Carbondale Reporter

Poetry, panel discussions and personal-safety training are among the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale-sponsored events scheduled throughout October on campus to celebrate LGBTQ History Month.

All LGBTQ History Month events are free, with one exception — the Rainbow Café Gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship, 105 N. Parrish Lane — for which tickets cost $35.

Free activities launch officially with a kick-off poetry event at 5 p.m. Oct. 5 in Lawson Hall’s Room 151, titled “Black and Brown Queer Reflections,” featuring local poets and students.

On a more serious note, Emery Johnson-Miles and Jasmin Creek will moderate a brown-bag discussion at noon on Oct. 18 in the Student Services Building’s Room 150 about a subject not often publicized: domestic violence in the LGBTQ community. Event leaders want students to know that this event will serve as a resource to locate assistance for victims, as well as provide food for thought.

Throughout October, “SafeZone” sessions will be offered on campus to help the public better understand LGBTQ culture, including a primer on terminology and alliances. SafeZone spots will feature guest speakers, presentations, tea, photo opportunities and informational tables.

The month’s final formal event is scheduled for 5 p.m. Oct. 27 in the Student Center’s Old Main Dining Room, titled “Beyond the Lights: A Talk with Julie and Alex,” with local drag performers Julie and Alex Socorro talking informally about their lives, answering questions, and striving to connect the campus and area residents with the drag community.

Many sponsors helped make the project possible. For more information, residents can visit www.smrc.siu.edu or call 618-453-5627.