Annually in June, the world’s LGBTQIA+ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves during Pride Month.
Pride gatherings are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are.
The original organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which helped spark the modern gay rights movement. Most Pride events take place each year in June, although some cities hold their celebrations at other times of the year. (Information courtesy of CNN)
Learn more from the resources below.
Invisible Histories LGBTQ+ T-shirt ExhibitWednesday, June 1-30 | Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
Cultural Engagement/Educational Engagement
In observance of Pride Month, the Safe Zone Resource Center will offer a T-shirt exhibit featuring the LGBTQIA+ community and activists from the Invisible Histories Project archives. Invisible Histories Project works with individuals, organizations and service providers to locate materials related to LGBTQ history of the Deep South.
This exhibit offers participants an opportunity to see examples of commemorative items that show the style and ethos of the Pride movement in Alabama through the past 30 years. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Ally Training ProgramFriday, June 3 | 1-3 p.m. | Virtual
Thursday, June 16 | 9-11 a.m. | Virtual
Educational Engagement/Cultural Exploration
The UA Safe Zone Ally Training Program provides a visible network of allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) 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 a 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.
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host its weekly Safe Zone Hangouts series throughout the month of June. Participants will learn about LGBTQIA+ resources at UA and connect with other LGBTQIA+ individuals on campus. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
PaintingTuesday, June 7 | 1-2 p.m. | Safe Zone Lounge, 2418 Student Center
Social Enrichment
For this event in the series, attendees will be provided with a canvas and painting supplies and will follow along to a painting tutorial as a group.
Board GamesTuesday, June 14 | 1-2 p.m. | Safe Zone Lounge, 2418 Student Center
Social Enrichment
Attendees will be able to choose from a selection of board games in the Safe Zone Lounge.
CraftsTuesday, June 21 | 1-2 p.m. | Safe Zone Lounge, 2418 Student Center
Social Enrichment
For this event in the series, attendees will be provided crafting supplies, and various crafting tutorials will be available.
Video GamesTuesday, June 28 | 1-2 p.m. | Safe Zone Lounge, 2418 Student Center
Social Enrichment
This event allows participants to choose from a selection of video games in the Safe Zone Lounge.
