A “Welcome Back” Potluck last Thursday, September 29, 2011, kicked off the first Queer History Month at Plymouth State University. It is the first of many events that are going to occur throughout October, courtesy of the SAGE Center and student group, PSU Pride.
Delilah Smith, coordinator of the SAGE Center, welcomed and thanked those in attendance at the Potluck by saying that they help to “make our campus safe and inclusive.” And that’s just how the Potluck felt: inclusive and friendly.
Upon entering the HUB’s HAGE room, guests were handed information pamphlets for the SAGE Center and a “bingo” sheet covered in facts about various faculty and PSU Pride members. The goal was to get guests to mingle with, introduce, and learn about each other. This friendliness surfaced throughout the Potluck, including when Jocelyn Howard, Pride Secretary and Outreach Coordinator at the SAGE Center, introduced herself and discussed events scheduled for October.
Smith thanked Dr. James Whiting, a professor in the Linguistics Department, for his contributions to Queer History Month on PSU’s campus. Smith said that Whiting was the “driving force” behind the months’ festivities.
Whiting mentioned the “It Gets Better” video, made by PSU faculty members and released online on YouTube. The video is a part of a larger, national campaign to stop the bullying of queer youth. According to Whiting, PSU’s video has been viewed in all but one state in the United States. The video is a great accomplishment for the Plymouth community and prompted discussion around the topic, which ultimately built a great atmosphere among those at the Potluck.
PSU Pride, a student organization at PSU that includes both gay and straight members, promotes equality, acceptance, and a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and is a key part of Queer History Month alongside the SAGE Center. Pride is a group that commits itself month after month to a safe atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ and allies at PSU. PSU senior, English major, and former Pride president, Josh Cooley, discussed the benefits of non-Pride affiliated students taking notice or getting involved in Queer History Month. Cooley stated the significance “to still celebrate and remember where people have come from.” He compared it to the cultural pride that Hispanic and African American peoples have within their respective histories and communities. As far as campus participation goes, Cooley asked, “What better way to get to know all of what the world has to offer than to get involved?”
Events to occur during the month of October include National Coming out day on Tuesday the 11th, National Ally Coming out day on Thursday the 13th, a Queer Literary Potluck on Tuesday the 18th, and a showing of the film “The Kids Are All Right” on Thursday the 20th. Any student on campus can get involved by visiting the SAGE Center in person or online via PSU’s website or Facebook.