09/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 16:15
September 27, 2024
by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The founder of LGBTQ+ History Month is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale as part of university's monthlong celebration in October.
With the theme of "Reclaiming Queer History," it is a special year as SIU marks the 20th anniversary of commemorating LGBTQ+ History Month on campus and the 30th national anniversary of the month, according to Juniper Oxford, coordinator of the LGBTQ Resource Center.
"We are particularly excited to reveal many of our future goals of the LGBTQ Resource Center, share in discussions about reclaiming queer history both on campus and in the local community, and welcome Rodney Wilson to our campus as our keynote," Oxford said. "Wilson is the creator of LGBTQ+ History Month and the first out high school teacher in the state of Missouri. It's not just about being here and being queer but also showing that we have been here and have always been around. Our LGBTQ+ campus community is brimming with excitement about these upcoming events; we have something nearly every day of the month this year. Every ally on campus and in our local community is not only welcome but encouraged to show up and support."
All events are free and open to the public, with the exception of the Safe Zone trainings, which are geared toward SIU faculty and staff.
Kickoff is Oct. 1
The LGBTQ+ History Month kickoff celebration is set for noon Oct. 1 at the John C. Guyon Auditorium in Morris Library. The event will feature remarks from representatives of various LGBTQ+ organizations including the LGBTQ Resource Center, the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Council, the Saluki Rainbow Network and the Lavender Alumni Network.
Afterward, there will be an LGBTQ+ Resource Fair in the library rotunda, and two special exhibits will be unveiled in the Hall of Presidents and Chancellors. The LGBTQ+ exhibits, which will be open for viewing all month from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, include a photovoice exhibit by Golden Rainbows of Illinois South and a retrospective exhibit created by the LGBTQ Resource Center and the library's Special Collections Resource Center.
"Celebrating the Center's History and Future" at 2 p.m. Oct. 8 in the library's Hall of Presidents and Chancellor will focus on the history of LGBTQ+ History Month and its celebration at SIU, including a retrospective.
Wilson advocates for LGBTQ+ rights
Wilson will speak at 3 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Student Center Auditorium. Refreshments will follow in the International Lounge.
In 1994, Wilson came out to his students at Mehlville High School in the metro St. Louis area while teaching a history lesson about the Holocaust. Then just in his 20s, he explained that if he had lived in Germany during World War II, he would have been imprisoned and killed by the Nazis for being gay. He was nearly fired afterward, but the strong and fast outcry received coverage on national media outlets, including Dateline NBC, Newsweek and the Ricki Lake Show. The short documentary "Taboo Teaching" tells Wilson's story.
Discussion will feature diverse voices, cinema highlights queer films
An intergenerational panel comprising queer students and adults will focus on the theme "Reclaiming Queer History" at 1 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Student Services Building, Rooms 150/160.
A series of queer cinema events focusing on LGBTQ+ themes will be shown at the Guyon Auditorium except the last one, which will be at the Sharp Museum Auditorium in Faner Hall. Popcorn, candy, giveaways and a wrap-up discussion will be included.
The schedule includes:
Variety show, coffee, dinner/dialogue and more
Numerous other activities are planned as well in October. Highlights include:
Find additional information, including the complete schedule of events, on the website for the LGBTQ Resource Center, which is a unit of the Student Multicultural Resource Center.
Sponsors include the LGBTQ Resource Center; the Student Multicultural Resource Center; the Office of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Council; the Saluki Rainbow Network; Special Collections Resource Center/Morris Library; Wellness and Health Promotion Services; Counseling and Psychological Services; Student Health Services; Hispanic Latino Resource Center; Career Development Center; Lavender Alumni Network; No Shame Theater; School of Communication Studies; Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies; Career Development Center; Saluki Furry Society; Cine Club; the City of Carbondale; the Rainbow Café; the League of Women Voters of Jackson County; the Carbondale Park District, and Golden Rainbows of Illinois South.