Binghamton University celebrates OUTober, LGBTQ+ History Month
In 1994, a Missouri high school teacher named Rodney Wilson proposed that October be recognized as a month to honor the history of LGBTQ+ people and their fight for civil rights. Established around existing traditions like National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11) and the anniversary of the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights that took place Oct. 14, 1979, LGBTQ+ History Month is a celebration of LGBTQ+ achievements, notable figures and community-building movements.
A year after the initial proposition, LGBTQ+ History Month was added to the list of commemorative months by the general assembly of the National Education Association. And in 2006, the Equality Forum began selecting 31 LGBTQ+ icons, highlighting one each day throughout October.
At Binghamton University and on other campuses across the country, LGBTQ+ History Month has transformed into a more expansive and spirited celebration commonly referred to as OUTober. This year’s month-long observance features a variety of programming sponsored by the Q Center in collaboration with student organizations that fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
For Q Center intern Jesse La Scala, OUTober is an opportunity to fully express and shine a light on nonconforming identities and experiences.
“While there are many queer communities on campus,” La Scala said, “OUTober remains a vital month of recognition. It is a time when queer students on campus can celebrate our identities and be visibly proud. Given the current political climate and legislation targeting queer, especially trans, identities, it is important that we can show solidarity and gather on a community level.”
In addition to the Oct. 11 Pride March that will take place along the perimeter of the main campus or “brain,” the Q Center will host various on-campus tabling and participation events as well as social mixers throughout the month.
All LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff and allies are welcome to attend OUTober events.
Schedule of events
Oct. 6
OUTober Pride March Poster-Making
5 to 7 p.m., LS-G549
Join us in the Q Center to make posters for the Pride March taking place Oct. 11. We will have a variety of supplies available to make a poster for yourself or for other participants to carry. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact Nick Martin for any accessibility needs or accommodations related to this event.
National Coming Out Day ‘Take and Make’ with Bartle Library
noon to 4 p.m., Bartle Library Lobby
Stop by the Bartle Library lobby area for ‘take and make’ kits and information related to National Coming Out Day. Pick up bracelet kits, zine supplies or bookmark materials to help express your pride.
OUTober Pride March
6 to 8 p.m., Peace Quad
Join us for this year’s Pride March. Bring your signs, and voice, as we make our way around the campus brain. Meet on the Peace Quad at 6 p.m.
Oct. 14
SHADES Vogue Ball
6 to 8 p.m., Old Union Hall
Join SHADES for the second annual Vogue Ball sponsored by the Q Center. Learn more about the art of vogue and its importance to queer and trans people of color (QTPOC). Ticket sales and additional information can be found on SHADES’ Instagram account.
Oct. 17
International Pronouns Day Button Making on the Spine
noon to 2 p.m., Binghamton campus spine
Get ready for International Pronouns Day, Oct. 19, by making your own pronoun button. All supplies will be provided.
Oct. 26
LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Mixer
4 to 6 p.m., TAU Bearcat Room, Events Center
Drop by and connect with other faculty and staff in the LGBTQ+ campus community — whether you identify within the spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities or broadly identify within the community, but do not label your gender identity and/or sexual identity. We will have light refreshments and brief remarks to begin at 4:30 p.m.
Register in advance for this event >
Oct. 28
Costume Party and Late Nite Double Feature
7 p.m., Costume Party, Union Undergrounds
8 p.m., Movie Double Feature, Union Undergrounds
The party starts at 7 p.m. and leads into a double feature showing of Nope and the classic Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again!