October is LGBT History Month—an annual observance of the histories, cultures, and contributions of LGBTQIA2S+ communities.
And queer history is our history.
We love the commitment of the U-M community in centering queer and trans joy, histories, and experiences through their educational events, social gatherings, and discussions.
Departments and student organizations will be hosting events throughout October—here, we've created a one-stop shop to find what's happening on campus for LGBT History Month.
Events across campus
Help us co-create this calendar by submitting your event. Posted events will also receive access to a special commemorative LGBT History Month badge they can append to their marketing materials.
EVENTS
QT Trivia Night: LGBT History Month Kickoff
October 1, 2024 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Palmer Commons, Great Lakes Room
Sponsored by Spectrum Center and the LGBT History Month Planning Committee
Enjoy an evening of celebration, joy, and queer and trans trivia as we kick off LGBT History Month! Join us for free good, prizes, and fun.
The Butch Closet: An installation by Phranc
October 1-25, 2024 | Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thayer Academic Building, Institute for the Humanities Gallery
Sponsored by Institute for the Humanities
In the multi-media installation The Butch Closet, artist Phranc illustrates her life stories as a queer artist, Jewish lesbian folk singer, and "cardboard cobbler." Phranc is the 2024 Woodhead Visiting Artist at the Institute for the Humanities.
Exhibit: Rafael Neis (KIN: Us and Our Kinds) + Anne Vettter (Love is Not the Last Room)
October 1 - December 6, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily
Lane Hall, first floor
Sponsored by the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, Department of Women's & Gender Studies, Frankel Center for Judaic Studies, and CEW+
In fall 2024, the Lane Hall exhibit space will feature works by two exciting visual artists: Rafael Neis and Anne Vetter.
Tucking into Fall
October 2, 2024 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Virtual
Sponsored by Spectrum Center
An interactive workshop and safe tucking tutorial with Dee Church. Church is a trans-centered therapist focused on sexual well-being, trauma, and non-traditional relationships, with lived experience. In a community-style discussion, we'll also discuss how to safely tuck and mitigate risks.
Ahava Rosh Hashana Dinner
October 2, 2024 | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
201 N. Ashley
Sponsored by Ahava
[Registration required] Ahava—an LGBTQ student organization at U-M—invites you to Rosh Hashana Dinner.
Integrating Gender-Diverse Language into the Romance Curriculum
October 2, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Modern Language Building 4313, RLL Commons
Sponsored by Romance Languages and Literatures
The speakers at the event will include Sabine Gabaron (for French), Michela Russo (for Italian), Maria Teresa Segarra Costaguta Mattos (for Portuguese), Félix Zamora Gómez (for Spanish), and Nick Henrickson (for Spanish). Lunch will be served.
The Vernacular(ized) Queer: Kothis, Hijras, and LGBTQ Politics in India
October 4, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Lane Hall, 2239
Sponsored by Center for South Asian Studies
Explore how Indian political and public developments have resulted in selective and constrained forms of representation and upward mobility for non-elite, non-metropolitan communities such as kothis and hijras.
Jonathan Van Ness Gets Curious About Voting
October 4, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Michigan Theater
Sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and Michigan Theater
[Ticket required] Join Jonathan Van Ness for a live recording of his "Getting Curious" podcast, themed on Getting Out the Vote, which will feature U-M scholars and students, and prominent public officials. The event is a ticketed event exclusively for the University of Michigan community and will include voices from across campus.
Ballroom in the Basement Kiki Ball
October 5, 2024 | 11:00 p.m.
Walgreen Drama Center, Newman Studio 1
Sponsored by Notably Black and Gay and Basement Arts
NBG is so excited to bring back its ballroom competition series!! Come kiki—get your 10s at the first “Ballroom in the Basement” Kiki Ball!!
LGBTQ+ VR Museum Open House
October 7-10, 2024 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Modern Languages Building, 2001
Sponsored by Digital Studies Institute; Spectrum Center; IRWG; and the Center for Ethics, Society, and Computing
Disrupting gatekeeping and erasure of marginalized voices, DiVRse Technologies uses VR to share stories and artifacts curated directly from the queer community. Layers of interactive content appear and respond to visitors' emotions in real time as they explore the VR museum.
How to Flourish: Sexual Health
October 8, 2024 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center, Spectrum Center, and Notably Black and Gay
Workshop Series designed to help first-year students flourish throughout their time at U-M. Rooted in the 8 dimensions of wellness identified in the Wolverine Wellness Wheel.
F.A.M. Friday: National Coming Out Day
October 11, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center, MPR 1-3
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center, Spectrum Center, and Notably Black and Gay
Join us on National Coming Out Day for F.A.M. Fridays. F.A.M. Fridays is a series that will celebrates culture through Food, Art, & Music on the second Friday of each month. We will explore the different foods our campus community and the larger Ann Arbor community has to offer.
The Queer Arab Glossary: A Book Talk with Marwan Kaabour
October 11, 2024 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Michigan Union, Wolverine Room
Sponsored by Global South Gender and Sexuality (GS2) Collective, Institute for Research on Women and Gender, Women's and Gender Studies, Global Islamic Studies Center, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, U-M Library
[Join webinar] Join the GS2 Collective and partners for an exciting event with artist and graphic designer Marwan Kaabour, editor of The Queer Arab Glossary (2024).
Little Mx. Live Laugh Love: A Compassionate Competition feat. Latrice Royale
October 13, 2024 | 4:00 p.m.
Necto, 516 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI
Sponsored by Runway Rumble, Arts Initiative, and Necto
Semi-finals of Runway Rumble's 7-part fall series. This event will be in the style of a drag pageant with competitors presenting to a panel of fabulous judges. Categories will include creative wear, talent, and an interview in the spirit of the Arts Initiative’s Take Care focus.
Pronouns 101 (International Pronouns Day)
October 16, 2024 | 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Michigan Union, Wolverine Room
Sponsored by Spectrum Center
[Registration required] Spectrum Center's Pronouns 101 workshop is for U-M faculty, staff, and students interested in creating a culture of LGBTQIA2S+ inclusivity in their personal and professional lives. During this 2-hour interactive workshop, participants will learn about pronouns, gender inclusive language, and the significance to queer and trans communities.
Gender Affirming Clothing Closet
October 16, 2024 | 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
October 17, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Michigan Union, Spectrum Center (3020)
Sponsored by Spectrum Center
Check out a collection of clothing from the U-M community and take home whatever you find that makes you feel great. A variety of clothing and accessories will be available as well as a space for folks to try any clothing on!
Election Insights: Impact on LGBTQIA2S+ Communities with Naomi Goldberg
October 17, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Michigan Union, Pond Room
Sponsored by Spectrum Center and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
[Registration required] Join us for a lunch and learn with U-M Ford School alum Naomi Goldberg (MPP '08). Naomi is executive director of Movement Advancement Project and a trusted expert on the topics of LGBTQ data inclusion, laws impacting LGBTQ parents, and various federal policy issues.
LGBTQ+ Student Resource and Connection Fair
October 17, 2024 | 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
West Quad, The Connector
Sponsored by Michigan Housing Diversity and Inclusion
Are you an LGBTQ+ student on campus looking for support? Stop by the Connector in West Quad for our resource and connection fair! Come by for snacks, fun, information and to build your own wellness bag.
Center Awareness Day Open House
October 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Michigan Union, Spectrum Center (3020)
Sponsored by Spectrum Center
Learn about the center, meet the staff team, get connected with other students, get resources, play games, get prizes, and enjoy light refreshments. Never been to the center? This is a great time to visit for the first time!
A Conversation with Sandra Cisneros
October 18, 2024 | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Rackham Auditorium
Sponsored by Latina/o Studies, Rackham Graduate School, MESA, American Culture, OAMI, LSA Opportunity Hub, and Department of English Language and Literature
[Register] Sandra Cisneros is a poet, novelist, and essayist whose work explores the lives of the working-class. Autographed copies of her beloved novel, The House on Mango Street, wil be available for attendees.
What is Asexuality?
October 20, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Spectrum Center, Michigan Union 3020
Sponsored by Spectrum Center
Join us in celebrating the asexual community at U-M during Ace Week! We kick things off with "What is Asexuality Week?" on Sunday, October 20th, from 2:00-3:00 PM followed by "Community and Cookies" on Monday October 21st from 3:00-4:30 PM and closing with "Ace Crafting" on October 26th from 3:00-4:00 PM. All events are hosted in the Spectrum Center and open to all U-M students.
Community and Cookies
October 21, 2024 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Spectrum Center, Michigan Union 3020
Sponsored by Spectrum Center
Join us in celebrating the asexual community at U-M during Ace Week! We kick things off with "What is Asexuality Week?" on Sunday, October 20th, from 2:00-3:00 PM followed by "Community and Cookies" on Monday October 21st from 3:00-4:30 PM and closing with "Ace Crafting" on October 26th from 3:00-4:00 PM. All events are hosted in the Spectrum Center and open to all U-M students.
How Did We Get Here? Queer and Trans Athletes in Sports
LGBT History Month keynote by Katie Barnes
October 23, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
UMMA, Helmut Stern Auditorium
Sponsored by Spectrum Center; Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Michigan Athletics; UMMA; and Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Join us for an interview-style talkback and Q&A with ESPN sports journalist Katie Barnes who will discuss their work covering transgender student athletes.
Ace Crafting
October 26, 2024 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Spectrum Center, Michigan Union 3020
Sponsored by Spectrum Center
Join us in celebrating the asexual community at U-M during Ace Week! We kick things off with "What is Asexuality Week?" on Sunday, October 20th, from 2:00-3:00 PM followed by "Community and Cookies" on Monday October 21st from 3:00-4:30 PM and closing with "Ace Crafting" on October 26th from 3:00-4:00 PM. All events are hosted in the Spectrum Center and open to all U-M students.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
October 25 and 26, 2024 | 8:00 p.m.
East Quad, Keene Theatre
Sponsored by RC Players
RC Players proudly presents our annual shadow cast performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Interactive timeline: Queer history at U-M
Explore key moments from the 1960s to present day—from advocacy to action, policies to people, and queer conferences to court cases.
View photos, watch videos, and take a tour through time in our new interactive timeline.
Download our marketing toolkit
Student organizations and schools, departments, and units can download and use our pre-designed LGBT History Month marketing toolkit, which includes:
- slides for your building's digital signage—horizontal and vertical orientations, 2k and 4k resolutions
- social media graphics—square and vertical
Slides are also available in the U-M Digital Signage Community Content Feed.
Planning committee
LGBT History Month at U-M is coordinated by Spectrum Center, guided and led by a campus-wide team of passionate students, staff, and faculty.
- Patrick Kazyak-Albaladejo Muñiz, The Program on Intergroup Relations
- Kat E. Nic, Services for Students with Disabilities
- Christine Neejer, Medical School
- Jordan Rhym, Spectrum Center
Have any questions?
Contact [email protected]