Fresno State will have a variety of events in October for LGBTQ2+ History Month, which recognizes the history and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and two-spirit communities across the United States.
The programs and activities listed below are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
Here is a list of events in October, open to the public:
Oct. 6: “[BANNED] Stories, [CENSORED] Lives: A Panel on Harm and Resiliency in Queer Erasure,” from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room (Fresno State Library, third floor). The session will provide a brief historical background about book banning and redaction of queer stories in the United States. Panelists include Professor Dion Foster, Dr. Marie Lerma, and Dr. Gloria Negrete-Lopez, from the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. The event will conclude with a simultaneous discussion and zine making activity.
“Pride for All! Storytime with The Diva Dollz,” from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room. Diva Dollz story time shines a bright, unapologetic light on books that affirm and celebrate LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Sponsored by LGBTQ+ Allies and the Department of Sociology.
Oct. 9: Guerilla Girls panel discussion from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Conley Gallery. The event is presented by the Center for Creativity and the Arts and sponsored, in part, by LGBTQ2+ Student Support, LGBTQ+ Allies Faculty and Staff Network, the Rainbow Alumnx and Allies Club, Dr. Peter Robertson and Victor Kral, with additional support by the Fresno Stonewall Democrats. Contact: Chris Lopez, christopherlopez@csufresno.edu.
Oct. 10: Fresno Reel Pride Youth Film Festival, sponsored by LGBTQ2+ Studies and the Rainbow Alumnx and Allies Club. The festival, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Smittcamp Alumni House, will focus on youth and young adult LGBTQ+ film screenings. Women’s, gender and sexuality studies and LGBTQ2+ studies professor Dion Foster will host a special screening of “Girls and Boys.” This event is free and open to high school and college students, and the public. Contact: Dr. Katherine Fobear, katherinefobear@mail.fresnostate.edu.
Oct. 13: Jeffrey Robinson LGBTQ Collection presentation and conversation with Tammy Lau and Sara Pineda from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fresno State Library Lecture Hall, third floor, south wing. Sponsored by LGBTQ2+ Studies and the Rainbow Alumnx and Allies Club.
In addition to the events above, LGBTQ2+ Student Support, housed within the Student Success and Belonging Center, is celebrating the month with student-centered events and programs that strengthen a sense of community and belonging at Fresno State. LGBTQ2+ Student Support offers support, guidance and opportunities for students to connect with others throughout the year.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect changes in the [Banned] Stories panel and sponsorship in the Guerilla Girls discussion. A previous version listed Sept. 30.
