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SIU saluting LGBTQ+ History Month with founder of national celebration and more

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The founder of LGBTQ+ History Month is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale as part of university’s monthlong celebration in October.

With the theme of “Reclaiming Queer History,” it is a special year as SIU marks the 20th anniversary of commemorating LGBTQ+ History Month on campus and the 30th national anniversary of the month, according to Juniper Oxford, coordinator of the LGBTQ Resource Center.

"We are particularly excited to reveal many of our future goals of the LGBTQ Resource Center, share in discussions about reclaiming queer history both on campus and in the local community, and welcome Rodney Wilson to our campus as our keynote,” Oxford said. “Wilson is the creator of LGBTQ+ History Month and the first out high school teacher in the state of Missouri. It’s not just about being here and being queer but also showing that we have been here and have always been around. Our LGBTQ+ campus community is brimming with excitement about these upcoming events; we have something nearly every day of the month this year. Every ally on campus and in our local community is not only welcome but encouraged to show up and support."

All events are free and open to the public, with the exception of the Safe Zone trainings, which are geared toward SIU faculty and staff.

Kickoff is Oct. 1

The LGBTQ+ History Month kickoff celebration is set for noon Oct. 1 at the John C. Guyon Auditorium in Morris Library. The event will feature remarks from representatives of various LGBTQ+ organizations including the LGBTQ Resource Center, the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Council, the Saluki Rainbow Network and the Lavender Alumni Network.

Afterward, there will be an LGBTQ+ Resource Fair in the library rotunda, and two special exhibits will be unveiled in the Hall of Presidents and Chancellors. The LGBTQ+ exhibits, which will be open for viewing all month from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, include a photovoice exhibit by Golden Rainbows of Illinois South and a retrospective exhibit created by the LGBTQ Resource Center and the library’s Special Collections Resource Center.

“Celebrating the Center’s History and Future” at 2 p.m. Oct. 8 in the library’s Hall of Presidents and Chancellor will focus on the history of LGBTQ+ History Month and its celebration at SIU, including a retrospective.

Wilson advocates for LGBTQ+ rights

Wilson will speak at 3 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Student Center Auditorium. Refreshments will follow in the International Lounge.

In 1994, Wilson came out to his students at Mehlville High School in the metro St. Louis area while teaching a history lesson about the Holocaust. Then just in his 20s, he explained that if he had lived in Germany during World War II, he would have been imprisoned and killed by the Nazis for being gay. He was nearly fired afterward, but the strong and fast outcry received coverage on national media outlets, including Dateline NBC, Newsweek and the Ricki Lake Show. The short documentary “Taboo Teaching” tells Wilson’s story.

Discussion will feature diverse voices, cinema highlights queer films

An intergenerational panel comprising queer students and adults will focus on the theme “Reclaiming Queer History” at 1 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Student Services Building, Rooms 150/160.

A series of queer cinema events focusing on LGBTQ+ themes will be shown at the Guyon Auditorium except the last one, which will be at the Sharp Museum Auditorium in Faner Hall. Popcorn, candy, giveaways and a wrap-up discussion will be included.

The schedule includes:

  • “José,” 4 p.m. Oct. 7. José and his mother live a difficult life in the violent, religion-steeped country of Guatemala, but when he meets Luis, he discovers a new passion and pain. The 2018 Li Cheng award-winning movie explores his journey as a queer man.
  • “The Archivettes,” 4 p.m. Oct. 15. The Lesbian Herstory Archives, founded in a New York City apartment, is now the world’s largest collection of materials by and about lesbians. The 2019 Megan Rossman film is a tribute to “second-wave feminism and intergenerational connection” and combatting lesbian invisibility.
  • “Monica,” 4 p.m. Oct. 23. This Trace Lysette story chronicles the life of Monica, a trans youth kicked out of her home who later returns to her Midwest hometown to care for her dying mother, and it explores their journey toward understanding. A panel discussion featuring Carbondale City Council member Clare Killman, author Heather O’Malley and Oxford will follow.
  • “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair,” 5 p.m. Oct. 30. The 2021 Jane Schoenbrun coming-of-age psychological thriller tells of the mental and physical changes Casey Cobb, a gay teen, experiences as she becomes immersed in an online role-playing horror game alone in her attic bedroom. Pizza will be provided.

Variety show, coffee, dinner/dialogue and more

Numerous other activities are planned as well in October. Highlights include:

  • “At the Table” Dinner and Dialogue celebrates the 30th anniversary of LGBTQ+ History Month with discussion focusing on the queer history of the region and state and issues facing today’s LGBTQ+ community at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Carbondale Civic Center. The City of Carbondale along with SIU’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center, the Rainbow Café and Golden Rainbows of Illinois South are sponsoring the event. While there is no cost, those planning to attend are asked to sign up online to allow meal planning. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
  • “No Shame Theater: LGBTQ+ Variety Show” will give participants the free space to perform without shame. Set for 11 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Moe Theater in the Communications Building, it’s free, but those attending are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Saluki Food Pantry.
  • “Wear Purple for Spirit Day” is Oct. 17. All are encouraged to wear purple in support of LGBTQ+ youth, in honor of LGBTQ+ suicide victims and in opposition to bullying.

Find additional information, including the complete schedule of events, on the website for the LGBTQ Resource Center, which is a unit of the Student Multicultural Resource Center.

Sponsors include the LGBTQ Resource Center; the Student Multicultural Resource Center; the Office of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Council; the Saluki Rainbow Network; Special Collections Resource Center/Morris Library; Wellness and Health Promotion Services; Counseling and Psychological Services; Student Health Services; Hispanic Latino Resource Center; Career Development Center; Lavender Alumni Network; No Shame Theater; School of Communication Studies; Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; Career Development Center; Saluki Furry Society; Cine Club; the City of Carbondale; the Rainbow Café; the League of Women Voters of Jackson County; the Carbondale Park District, and Golden Rainbows of Illinois South.

Christi Mathis — student affairs; diversity, equity and inclusion; business and analytics; education; health and human sciences; psychological and behavioral sciences; innovation and economic development; international education.

SIU News is produced by University Communications and Marketing - 618-453-2589. Twitter: @SIUCNews
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