University hosts Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender History Month

SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State University will host Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month throughout October. Missouri State is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action institution and will recognize many events taking place on campus.

“The LGBT movement is important because it is made up of everyone, brothers, sister, parents, friends, even our straight allies,” said Stephanie Perkins, SWMO Regional Field Organizer, PROMO and co-president of BiGALA. “Every event on our calendar is open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Highlights planned for the month include:

Oct. 16
Safe Zone Faculty and Staff Training will take place from 9a.m.-noon in Plaster Student Union, Room 314AB. Training will continue Oct. 20 from 1–4 p.m. in Room 308AB and Oct. 21 from 7–10 p.m. in Room 317AB. Spectators will learn how to create a safe space at all times for students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information contact Tara Benson, assistant director of student activities, at (417) 836-4386.

Oct. 22
The second annual “Closet Cabaret” talent show will be held at 5:30 p.m. in Plaster Student Union Theater. Admission is any toiletry item including a toothbrush, toilet paper or deodorant. BiGALA will also be selling AIDS awareness ribbons. All proceeds of the talent show and AIDS awareness ribbons will go to AIDS Project of the Ozarks.

Oct. 23
Student Activities Council is hosting a “Vampire’s Ball” in Plaster Student Union Ballroom at 9 p.m. Admission is again any toiletry item, to benefit AIDS Project of the Ozarks. Free testing will be available at the costume ball.

Oct. 28
Panel discussion and question and answer session will be held from 5:30– 7:30 p.m. in Plaster Student Union, Room 315 ABC. Titled, “I Can’t Believe You Asked That!,” the panel will be able to answer any questions about LGBT-related material, anonymously if preferred.

For event information, please contact the office of multicultural student services at (417) 836-6618 or toll free (800) 493-7900. Additional information may be found at http://www.studentorganizations.missouristate.edu/BiGALA.

Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender History Month is sponsored by several organizations including BiGALA, Duane G. Meyer Library, Lambda Alliance, LGBT History Month Committee, Meyer Library’s special collections and archives department, office of multicultural student services, Multicultural Resource Center, Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA), PROMO, Student Activities Councils (SAC) and the Student Government Association (SGA).