Attend LGBTQ+ Signature and Annual Programs

Welcome Reception

Each fall the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity hosts their Welcome Reception, inviting the entire Penn State LGBTQ+ community and their allies to explore all that is offered to new and returning students. This year's welcome will include University offices, units, and student groups sending messages of welcome and discussing the resources they offer to LGBTQ+ students. 

OCTOBER

LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH

October is LGBTQ+ History Month! LGBTQ+ History Month is a month-long celebration that is nationally recognized. At Penn State, we celebrate the month with a variety of speakers, events, and workshops.

An Evening with Brandon Wolf | Wednesday October 5, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Freeman Auditorium 

Pulse survivor and activist Brandon Wolf will share his experience and knowledge of current LGBTQ+ and human rights issues

Poetry from M.R. Chibbi Orduña | Monday October 10, 6:00 p.m. | HUB Lounge 008

Poet M.R Chibbi Orduña will be sharing his poetry primarily on his experiences on being Queer and Latino.

Coming Out Day: Come One Come All Party | Tuesday October 11, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Recognize, Support and Celebrate Coming Out with the Center! Light refreshments and resources will be available. 

International Pronouns Day | HUB-Robeson Polluck Table | Wednesday October 19, 10:00 a.m.

Recognize International Pronouns Day with the Center with our "Ask Me My Pronouns" campaign. Come by the Center or our table in the HUB for Pronouns day items! 

Out and Enagged | Friday October 28 | Washing D.C.

Students will connect with LGBTQ+ related organizations and individuals such as the Washington Blade, the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, The Human Rights Campaign, and Crazy Aunt Helen's.

NOVEMBER
TRANSGENDER AWARENESS MONTH

November is Transgender Awareness Month--a time to celebrate the transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse communities.

Día de los Muertos Dinner | Tuesday November 1, 6:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Enjoy a dinner while celebrating life and death during Día de los Muertos.

Empowering Differences with Ashley Brundage | Wednesday November 2, 12:30 p.m. | HUB 233AB

Motivational speaker, Ashley Brundage, will share her insights on empowerment and leadership

Out of the Closet | Saturday November 5, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | HUB LL011 

Featuring our Clothing Transit, we will bring clothes from our normal spot in Ritenour to our Center! Come by for free clothes and information. 

Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil | Monday November 14, 5:30 p.m. | Pasquerilla Spiritual Center 

Join us in a night of reflection and remembrance of those transgender siblings we lost in the past year due to violence and discrimination

A Celebration of Black Queer History Display | All February. | HUB LL011

With newly created panels of information, students can learn more at their own pace. There are integrated opportunities to interact with the display, whether that be through posing articulated figures in vogue fashion, flipping through artwork and literary works from black queer authors, or engaging with a curated playlist from the CSGD. 

Writing Workshop with Ebony Stewart | Tuesday February 7, 3:00 p.m. | HUB LL134

Ebony Stewart will be providing a writing workshop for interested students who want to get firsthand advice from an accomplished poet.

Spoken Activism with Ebony Stewart | Tuesday February 7, 5:30 p.m. | HUB 008 Lounge

Ebony Stewart will be doing an interactive lecture and performance regarding her experience entering and through poetry. 

Dark Storm Step Team Performance | Saturday February 11, 5:00 p.m. | HUB 008 Lounge

The CSGD will be collaborating with Dark Storm Step Team to showcase the power and beauty of step.

Bessie Watch Party | Wednesday February 15, 5:00 p.m. | HUB 008 Lounge

Learn more about Bessie Smith, a bisexual 1920s blues singer in this Emmy-winning HBO film. 

Black History Month Book Giveaway | Friday February 10 | Instagram

Students at the CSGD have selected books corresponding to Black History Month. After a week of featuring these books and virtual interactions, five people are randomly selected to win one of the copies of the promoted books.  

Radical Love Gala | Thursday February 23, 5:00 p.m. | Palmer Art Museum

Join the Palmer and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for a lavish enjoyable time to celebrate love and hip-hop and urban inspired fashion!

Pride Punchline with Derby | Thursday March 16, 5:00 p.m. | HUB 008 Lounge

Comedy can open doors to complex ideas and encourage us to break down social barriers. In March we specifically aim to highlight the voices of women and marginalized groups that have historically not been able to be heard in these conversations.

Makeup: A Discussion of Beauty Standards and Ethical Practices | Tuesday March 21, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

As we start to see the changes of seasons, we also see a change in style and fashion. Join us for a complex discussion on how beauty standards affect those in the LGBTQ+ community, specifically around the topic of makeup.

Women's History Month Book Giveaway | Thursday March 23 | Instagram

Students at the CSGD have selected books corresponding to Women's History Month. After a week of featuring these books and virtual interactions, five people are randomly selected to win one of the copies of the promoted books.

LUNAFEST | Friday March 24, 7:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

LUNAFEST is proud to amplify the inspiring short films by this year’s selection of women and gender nonconforming directors. Featured filmmakers are from all walks of life and range from poets to conservationists, activists, and educators. These stories remind us that when we come together, we all move forward. 

Cosplay and Consent with D'Manda Martini | Thursday March 30, 5:30 p.m. | HUB 233A

Join D'Manda Martini in a discussion at intersection of queer folks in cosplay as well as the often overlooked consent and boundaries conversation that comes with cosplay territory. After engaging in a moderated discussion, D’Manda will showcase a video and live talk of getting ready in cosplay that can showcase the process of getting con-ready! 

Center for  
Sexual and Gender Diversity Celebrates Pride Month April 2023

Pride HUB Takeover | Wednesday April 5, 10:00 a.m. | HUB Robeson Center

Celebrate Pride Month in the HUB-Robeson Center! Learn more about resources, dance with our DJ, or win big in drag bingo!

Cory Wade Keynote | Tuesday April 11, 5:30 p.m. | Freeman Auditorium

Cory Wade, the first openly gay male participant in America's Next Top Model, will be speaking about his experiences with identity and what it means to be authentic. 

Pride March & Rally | Wednesday April 12, 12:00 p.m. | HUB to Old Main

Join us as we come together as a community to celebrate the pride of the LGBTQA+ population at Penn State and beyond, sharing affirming stories on the steps of the iconic Old Main administrative building. 

Lunch & Learn with Kevin Naff | Thursday April 13, 12:30 p.m. | HUB 134

Penn State Alum, Kevin Naff, returns to campus to discuss his first book titled, "How We Won the War for LGBTQ Equality — and How Our Enemies Could Take it All Away."

The LGBTQ+ Agenda: Sex Ed | Monday April 17, 6:30 p.m. | HUB LL011

Health Promotion and Wellness will be partnering with the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity in this interactive and educational workshop about sexual health and safety.

Karao-Gay | Tuesday April 18, 5:00 p.m. | HUB 008 Lounge

It's Karaoke (or should we say Karao-Gay) time! Show off your karaoke skills or be part of the audience.

Super Gay 5K | Saturday April 22, 9:00 a.m. | Meet at Pollock Entrance of HUB Robeson Center

Register as a runner or volunteer.

Get ready for our second, Super Gay 5K! Run or walk our designated route across campus to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ population at Penn State. 

Penn State Gayla: Fairy Garden | Friday April 28, 6:00 p.m. | Alumni Hall

Register to receive your tickets.

The LGBTQ+ organizations at Penn State in conjunction with the CSGD will be hosting the second annual Penn State Gayla. This night serves as a second chance prom for anyone who did not feel comfortable at their high school prom or for anyone who could not be their authentic selves.

Lavender Graduation 2023

Lavender Graduation is an annual celebration that recognizes Penn State's LGBTQ+ students and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the University. It is an inspiring and affirming ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduate and undergraduate students in the LGBTQ+ community from all the Penn State campuses. 

The ceremony includes recognition of scholarship awardees, campus awards, and a time to thank significant supporters. In recognition of their achievements, graduates receive a rainbow tassel, stole, and graduation certificate. 

Who can participate?
Students from any Penn State campus who have graduated the winter prior to the ceremony or will be graduating the spring, summer, or winter after the ceremony. 

Who can attend? 
Anyone can attend the ceremony! We encourage graduates to bring friends, family, and other supporters to the ceremony. Attendees may also attend if they want to support the graduating class as a whole, even if they do not have a specific student they are supporting. 

Scholarships and Awards 
Students receiving scholarships and awards are also invited to attend Lavender Graduation. A portion of the ceremony is dedicated to acknowledging the efforts of scholarship and award recipients. 

Register for Lavender Graduation. 

Heartstopper Watch Party | Thursday August 31, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Join us as we show the Netflix original show based on the hit graphic novel, Heartstopper, by Alice Osman.

Game Time | Thursday September 6, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

This gameshow style event will feature 3 different rounds to introduce various facets of the LGBTQ+ community at Penn State.

Cd Painting | Wednesday September 7, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

In this de-stress an sustainable craft activity students will be able to paint blank or clear cd’s for your residence space.

D&D at CSGD | Friday September 30, 6:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Registered student organization, D&D at Penn State will be hosting a introductory workshop in our space for students who want to get involved in the game. 

Stand Out - An LGBTQ+ Celebration | Tuesday October 4, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

We'll try and shake off the mid-semester blues with a Netflix comedy special featuring LGBTQ+ talents.

D&D at CSGD | Saturday October 8, 6:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Registered student organization, D&D at Penn State will be hosting a introductory workshop in our space for students who want to get involved in the game. 

Pride Flag Craft Night | Wednesday October 19, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Learn more about the history of different pride flags and make your own in this hands-on felt activity.

HRT Education | Thursday October 25, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

A panel of gender diverse students who have experience with HRT and a member of the Gender Diverse Care Team at University Health Services will be available to answer questions about starting hormone replacement therapy. 

Young Royals Watch Party | Wednesday November 9, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Join us as we showcase season 2 of the Swedish Netflix hit, Young Royals. 

D&D at CSGD | Friday November 11, 6:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Registered student organization, D&D at Penn State will be hosting a introductory workshop in our space for students who want to get involved in the game. 

PowerPoints and Hot Takes | Wednesday November 16, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

This activity allows students to have fun in the creation of a presentation not for a grade and gives them full attention and space to talk about a topic they enjoy.

How to Survive a Plague Watch Party | Wednesday November 30, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

This Late Night will highlight the documentary, How to Survive a Plague, documenting the rise of ACT UP during the AIDS crisis.

Motivational Posters Craft | Tuesday January 10, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

This craft will be the creation of posters with motivational phrases that students can either hand in their rooms or give to a friend.

Palentine's Day Party | Tuesday February 14, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

This Valentine's Day, we want to celebrate the special people in our lives and all the relationships we hold dear, platonic or romantic.

Rainbow Road Tournament | Wednesday April 5, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Bring some friends to this game night special! We'll be starting off with a Mario Kart tournament featuring everyone's favorite track: Rainbow Road.

Unpacking the Year | Tuesday April 25, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

We acknowledge the many diverse feelings that arise at the end of the year for students. Come to the CSGD to spend some time with your community, talking with campus resources, or engaging in de-stress activities. 

The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity is committed to programs, events and education that are opportunities for students to learn more or get involved with anti-racism and social justice. Learning to be anti-racism is essential to challenge injustice. Being involved with these programs allow students a more holistic view of intersectionality and engagement with social justice. 

Banned Book Reading | Wednesday September 21, 5:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

Coinciding with the American Library Association’s Banned Book Week, come and partake in a reading of excerpts of banned books of excerpts of self-written works that would likely be banned if ever in publication. 

Book Club:  I Wish You All the Best | Monday September 26, 4:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

The reoccurring book club will feature contemporary YA and graphic novels with LGBTQ+ characters and themes. This month's pick is I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver. 

REYNA Performance | Wednesday September 28, 6:00 p.m. | HUB 008 Lounge

Join us for a performance and Q&A with electro-pop band, REYNA, staring Milwaukee sisters Vic Banuelos and Gabby Banuelos.

Costumes, Consent, and Cultural Appropriation | Thursday October 27, 5:00 p.m. | HUB 134

In a partnered event with other DEIB offices, we tackle Halloween to talk about how people must be intentional and understanding about their costume choices.

Book Club:  Last Night at the Telegraph Club | Monday October 31, 4:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

The reoccurring book club will feature contemporary YA and graphic novels with LGBTQ+ characters and themes. This month's pick is Las Night at the Telegraph Club by Malindo Lo. 

Book Club:  The Passing Playbook | Monday November 28, 4:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

The reoccurring book club will feature contemporary YA and graphic novels with LGBTQ+ characters and themes. This month's pick is The Passing Playbook by Issac Fitzsimons. 

LGBTQ+ Book Fair | Tuesday December 6, 3:00 p.m. | HUB LL011

The book fair will be a chance for students to obtain a free copy of one of the various winners under the Stonewall Award umbrella.