UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Several Penn State campuses continue to celebrate Campus Pride Month in April with several events still upcoming by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, and other units across the University.
Penn State was again recognized in fall 2023 as a leading university for LGBTQ students, according to the Campus Pride Index, with a 5-out-of-5-star rating.
Campus Pride Month events still upcoming for the last week in April are:
Penn State University Park
Pride Month Reading — throughout April. Penn State University Libraries will have curated Pride Month leisure reading titles, both as a virtual bookshelf available to all Penn Staters through the Libby reading app, and a physical display on the bookshelves adjacent to the Starbucks pickup area on the first floor of Pattee Library and Paterno Library on the University Park campus.
Graduate Student Pride Mixer — Tuesday, April 23, 4–6 p.m., Meet at Chumley’s. The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity invites Queer, Trans, and allied graduate students to join the us and the Graduates in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies for free food, conversation, and community as we celebrate Pride.
Late Night: Pre-Prom Mixer — Wednesday, April 24, 6–8 p.m., HUB LL011. One day before Pride Prom! Stop by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to pick up your ticket and meet other students who are planning on attending. Talk outfits, makeup, or make plans to meet up before the event tomorrow.
Penn State Pride Prom: Decadent Decades — Thursday, April 25, 6–10 p.m., Alumni Hall. The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity will be hosting the annual Penn State Pride Prom (formerly known as the Gayla). This year's theme is Decadent Decades! This night serves as a second chance prom for anyone who did not feel comfortable at their high school prom or for anyone who could not be their authentic selves. We welcome everyone to celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQ+ Penn State community and a successful semester. Register here by April 19 to receive a commemorative ticket.
Get OUTside for Pride — Saturday, April 27, noon-5 p.m., Stone Valley Recreation. Take a brain break with Counseling and Psychological Services, Outdoor Adventures, and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity at Stone Valley and enjoy climbing, kayaking, hiking and lawn games. Registration is required as space is limited.
Penn State Beaver
LGBTQ+You Club tabling event and clothing drive — April 22, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Brodhead Bistro. The LGBTQ+You Club will hold a tabling event and clothing drive; collected clothes will be donated to DeeWalk Promise Hands, a local women's shelter.
Penn State Harrisburg
Read 365 — Through April. Penn State Harrisburg Read 365 readers are selecting to read books that focus on Pride and LGBTQIAA+ books. For more information, please contact Alyson Garland, Diversity and Educational Equity Committee project lead at agg10@psu.edu.
PRIDE Prom — April 23, 7–10 p.m., Capital Union Building, events room 210. Pride at Harrisburg is hosting PRIDE Prom for all LGBTQIAA+ students and allies of the Penn State Harrisburg Community.
Previous events held:
Penn State University Park
Pride Month Reading — throughout April. Penn State University Libraries will have curated Pride Month leisure reading titles, both as a virtual bookshelf available to all Penn Staters through the Libby reading app, and a physical display on the bookshelves adjacent to the Starbucks pickup area on the first floor of Pattee Library and Paterno Library on the University Park campus.
Pride HUB Takeover — Wednesday, April 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., HUB Robeson Center. Celebrate Pride Month in the HUB-Robeson Center! Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, student groups, campus and community partners in celebrating pride. Learn more about resources, dance with our DJ, or win big in drag bingo. The University Libraries also will have a table at the takeover at the HUB-Robeson Center, as well as on the University Park campus with relevant leisure reading titles available to borrow on site.
HUB-Robeson Center Mural Unveiling — Wednesday, April 3. A new mural celebrating racial, sexual and gender diversity is nearing completion at Penn State's HUB-Robeson Center on the University Park campus. The piece covers the walls of a stairway connecting the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, and it will be unveiled to the public on April 3.
Late Night: DIY Decals — Thursday, April 4, 5–8 p.m., HUB LL011. Get crafty and show your pride with the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity! Drop by to make your own stickers or pins representing your sense of pride.
Karao-Gay — Friday, April 5, 5:30–8:30 p.m., HUB Lion’s Lair: 008 Lounge. It's Karaoke (or should we say Karao-Gay) time! Show off your karaoke skills or be part of the audience. Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity as we celebrate pride with snacks and LGBTQ+ inspired karaoke.
Career Cafe — Monday, April 8, 2:30–4:30 p.m., HUB LL011. Brew your path with snacks and conversation in the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Chat with representatives from Career Services to get helpful information regarding resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn practices, planning for graduate and professional school, job searches, interview searches and more.
Pride March and Reception — Tuesday, April 9, noon–1:30 p.m., HUB LL011. Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity as we come together as a community to celebrate the pride of the LGBTQA+ population at Penn State and beyond. We will march as a group to the iconic Old Main steps for photos before returning to the HUB and sharing stories of the meaning of pride.
Lavender Graduation — Friday, April 12, 6–8 p.m., Heritage Hall. Lavender Graduation is an annual celebration hosted by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity that recognizes Penn State's LGBTQ+ students and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the University as students. It is an inspiring and affirming ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduating students in the LGBTQ+ community. The ceremony includes scholarships and awards, and time to thank a significant supporter. In recognition of their achievements, graduates receive a rainbow tassel, stole, and graduation certificate. Graduating students can sign up here by April 1.
“Out on Campus: A History of LGBTQ+ Activism at Pennsylvania Colleges and Universities” — April 13-26, Leisure Reading Room, 101 West Pattee Library. The LGBTQIA+ Working Group of Penn State University Libraries’ Diversity Community of Advocacy will host the traveling exhibition “Out on Campus: A History of LGBTQ+ Activism at Pennsylvania Colleges and Universities” displayed in the Leisure Reading Room, 101 West Pattee Library. It is the third traveling exhibition by Barry Loveland, chair of the LGBT Center of Central PA History Project.
Late Night: Verified Vintage, A Night of Timeless Trivia — Tuesday, April 16, 5:30–8 p.m., HUB LL011. Get ready for our Decadent Decades Pride Prom later this month with an educational night of trivia focusing on LGBTQ+ history from the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Learn about key pieces of history and impress your prom group with your trivia expertise.
GaySL: A crash course in LGBTQ American Sign Language and Intersectionality with Hayden Kristal — Wednesday, April 17, 12:30-2 p.m., HUB Flex Theater. This highly interactive, variable, and hilarious workshop sponsored by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity teaches its participants LGBTQ-related American Sign Language signs while fostering a group discussion about Deaf culture, intersectionality, accessibility and more.
Hayden Kristal: Comedy Show — Wednesday, April 17, 7-8 p.m., Hub Flex Theater. Hayden Kristal (They/them/theirs) is a Deaf, bisexual, Jewish, queer activist and stand-up comedian. Living their life at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities led them to a career as a professional speaker exploring the intersections of disability, gender and sexuality, particularly within the spheres of activism and social justice. They have brought their funny, engaging and interactive workshops and speeches to dozens of conferences and schools all across North America. Hayden’s quick wit and cheerful self-deprecation has earned them plenty of comedic accolades as well, including over 690,000 followers on TikTok, a semifinalist spot on "America's Got Talent," and a guest role on Netflix and Adult Swim’s "Tuca and Bertie." Hayden has been a semifinalist for Stand Up NBC, a finalist for a comedy writing mentorship with "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee," a featured performer at Limestone Comedy Festival, and has opened and featured for Maria Bamford. Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for a night of laughs!
"Health and Wellness in the LGBTQ+ community: The Importance of Gender-affirming Care" — Thursday, April 18, 6-8:30 p.m., the State Theatre. The Borough of State College, Community Conferencing, Centre LGBT+ and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity are excited to announce the second event in our 2024 Community Conversations Series. Our topic will be: "Health and Wellness in the LGBT+ Community: The Importance of Gender-Affirming Care." Join us for a panel discussion and restorative circle.
Petals and Pride — Friday, April 19, 3-5 p.m., HUB LL011. Spring has sprung in the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity! Stop by and make a bouquet for the special person you’re taking to Pride Prom this year and learn about Victorian Flower Language and other forms of covert communication.
Super Gay 5K — Saturday, April 20, 9–11 a.m., Pollock Entrance of the HUB Robeson Center. Get ready for the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity’s annual Super Gay 5K! Run or walk our designated route across campus to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ population at Penn State. Register here as a runner/walker or volunteer by April 15th.
Graduate Student Pride Mixer — Tuesday, April 23, 4–6 p.m., Meet at Chumley’s. The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity invites Queer, Trans, and allied graduate students to join the us and the Graduates in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies for free food, conversation, and community as we celebrate Pride.
Late Night: Pre-Prom Mixer — Wednesday, April 24, 6–8 p.m., HUB LL011. One day before Pride Prom! Stop by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to pick up your ticket and meet other students who are planning on attending. Talk outfits, makeup, or make plans to meet up before the event tomorrow.
Penn State Pride Prom: Decadent Decades — Thursday, April 25, 6–10 p.m., Alumni Hall. The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity will be hosting the annual Penn State Pride Prom (formerly known as the Gayla). This year's theme is Decadent Decades! This night serves as a second chance prom for anyone who did not feel comfortable at their high school prom or for anyone who could not be their authentic selves. We welcome everyone to celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQ+ Penn State community and a successful semester. Register here by April 19 to receive a commemorative ticket.
Get OUTside for Pride — Saturday, April 27, noon-5 p.m., Stone Valley Recreation. Take a brain break with Counseling and Psychological Services, Outdoor Adventures, and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity at Stone Valley and enjoy climbing, kayaking, hiking and lawn games. Registration is required as space is limited.
Penn State Beaver
Drag Show — April 17, 7–9 p.m., Student Union Building Lodge. In April for Campus Pride Month Penn State Beaver will host a drag show featuring professional performers.
LGBTQ+You Club tabling event and clothing drive — April 22, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Brodhead Bistro. The LGBTQ+You Club will hold a tabling event and clothing drive; collected clothes will be donated to DeeWalk Promise Hands, a local women's shelter.
Penn State Berks
Pride Prom — April 21, 3 p.m., Multipurpose Room 2 at the Perkins Student Center.
Penn State Berks will host its first-ever Pride Prom, with a 1990s theme. The Pride Prom is open to faculty, staff, students and the public. Appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks will be served. $5 donations are requested but not required. Donations will benefit the Rainbow Alliance.
PRIDE Prom is hosted by Berks' Rainbow Alliance & The DEIB Committee with support from the Black Student Union, Campus Activity Board, THUN Library, Reading PRIDE, The LGBT Center of Greater Reading, Silk Lehigh Valley, The Bradbury Sullivan Center, and the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project.
Penn State Great Valley
Penn State Great Valley Campus Pride Luncheon and Film Screening: "The Lavender Scare" —Tuesday, April 9, noon–1:30 p.m. in GVM 130-131. In recognition and celebration of Campus Pride Month at Penn State, our Diversity Action Council will host a film screening of the documentary film, "The Lavender Scare" for faculty and staff. During the screening, we will also enjoy lunch and desserts from two local and LGBTQIA+ owned businesses, Aneu Kitchens and Cake Life.
"Stonewall: The Riot That Built a Community" with Mark Segal — Thursday, April 18, 7–9 p.m., School of Graduate Professional Studies in Malvern. Penn State Great Valley will host Mark Segal as he shares his experiences and contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Segal organized some of the earliest American LGBTQ+ organizations; helped plan the first pride march in 1970; founded the longest running LGBTQ+ weekly newspaper, the Philadelphia Gay News; and became one of the most important figures in the alternative gay press. Read more about Segal's talk here. Registration is required.
Penn State Harrisburg
Read 365 — Through April. Penn State Harrisburg Read 365 readers are selecting to read books that focus on Pride and LGBTQIAA+ books. For more information, please contact Alyson Garland, Diversity and Educational Equity Committee project lead at agg10@psu.edu.
Title IX Chat and Chew — April 18, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Olmsted W132, Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center. An opportunity for staff and faculty of the Penn State Harrisburg community to gather and learn about Title IX at Penn State and how to best support and get support for students that may be experiencing Title IX violations.
PRIDE Prom — April 23, 7–10 p.m., Capital Union Building, events room 210. Pride at Harrisburg is hosting PRIDE Prom for all LGBTQIAA+ students and allies of the Penn State Harrisburg Community.
National Day of Silence Event: "Silenced Voices" Screening — April 12, noon–1 p.m., Mukund Kulkarni Theatre. The National Day of Silence is an annual day of action to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of LGBTQIAA+ students. In honor of National Day of Silence, the Penn State Harrisburg production of “Silenced Voices” will be screened. This event will also include guest speakers from the campus community.
Penn State York
Drag Trivia Event — Wednesday, April 10, time and place TBA. Penn State York Student Affairs is hosting a drag trivia event on Wednesday, April 10, during unity week. This will be an interactive event to help educate students about LGBTQIA+ history. The event promotes self-acceptance, self-expression, and the diversity of gender and sexuality. Teams of three players each will compete in three rounds of trivia; in-between rounds, there will be two mini activities and a drag performance.