthy connections with others. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
Art Showcase with Madison Grooters
Monday, Oct. 16 | noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
UA students, faculty, staff, community
Madison Grooters, a 2023 UA graduate in marketing, will present her artwork series on LGBTQ identity. At the showcase, Grooters will discuss her work, its meaning and inspirations, along with a mixer where attendees can mingle and view Grooters’ work. This event is hosted by the Women and Gender Resource Center.
Culverhouse DEI Speaker Series
Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Parlor, Alston Hall
In honor of LGBTQ History Month, the Culverhouse College of Business welcomes alumnus Ben Allen, a seasoned technology consultant and digital transformation leader. He will share information about his educational and career journey. RSVP is required. For more information, contact cpmiller1@ua.edu.
A Discussion on LGBTQ Identity and Book Bans
Oct. 19 | noon-1 p.m. | 3700 Student Center (Forum)
UA students, faculty and staff
The Women and Gender Resource Center will host various representatives who will discuss recent targeted anti-LGBTQ book bans across the United States and what this means in a current and historical context.
Lavender Bingo: Consent
Thursday, Oct. 19 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | 3107 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA students
This program is part of a multi-session health and relationships education series. In this session the SZRC will discuss consent, personal autonomy, and healthy communication in intimate partnerships. Participants will learn about strategies for engaging in safer intimate relationships regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Participants will have the opportunity to play Bingo for prizes as an incentive for attending this event, and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
Lunch and Learn: A Conversation with the Tuscaloosa Lesbian Coalition
Wednesday, Oct. 25| noon- 1 p.m. | 2408 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to UA faculty and staff
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a panel discussion with the Tuscaloosa Lesbian Coalition about Tuscaloosa’s LGBTQIA+ history and the experiences of the women who founded and advocated through this organization in the 1970-1990’s. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Ally Training Program
Monday, Oct. 30 | 2 p.m.-4 p.m. | Zoom
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Open to all UA students, faculty, staff and UA System employees | DEI Passport event
The UA Safe Zone Ally Training Program provides a visible network of allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual individuals. Safe Zone Allies distribute information regarding sexuality, gender identity, campus and community resources, and methods for reporting harassment and/or discrimination. The Safe Zone Ally Training Program is a two-hour training session that allows participants to develop a working knowledge of appropriate and respectful LGBTQIA+ terminology; recognize the impact that campus climate has on individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+; and identify areas of personal growth as a member of the UA community. Following the training program, participants are invited to sign-up to serve as UA Safe Zone Allies. Registration is required. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.