Signature Programs
In addition to a wide array of social programming, the LGBTQIA Center has a strong slate of signature programs that are offered every year. See below for highlights on a few of these events. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via lgbtqia@conncoll.edu
National Coming Out Day - The LGBTQIA Center holds an annual photoshoot in the Crozier-Williams Center for Conn community members to come and express their pride in any/all identities they hold. We have placards withs LGBTQIA terminology, a wide range of pride flags, and white boards for individuals to customize their own signage. After the event, photos are made available to participants both digitally and in prints sent via campus mail. Also on this day, the LGBTQIA Center covers the campus in love, posting signs with positive affirmations around campus in both academic buildings and residence halls.
Transgender Day of Remembrance - Each year the LGBTQIA Center holds a vigil where the names of trans individuals lost to anti-trans violence in the past year are read aloud following a campus community speaker. Once the vigil has ended, the Center is opened for a community gathering of solidarity and support.
World AIDS Day - While the ways we acknowledge this day differs significantly from year to year, the LGBTQIA Center partners annually with other groups and departments on campus to hold an educational, awareness-raising event on this day. In 2018, we worked with Race and Ethnicity Programs as well as the Theater Department to host an on campus gathering displaying over 70 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Pride Rally - A fairly new tradition to campus, the Pride Rally began in the Spring of 2017 when we had Shangela, widely known from her multiple appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race, on campus to speak about her journey of self discovery and self acceptance between mind blowing drag performances. In Subsequent years, we have used this rally as an opportunity to highlight local drag queens from around the state of Connecticut, as well as establish a lip sync battle where student drag acts compete head to head for prizes. This event is an absolute blast and is one of our best attended events, with the 2019 Pride Rally topping 270 people.
Lavender Graduation - Another tradition that began in the Spring of 2017, Lavender Graduation is an annual commencement banquet that celebrates the contributions and successes of LGBTQIA graduating seniors. All LGBTQIA identified seniors are invited to participate in the event and registration information is made available shortly before Spring Break. Participating seniors receive a rainbow honor cord and a handful of community awards are distributed as well. This event includes a full dinner, and multiple speakers, including a keynote from an LGBTQIA alumni.
Out in the Workplace - At least once a year, the LGBTQIA Center offers an “Out in the Workplace” event where we explore employment specific concerns and realities of navigating the work world as an out LGBTQIA identified individual. This event typically combines educational elements with an alumni panel and Q&A, providing attendees with some helpful strategies and answers as they begin to prepare for life post-Conn.
Queer Peer Mentorship Program - In addition to the standalone events outlined above, the LGBTQIA Center also has a peer mentorship program that pairs LGBTQIA identified first year students with LGBTQIA identified juniors, and seniors for at least one semester. Pairs meet regularly and attend programs planned specifically for QP participants, building friendships and community connections that can help them adjust to Conn and make the most of their experience.