PRIDE MONTH
OU Pride Month is a university-wide collaboration, presenting opportunities to celebrate, empower, and learn from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA/LGBTQ+) community.
In the U.S., Pride Month is traditionally celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall uprising in Manhattan, a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement. Today, Pride Month events attract millions of participants worldwide. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history on local, national, and international levels. At Oakland University, we celebrate Pride Month from mid-March to mid-April, traditionally concluding with Lavender Graduation.
Click here to add the Pride Month events calendar to your Google Calendar.
In addition to the events listed below, Gender Together and QTPOC@OU will take place as usual.
4th Annual BBQueer Pride Month Kickoff
Monday, March 9th from Noon - 2 PM in 159 NFH
Join us as we kick off Pride Month with our 4th Annual BBQueer. Enjoy free food, games, music, and more!
Sponsored by OU GSC, OU LGBTQIA ERG, and Magna.
SAFE on Campus Training
Tuesday, March 10th from Noon - 1:30 PM on Zoom
Whether you've been SAFE (Students, Administrators and Faculty for Equality) trained in the past or this is your first time, you're invited to join us in learning! SAFE Training has provided the campus community with basic information about LGBTQ+ identities and active allyship since 2003. Our SAFE Training curriculum is ever evolving, and formally updated annually.
Presented by OU GSC.
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: Understanding Food Insecurity
Wednesday, March 11th from 3 - 5 PM in 159 NFH
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week we'll be joined by a guest speaker from our Golden Grizzlies Pantry to help us better understand the realities of food insecurity and the role of mutual aid efforts in combatting it.
Facilitated by Golden Grizzlies Pantry. Sponsored by OU GSC.
Sapphic & Lesbian Community Night (PowerPoint Night)
Wednesday, March 11th from 5 - 7 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for community and education centering sapphic and lesbian identities/communities. This month we’ll be hosting PowerPoint Night! Create a presentation about anything related to sapphic/lesbian/WLW identities, people, events, etc. to share with the group. (For example: Why A League Of Their Own deserved a second season.) It can be silly or serious, super short or up to 20 minutes long. We can’t wait to learn more about you!
Facilitated by OU GSC.
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: CPR, AED & First Aid Certification *REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
Wednesday, March 18th from 3 - 5 PM in Pioneer Room (Rec)
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week, we’re getting CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified! Must register in advance. Cost will be covered by the GSC.
Facilitated by OU RecWell. Sponsored by OU GSC.
Multisexual Community Night (PowerPoint Night)
Wednesday, March 18th from 5 - 7 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for community and education centering bisexual, pansexual, queer and other multisexual identities/communities. This month we’ll be hosting PowerPoint Night! Create a presentation about anything related to bisexual/pansexual/queer identities, people, events, etc. to share with the group. (For example: What bisexual means to me.) It can be silly or serious, super short or up to 20 minutes long. We can’t wait to learn more about you!
Facilitated by OU GSC.
Gender Affirming Clothing Swap
Thursday, March 19th at 3 PM in Hillcrest Hall (2nd Floor Lounge)
Bring your old clothes to exchange them with other residents! This gives you a chance to find a new home for clothes that don't fit your gender identity, or otherwise don't want anymore!
7th Annual Larrabee Lecture featuring Mayor Mike McGuinness
Thursday, March 19th at 5 PM in 159 NFH
Join us as we welcome distinguished OU alumnus, newly elected mayor of Pontiac, Mike McGuinness as our keynote speaker. In addition to serving as OU's first openly gay Student Congress President, Mayor McGuinness played a vital role in the creation of OU's Gender and Sexuality Center and has continued to break barriers as an openly gay public servant ever since.
Sponsored by the Tim Larrabee Memorial Lecture Fund, Magna, and OU GSC.
The Courage to Right a Woman's Wrongs
Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th in Varner Studio Theatre.
Experience The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs, Ana Caro’s sharp and spirited comedy filled with intrigue, wit, and unexpected turns. The play follows Leonor as she boldly transforms herself into “Leonardo,” crossing borders and defying the social expectations of her time to pursue her unfaithful lover, Juan, all the way to Brussels. Disguised as a man, Leonor navigates a world of duels, deception, and desire, earning the admiration of gentlemen and the affections of ladies as she uses her quick mind and keen sword to seek justice and restore her honor. This lively Golden Age masterpiece blends humor, adventure, and social commentary in a story that feels as fresh and compelling today as it did centuries ago.
A note from Blake, GSC Coordinator: I had the privilege to be invited to watch the show's first dress rehearsal and was asked to provide feedback on the queer/trans representation. While aspects of this show may contradict with modern understandings of gender identity, the play's queerness and gender nonconformity are a marvel to witness. It is meaningful to see how these topics, and their deep interconnections, were being considered and discussed hundreds of years ago. While she/her pronouns are used for Leonor/Leonardo in official descriptions of the play, it should be noted that Leonor does indeed assert an identity outside of "woman". The production features multiple canonically queer storylines, and features actors of many genders portraying characters with a wide variety of gender identities and expressions. This production is a deepened queering of an already queer story, with performances by queer and trans performers that you won't want to miss!
Drag Queen Bingo at Pronto (Royal Oak)
Friday, March 20th at 5 PM (Bus Departure Time)
Tickets on Sale at the OSI Service Window - $25 for students, $30 for guests.
MUST RIDE PROVIDED BUS THERE AND BACK!
Sponsored by SPB.
Movement & Meaning: Queer Stories in Motion
Monday, March 23rd at 7 PM in Varner Recital Hall
Movement & Meaning: Queer Stories in Motion is an expressive evening of dance and mental health awareness that centers the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals through movement. Featuring performances by Oakland University dancers, each piece explores mental health issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community, including societal attitudes toward and oppression of LGBTQ+ persons, suicide, anxiety, substance use, and LGBTQ+ resilience.
Between dance pieces, Graduate Counseling Students will share brief educational insights about the mental health issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities, helping the audience to connect the movement they see on stage with real-world experiences and research. Following the performances, audience members are invited to remain for a panel discussion that will further explore the themes presented, the intersection of dance and mental health, and the importance of affirming care and community support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Sponsored by The Pride Project (OU Department of Counseling) and the OU Department of Dance.
Through OU Student Eyes: WGS Film Festival
Tuesday, March 24th at 4 PM at Meadowbrook Theatre (Wilson Hall)
Join the Women & Gender Studies department in this annual celebration of identity, community, belonging, gender, and sexuality.
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: Legal Observer Training *REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
Wednesday, March 25th from 3 - 5 PM in 159 NFH
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. Legal Observers are volunteers trained by the National Lawyers Guild who attend demonstrations to:
- Monitor and document law enforcement behavior toward activists
- Work with NLG attorneys to coordinate arrest support for activists on the ground
- Serve as a deterrent to unconstitutional behavior by law enforcement
All attendees MUST register prior to this event.
Facilitated by the National Lawyers Guild. Sponsored by OU GSC.
Asexual & Aromantic Community Night (PowerPoint Night)
Wednesday, March 25th from 5 - 7 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for community and education centering asexual and aromantic identities/communities. This month we’ll be hosting PowerPoint Night! Create a presentation about anything related to asexual/aromantic identities, people, events, etc. to share with the group. (For example: Things I wish people would stop asking me as an aromantic person.) It can be silly or serious, super short or up to 20 minutes long. We can’t wait to learn more about you!
Facilitated by OU GSC.
Transgender Day of Visibility: Day of Learning
Tuesday, March 30th from 10 AM - 4 PM in 159 NFH
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is celebrated around the world on March 31st each year - but we're celebrating a day early. Join us for a day of workshops, open for all, to learn how to better understand and support transgender/nonbinary communities.
Sponsored by OU GSC and Magna.
3rd Annual Trans Visibility March
Monday, March 30th beginning at 4 PM (Departing from 159 NFH)
In 2024, following the death of Nex Benedict, OU students took it upon themselves to create a new TDOV tradition, marching through campus making their presence known, demanding that the campus community recognize the harms faced by kids like Nex who grow into young adults such as themselves. This year we will continue this tradition, bravely choosing to be seen in a world which often seeks to silence us - and standing alongside those in our community who need our support.
Facilitated by SAGE.
Transgender & Nonbinary Community Night (PowerPoint Night)
Monday, March 30th from 5 - 7 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for community and education centering transgender, nonbinary, agender, and gender nonconforming identities/communities. This month we’ll be hosting PowerPoint Night! Create a presentation about anything related to transgender/nonbinary identities, people, events, etc. to share with the group. (For example: Why I use neopronouns.) It can be silly or serious, super short or up to 20 minutes long. We can’t wait to learn more about you!
Facilitated by OU GSC.
21st Annual Drag Show
Tuesday, March 31st in Oakland Center Banquet Rooms
Doors Open at 6 PM, Show Begins at 7 PM
Your favorite day of the year is finally here! Join us for our 21st Annual OU Drag Show featuring Sabin and a cast of all star local performers, plus student amateur drag debuts! Plus free food!
Presented by SAGE and OU GSC, with generous support from Magna, OUSC and SAFB. Co-sponsored by...TBD
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: BCon Training
Wednesday, April 1st from 3 - 5 PM in 159 NFH
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week we'll participate in BCon (Bleeding Control) Training. This is an essential life skill for everyone!
Facilitated by OU GSC.
11th Annual Pride Prom
Wednesday, April 1st from 7 - 10 PM in OC Ballrooms
Prom wasn't the best experience for all of us, so let's do it right! Join us as we celebrate our 11th year of Pride Prom - the queer and gender affirming dance party and game night you never knew you needed. Free food, tons of fun!
Sponsored by SAGE, OU GSC, Magna and more TBD.
Read with Pride: A Browse & Borrow Event
Tuesday, April 7th from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM in 242 Kresge Library (Nyberg Room)
Come explore hundreds of LGBTQ+ themed and authored books on display, both fiction and nonfiction titles. All books are available for checkout. There will be coloring page bookmarks, pride buttons and stickers, as well as other giveaways. All are welcome!
Presented by OU Libraries
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: Information Literacy
Wednesday, April 8th from 3 - 5 PM in 159 NFH
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week we will learn how to identify reliable sources, the importance of learning about issues from many perspectives, and identifying fake/inaccurate information/propaganda.
Facilitated by OU GSC.
Achillean & Gay Community Night (PowerPoint Night)
Wednesday, April 8th from 5 - 7 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for community and education centering Achillean and gay (male/man/masc) identities/communities. This month we’ll be hosting PowerPoint Night! Create a presentation about anything related to gay/achillean/MLM identities, people, events, etc. to share with the group. (For example: My Heated Rivalry headcanons.) It can be silly or serious, super short or up to 20 minutes long. We can’t wait to learn more about you!
Facilitated by OU GSC.
13th Annual Lavender Graduation
Thursday, April 9th from 5 -7 PM
Celebrating 2026 LGBTQ+ and Ally Graduates.
Winter (April) 2026, Summer (August) 2026, and Fall (December) 2026 Graduates: Register by March 15th.
Sponsored by OU GSC and Magna.
3rd Annual BBQueer Pride Month Kickoff
Monday, March 10th from Noon - 2 PM in 159 NFH
Join us as we kick off Pride Month with our 2nd Annual BBQueer. Enjoy free food, games, music, and more!
Sponsored by OU GSC, OU LGBTQIA ERG, and Magna
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: Enacting Mutual Aid at OU
Wednesday, March 12th from 3 - 5 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week we will focus on how we can enact mutual aid at OU.
QTPOC @ OU Weekly Meeting: Being QTPOC in This Political Climate
Thursday, March 13th from 5 - 6 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of QTPOC @ OU, a space centering the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ People of Color. This week, we will focus on providing space to process how it feels to be a QTPOC in this political climate and building networks of support.
Lavender Brunch & Bingo
Tuesday, March 18th from 6 - 8 PM in Hillcrest Hall Classroom 306
Join us as we celebrate our newest LGBTQ+ campus community space, Lavender Village LLC, which welcomed residents for the first time this year. And what does a community of LGBTQ+ people and allies do to celebrate a new beginning? Late night brunch and bingo, of course! Come on down to Hillcrest Hall and join in a gay ol’ time in the spirit of queer tradition!
Sponsored by Lavender Village LLC, RLA and SAGE
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: Drag is Political
Wednesday, March 19th from 3 - 5 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week we will learn about the political history and power of drag.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Thursday, March 20th at Noon on Zoom
OU Libraries welcomes Dr. Michael Chaney, OU Associate Professor (SEHS - Counseling) to discuss the unique mental health needs of LGBTQ+ communities, and provide guidance on best practices for suicide prevention and intervention work with LGBTQ+ populations.
QTPOC @ OU Weekly Meeting: Ballroom & Drag QTPOC History
Thursday, March 20th from 5 - 6 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of QTPOC @ OU, a space centering the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ People of Color. This week, we will be discussing Ballroom and Drag history in queer/trans communities of color.
20th Annual Drag Show
Tuesday, March 25th
Doors Open at 6 PM, Show Begins at 7 PM
Oakland Center - Ballrooms
Your favorite day of the year is finally here! Join us for our 20th Annual OU Drag Show featuring Sabin and a cast of all star local performers, plus student amateur drag debuts! Plus free food!
Presented by SAGE and OU GSC, with generous support from Magna and SAFB. Co-sponsored by OUSC, College Democrats at OU, Grizzlies Anime Club, Michigan Coalition for Human Rights at OU, Women in Computing (WIC), and RAINBOW.
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: Trans Visibility, Advocacy, and Allyship
Wednesday, March 26th from 3 - 5 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week we will plan for next week's Trans Visibility events, and learn how to be trans affirming leaders.
QTPOC @ OU Weekly Meeting: Celebrating Black Trans Visionaries
Thursday, March 27th from 5 - 6 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of QTPOC @ OU, a space centering the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ People of Color. This week, we will be discussing Black transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming visionaries and revolutionaries.
Transgender Day of Visibility: Day of Action
Monday, March 31st from 10 AM - 4 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is celebrated around the world on March 31st each year. This year OU will acknowledge TDOV through three days of programming, starting with our Day of Action. Join us in the GSC as we prepare for our 2nd Annual Trans Visibility March
2nd Annual Trans Visibility March
Monday, March 31st beginning at 4 PM (Starting Point TBD)
In 2024, following the death of Nex Benedict, OU students took it upon themselves to create a new TDOV tradition, marching through campus making their presence known, demanding that the campus community recognize the harms faced by kids like Nex who grow into young adults such as themselves. This year we will continue this tradition, bravely choosing to be seen in a world which often seeks to silence us - and standing alongside those in our community who need our support.
Gender Affirming Resource Fair
Tuesday, April 1st from Noon - 3:30 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Stop by the Gender and Sexuality Center to learn about on campus, local, and national resources focused on gender affirming care, gender exploration, and creating inclusive communities.
Gender Together Support Group meeting to follow, as scheduled.
6th Annual Larrabee Lecture featuring Rachel Crandall Crocker
Wednesday, April 2nd at 1 PM in 159 NFH
We are honored to welcome local legend, Rachel Crandall Crocker, creator of Transgender Day of Visibility and co-founder of Transgender Michigan, as the keynote speaker for our 6th Annual Tim Larrabee Memorial Lecture. Join us as we learn from Rachel about the local history of trans activism, creating TDOV, and continuing her activism throughout her storied career.
Sponsored by the Tim Larrabee Memorial Lecture Fund, OU GSC and Magna
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: What We Learned from Rachel Crandall Crocker
Wednesday, April 2nd from 3 - 5 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week we will debrief Rachel Crandall Crocker's Larrabee Lecture keynote speech.
Sponsored by OU GSC and Magna
QTPOC @ OU’s End of of the Semester Celebration
Thursday, April 3rd from 5 - 7 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of QTPOC @ OU, a space centering the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ People of Color. This week is our end of the semester celebration! Join in community, grab a plate, and kick back!
Sponsored by OU GSC and Magna
10th Annual Pride Prom
Thursday, April 3rd from 7 - 10 PM in OC Ballrooms
Prom wasn't the best experience for all of us, so let's do it right! Join us as we celebrate our 10th year of Pride Prom - the queer and gender affirming dance party and game night you never knew you needed. Free food, tons of fun!
Sponsored by SAGE and Magna
The Queer Agenda Weekly Meeting: Planning for Summer 2025
Wednesday, April 9th from 3 - 5 PM in the GSC (104J NFH)
Join us for our weekly meeting of the Queer Agenda, where LGBTQ+ students and allies work together to grow as leaders, build political literacy, and engage in mutual aid. This week we will discuss how this group may continue to work together throughout the upcoming Summer semester.
12th Annual Lavender Graduation
Thursday, April 10th from 5 -7 PM
Celebrating 2025 LGBTQ+ and Ally Graduates.
Winter (April) 2025, Summer (August) 2025, and Fall (December) 2025 Graduates: Register by March 21st.
Sponsored by OU GSC and Magna
2nd Annual BBQueer Pride Month Kickoff
Monday, March 11
Sponsored by LGBTQIA Employee Resource Group, GSC, Magna
Serving Up Knowledge: Drag Show Etiquette and Drag Culture
Wednesday, March 13
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
LIGHT Discussion: Unpacking Racism
Monday, March 18
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
19th Annual Drag Show
Tuesday, March 19
Sponsored by GSA, Magna, GSC, YDSA, OU College Democrats, Grizzlies for Choice, OUSC
SAFE Training
Thursday, March 21
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
Pronouns 101
Monday, March 25
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
9th Annual Pride Prom
Tuesday, March 26
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
Book Club: How to They/Them
Wednesday, March 27
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
5th Annual Larrabee Lecture with Stuart Getty
Wednesday, March 27
Sponsored by the Tim Larrabee Memorial Lecture Fund, GSC and Magna
Queer Representation in Film and TV
Thursday, March 28
Sponsored and presented by OU Libraries
QTPOC Discussion Group
Thursday, March 28
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
Fostering Safe Spaces for Queer Students
Thursday, March 28
Sponsored by KDP, GSC and Magna
WGS Awards
Monday, April 1
Sponsored and presented by Women & Gender Studies
Drag Queen Bingo
Wednesday, April 3
Sponsored and presented by SPB
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Live on Stage
Friday, April 5
Sponsored and presented by SPB and OSI
Suicide Prevention Walk
Sunday, April 7
Campus-wide initiative supported by GSC and GSA
LIGHT Discussion: Autistic Trans and Queer Pride
Monday, April 8
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
Pronouns 101
Tuesday, April 9
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
LGBTQ+ Professionals Panel
Wednesday, April 10
Sponsored by the Career & Life Design Center, GSC, Magna, Enterprise
11th Annual Lavender Graduation
Thursday, April 11
Sponsored by the GSC and Magna
3rd Annual Time Larrabee Memorial Lecture Pride Month 2022 Opening Ceremony Featuring Comedian Brittany Ashley
Date: March 14, 2022
Time: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Location: Oakland Center, Banquet Room B or https://oakland-edu.zoom.us/j/99998822910?pwd=cnZuSzcvWlJtK0RrVzA0NXpKMVdpUT09
Celebrate Pride by Sharing a Great Book
Date: March 14-April 15
Time: N/A
Location: Educational Resources Lab (ERL) in Pawley Hall
Drag Bingo
Date: March 15, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Oakland Center Banquet Rooms
Women and Gender Studies Film Festival
Date: March 19, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: HHB 1050
Our Transcestors
Date: March 21, 2022
Time: Noon-1:00 PM
Location: https://oakland-edu.zoom.us/j/6601203585
SMTD Celebrates Pride
Date: March 23, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: https://oakland-edu.zoom.us/j/6601203585
OU Libraries’ Gaylor Collection: A Panel Discussion
Date: March 27, 2022
Time: Noon-1:00 PM
Location: bit.ly/3rw8ZwW Password: library
Affirmative Wellness Counseling with LGBTQ+ Adults
Date: March 28, 2022
Time: Noon-1:00 PM
Location: https://oakland-edu.zoom.us/j/6601203585
Pride Month Book Club
Date: March 29, 2022
Time: Noon-1:00 PM
Location: https://oakland-edu.zoom.us/j/6601203585
GSA’s 17th Annual Drag Show
Date: March 31, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: OC Banquet Rooms A&B
Tie Dye with Pride
Date: Apr 8, 2022
Time: Noon-2:00 PM
Location: Oak View Front Lawn
Pride Prom
Date: Apr 9, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: OC Gold Rooms
Lavender Graduation Celebration and Awards
Date: Apr 14, 2022
Time: Noon-1:30 PM
Location: OC Banquet Room A
Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC)
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-4336
gsc@oakland.edu
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hours may vary during Summer semester.