As part of Oakland Community College’s ongoing recognition and support of LGBTQ+ voices, culture and rights, OCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) and LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee are hosting a LGBTQ+ Awareness Series in October in recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month.
Distinct from Pride Month celebrating LBGTQ+ identities and community in June, LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated in October celebrating the many contributions and achievements of LGBTQ+ public figures.
According to the LGBT History Month website, LGBTQ+ History Month was founded in 1994 when Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
The OCC awareness and education series is designed to introduce key concepts and terminology to raise greater understanding, awareness and create a safe and welcoming space for all. This series will promote inclusiveness, with a special emphasis on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community.
Kristina Marshall, the College’s director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice, explains the series will promote inclusiveness, with a special emphasis on the LGBTQ+ community.
“We recognize that while belonging to the LGBTQ+ community can be a source of strength, it also brings unique challenges. This series is designed to introduce key concepts and terminology to raise greater understanding, awareness and create a safe and welcoming space for all,” she says.
OCC’s event series includes:
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- The Impact of Coming Out, October 11 from 4—5 p.m., Online
- Transgender 101: Basic Terminology and Pronouns, October 17 from 4—5 p.m., Online
- Allyship, October 23 from 4—5 p.m., Online
Additional OCC LGBTQ+ Clubs and Resources
OCC Queer Student Alliance Club: Welcomes students and allies to discuss LGBTQ+ experiences and socialize. Brittany Kelley, who serves as co-advisor for the Alliance with Nicole Castle-Kelly and Eric Charnesky, shared, “the Queer Student Alliance (QSA) is a safe, inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies at OCC to hang out, make new friends, share their authentic selves, and learn more about the diverse spectrums of gender and sexuality.” For more information visit OCC QSA.
OCC LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee: Identifies key areas of importance, programmatic interventions, and resources that support LGBTQ+ issues. Contact Kristina Marshall for more information.
Gender-neutral restrooms are available on all OCC campuses as part of the College's ongoing commitment to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. These restrooms are for anyone who prefers gender-neutral facilities including transgender individuals; fathers caring for their daughters or mothers caring for their sons while visiting campus; disabled individuals with a caretaker of a different gender assisting them, and more. Restrooms can be found on OCC’s Campus Maze maps.
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers nearly 100 degrees and certificates programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling with face-to-face and online options. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training with expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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