October marks LGBTQ+ History Month, and to celebrate, several campus organizations are collaborating to host virtual events. They’ll be put on by various campus organizations including the Office of Student Involvement, the Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives, the University Program Board, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Gender Studies. (graphic by the Office of Student Involvement)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis Office of Student Involvement and the Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives kicked off LGBTQ+ History Month with a short digital event last week.

The event had been scheduled to take place at the Millennium Student Center, but precautions to stem the spread of COVID-19 caused this year’s event to be held virtually on Thursday. Mindy Dilley, associate director of student involvement, addressed virtual attendees, giving background on LGBTQ+ History Month and going over the month’s slate of activities.

“A lot of folks have put in a lot of work into these events to really make this month an education opportunity for all of us,” Dilley said.  “Even though it’s unprecedented times, it’s still important that we celebrate this history month and educate one another on the importance of these folks in our lives.”

There will be five more events throughout the month – the next being “Tea Time: QTPOC Meetup” at noon Thursday. Dilley said the Office of Student Involvement will sponsor the discussion, which will be held via Zoom. It will be an opportunity for people to network and socialize.

Other events, also to be held via Zoom, will include a Safe Zone student training, a painting night, an out at work discussion and a discussion about relationships titled, “The Language of Love: Partners, Friends and the Movement Away From Heteronormativity.”

They’ll be put on by various campus organizations including the Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives, the University Program Board, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Gender Studies.

“I just really want to send out a huge thank you to the LGBTQ+ History Month Planning Committee,” Dilley said of the collaborative effort.

In addition to the month’s programming, the Office of Student Involvement also put together an LGBTQ+ History Month playlist that can be found on the organization’s YouTube channel.

“There’s some great stuff on there,” Dilley said.

Those interested can find more information on the Office of Student Involvement’s website.

“I cannot wait to see you at some of these events,” Dilley said.

The full list of events:

• Oct. 8: Tea Time: QTPOC Meetup, noon via Zoom
• Oct. 13: Safe Zone Student Training, 1 p.m. via Zoom
• Oct. 16: Paint Night, 7 p.m. via Zoom
• Oct. 22: Out @ Work, 6 p.m. via Zoom
• Oct. 27: The Language of Love: Partners, Friends and the Movement Away From Heteronormativity, 6 p.m. via Zoom