The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity hosts several signature and annual programs to spread awareness about the LGBTQ+ community and educate the Penn State community about sexual and gender diversity. Our programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class.
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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.
- Wednesday September 4, 2024, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Alumni Hall
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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.
Pop Culture Trivia Night
Tuesday October 1, 2024, 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Think you’ve got what it takes to be the trivia champion? Join us on October 1st from 6:15 to 8:00 PM in HUB LL011 for a night of fun, facts, and friendly competition! Bring an LGBTQ+ ally and let the trivia battles begin!
Mean Girls Watch Party
Thursday October 3, 2024, 6:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Join us for a fetch evening this Thursday, October 3 for a Mean Girls watch party! Grab your pink, bring your friends, and don't forget – you can sit with us!
Rainbow Reels: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Wednesday October 9, 2024, 5:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium
Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and University Libraries for one or all of these films exploring themes of gender, sexuality, media, intersectionality, and queer history! October's film will be The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson.
National Coming Out Day Celebration
Friday October 11, 2024, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Stop by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to celebrate National Coming Out Day with snacks, activities and music.
John Amaechi Virtual Lunch and Learn
Monday October 14, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Virtual
Faculty, staff, and graduate students are invited to a virtual chat with John Amaechi. John Amaechi, is an English-American psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt and Penn State, and professional basketball in the National Basketball Association. Amaechi also played in France, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Comedy Show with Dany Franzese
Tuesday October 15, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Lion's Lair HUB 008
Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity as we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with a comedy show from Danny Franzese. Best known for his roles in Larry Clark's "Bully", and as Damian in Tina Fey's "Mean Girls". Danny is the creator of several live comedy shows including rock opera "Jersey Shoresical: A Frickin' Rock Opera!", and his one-man stand-up performances "I've Never Really Made the Kind of Money to Become a Mess" and "Yass! You're Amazing!
DIY Keith Haring Posters
Tuesday October 29, 2024, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Unleash your creativity at our Keith Haring Coloring Party! Join us at the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to color vibrant posters inspired by Haring’s iconic art.
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Transgender Awareness Month
November is Transgender Awareness Month--a time to celebrate the transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse communities.
Rainbow Reels Film Series: Tales of the Waria
Tuesday November 12, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Flex Theater
Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and University Libraries for one or all of these films exploring themes of gender, sexuality, media, intersectionality, and queer history! November's film will be Tales of the Waria.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
Friday November 15, 2024, 5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Flex Theater
Join us to honor and remember those who have been killed because of anti-transgender and non-binary bigotry, hatred and violence. We will be saying the names of those who have been killed this past year because of their perceived gender identity and/or expression. Join with us in community for this moving ceremony, followed by a reception in HUB LL011.
Late Night: How Far-We've Come, Journaling and Self Reflection
Wednesday November 20, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Flex Theater
Nearing the end of the semester, it's important to recognize your growth from these past weeks. Stop by the CSGD to decorate your own journal as we head into the last stretch of the semester. Escape the worries and nerves in this safer space and take away a new self-care strategy.
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CSGD Celebrates Pride Month
HUB Takeover
Wednesday April 2, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., HUB Robeson Center
Celebrate Pride Month in the HUB-Robeson Center! Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, student groups, campus and community partners in celebrating pride! Learn more about resources, dance with our DJ, or win big in drag bingo!
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Resource tabling on the first and ground floors of the HUB
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Photo Opportunity with our three drag performers at the Grand Staircase
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Drag Bingo in Noontime Lounge
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Drag performances at the Monumental Staircase
Karao-Gay
Thursday April 10, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Lion’s Lair, HUB 008
It's Karaoke (or should we say Karao-Gay) time! Show off your karaoke skills or be part of the audience. Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity as we celebrate pride with snacks and LGBTQ+ themed karaoke!
Super Gay 5K
Saturday April 12, 2025, 9:00 a.m., HUB
Get ready for our annual, Super Gay 5K! Run or walk our designated route across campus to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ population at Penn State. Register here.
Queer for Fear Live
Wednesday April 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., HUB Freeman Auditorium
In a live stage presentation based on the book Queer for Fear: Horror Film and the Queer Spectator, author Heather O. Petrocelli is joined by drag legend and Penn State alum, Peaches Christ. Together, they discuss their shared pasts, favorite scary movies, and what makes horror queer. Part lecture, part drag show, part podcast-style chat, this event is an opportunity to learn about horror’s queer roots and unlimited futures.
Queer for Fear Live Lunch with Dr. Heather Petrocelli
Thursday April 17, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., HUB 232AB or zoom
Faculty and staff are invited to join a free lunch and conversation with Dr. Heather O. Petrocelli, author of the book Queer for Fear: Horror Film and the Queer Spectator. Register here.
Queer for Fear Lunch with Joshua Grannell (Peaches Christ)
Thursday April 17, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., HUB 131
Students are invited to join a free lunch and conversation with Penn State alum, Joshua Grannell/ Peaches Christ, to discuss drag, horror, and more! Register here.
Get OUTside for Pride
Sunday April 27, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Stone Valley Recreation
Take a break from the end-of-semester stress and join us for a day of adventure and reflection. In collaboration with Campus Recreation-Outdoor Adventures and CAPS, we're offering a chance to recharge at Penn State's Stone Valley Recreational Area. Explore, relax, and empower yourself through mindful activities! Limited spots available, so don’t miss out! Register here.
Penn State Pride Prom: Masquerade
Wednesday April 30, 2025, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., HUB Alumni Hall
The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity will be hosting the annual Penn State Pride Prom. This year's theme is Masquerade Ball! This night serves as a second chance prom for any Penn State student who did not feel comfortable at their high school prom or for anyone who could not be their authentic selves. We welcome everyone here and celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQ+ Penn State community.
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Lavender Recognition
Lavender Recognition is an annual celebration held in spring semester that recognizes Penn State's LGBTQ+ graduating 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 2025 Lavender Recognition will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall on the University Park campus.
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 recognition certificate.
Who can participate?
Any student from any Penn State campus who will be graduating in the year 2025, whether in May, August or December. Lavender Recognition is open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class.
Who can attend?
We encourage graduates to bring friends, family, and other supporters to the ceremony. Each graduate can request up to four tickets for the ceremony. A limited number of tickets will also be made available to Penn State faculty and staff in April. Those that are not graduating but would like to attend the recognition in support can reach out to lgbtq@psu.edu to inquire about possible attendance.
Scholarships and Awards
Students receiving scholarships and awards are also invited to attend Lavender Recognition. A portion of the ceremony is dedicated to acknowledging the efforts of scholarship and award recipients.
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Late Nights
Condom Olympics
Monday September 9, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Stop by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity on Monday, September 9th to complete in some yard games! The prizes? Sexual wellness supplies and education about sexual wellbeing! Compete and show your Olympian spirit!
Bingo After Dark
Thursday September 12, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Alumni Hall
The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity creates programs with a strong focus on student education and well-being. The annual Bingo After Dark event emphasizes a sex-positive approach and aims to create an educational environment where all forms of consensual sexual expression are respected and where people feel comfortable discussing and learning more about their sexual health and identities. This program combines a fun, interactive experience with discussions about sexual health and well-being including information about consent, safe sex practices, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. Participants may win various prizes.
Once Upon a Drag Show
Friday September 20, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Alumni Hall
Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for an exciting night of drag! Once Upon a Drag Show is a wonderful show filled with recognizable songs, fabulous queens, and an opportunity for audience participation.
Cozy Coffeehouse
Tuesday October 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Join us for a Cozy Coffeehouse night at the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity! Sip on your favorite brew, connect with friends, and enjoy an evening of warmth, music, and community. Let’s celebrate love and creativity together!
Snacks and Crafts with Women of the Woods
Tuesday October 22, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon at our Snacks and craft events with Women of the Woods. Join us at the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to create your own delicious trail mix and design some colorful coasters. Bring your creativity and your favorite snacks-let’s mix it up together!
Love in Full Color with Health Promotion and Wellness
Monday November 4, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Get creative and explore positive body image through art. Artistic mediums such as paint and drawing materials will be provided for students to express their own body types. No skills necessary. Snacks and drinks provided. No registration required, just drop in.
News-Free Space
Tuesday November 5, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
November 5th is an important day, but it is a day that can bring about many different emotions. Do what's best for you after engaging in your important civic responsibilities. If that something is being in an environment free from the news cycle, join us for a calming space to escape the external chaos. Activities and refreshments provided.
Sip and Study
Thursday November 21, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Exams might be in full force or just around the corner. No matter how your academics look, stop by and take some time to study and enjoy a warm beverage with the CSGD.
Motivational Posters
Thursday January 30, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Join us for the first Late Night of the semester as we make motivational posters! Hang them in your rooms as décor or give to a friend who might need a pick-me-up.
Love in Full Color
Wednesday February 12, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Get creative and explore positive body image through art. Artistic mediums such as paint and drawing materials will be provided for students to express their own body types. No skills necessary. Snacks and drinks provided. No registration required, just drop in.
Make Your Own Bouquet Night
Thursday February 13, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
It’s flower time with CSGD! Stop by and make a bouquet for someone special in your life (including yourself!) and learn about Victorian Flower Language and its connections to LGBTQ+ culture.
Queer Climb
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Climbing Wall, IM Building
Campus Recreation and Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity invite you to join us for an evening of climbing and community. Beginners welcome!
Threaded Creativity
Friday February 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Join us for an empowering event where we dive into the rich history of embroidery and fabric in Black culture. Whether you're a beginner or already have some stitching skills, this event will teach you the art of embroidery while honoring its historical significance in Black History
Read, Share, Empower: The Power of Books for Community and Care
Tuesday April 22, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Books have the power to shape communities and minds. Join us as we celebrate the impact of literature and the stories that bring us together! Bring a book you’ve loved and give it a new home, or stop by to pick up a free queer-focused book from the CSGD. Let’s focus on building communication skills and boosting mental health and well-being, one page at a time.
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Social Justice Programs
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 social justice topics. Being involved with these programs allow students a more holistic view of intersectionality and engagement with social justice.
Rainbow Reels: No Straight Lines
Tuesday September 17, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium
Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and University Libraries for one or all of these films exploring themes of gender, sexuality, media, intersectionality, and queer history! September's film will be No Straight Lines: the Rise of Queer Comics.
Queer Spiritual Fair
Thursday September 19, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Join the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for sand art while we get to know local queer affirming religious and spiritual orgs.
QTPOC Mixer
Wednesday October 30, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., HUB LL011
Join the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and the Center for Gender & Sexual Diversity for an evening of free food, a spooky scavenger hunt with prizes, community building & more! Costumes are highly encouraged, but not required!
LGBTQ+ Book Highlight
Monday December 3, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., HUB LL011
Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity to get some free literature! Students may take one book per person. Every book featured has won or is an honor book of the Stonewall Awards, an award given to books that are of exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQ+ experience.
HIV Testing Pop-Up
Wednesday February 12, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
With Valentine's Day approaching, stop by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for a quick and easy HIV test to know your status! AIDS Resource staff will be administering the tests in our space between 11am and 2pm, in a private office.
Love Out Loud
Thursday February 14, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Be in community and spread some queer joy with the people you care about! Join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for snacks and crafts, including a self-love letter writing station to remind everyone why they are deserving of love and light.
Journaling Night
Thursday February 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Come learn about different types of journaling and scrapbooking and how each practice can have a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. Different Types of Journaling: Lists, Year-Round, Habit Trackers, Mood Trackers, Weekly Planners, Artsy Scrapbook Spread, Memories, Junk Journaling
Resilience in Action, Building Tools for Empowerment
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., HUB 233A
Thursday March 20, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., HUB 232B
Thursday April 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., HUB 232B
Join us for a three-part workshop series focused on self-defense, de-escalation, and active bystander intervention. Rooted in healing justice, these workshops are designed to help you build the personal skills and confidence necessary to take action when needed, contribute to the safety of those around you, and dismantle harm at its source. Register here.
Threaded Creativity
Friday February 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Join us for an empowering event where we dive into the rich history of embroidery and fabric in Black culture. Whether you're a beginner or already have some stitching skills, this event will teach you the art of embroidery while honoring its historical significance in Black History
Cinematic Voices
Wednesday March 5, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Join us for a special celebration of Women’s History Month and Black History Month through the power of film! Mark your calendars for Cinematic Voices and get inspired by incredible stories, trailblazing women, and groundbreaking moments in history that shaped our world.
Rainbow Reels: The Archivettes
Monday March 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., HUB Flex Theater
In honor of Women's History Month, join the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and University Libraries for a viewing of The Archivettes, a documentary exploring the origins of the Lesbian Herstory Archives. Free popcorn and soda!
Founded in the 1970s in a New York City apartment, The Lesbian Herstory Archives is now the world’s largest collection of materials by and about lesbians. For more than 40 years, the all-volunteer organization has striven to combat lesbian invisibility by literally rescuing history from the trash. Exploring the fascinating origins of the organization, THE ARCHIVETTES is a tribute to second-wave feminism and intergenerational connection, as well as an urgent rallying cry for continued activism in this moment.
Pride is Power
Tuesday March 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., HUB Alumni Hall
Calling all LGBTQ+ Nittany Lions! Come connect, learn, and discover some of the Penn State offices and student orgs that are here to support YOU.
Celebrate Your Expression, National Transgender Day of Visibility
Monday March 31, 2025
Photobooth: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in HUB 129abc
Lunch with the Gender Diverse Care Team: 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in HUB LL011, drop in with questions
Measurement Assistance: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in HUB LL011, we will have nurses available to assist with taking measurements you may need to find clothes or garments that enhance your gender expression
Trivia: 5:30 p.m. in HUB LL011
Writing messages of hope: all day in HUB LL011
Let’s Taco’bout It
Tuesday April 8, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Lion’s Lair, HUB 008
This event aims to raise awareness about sexual assault and promote prevention education within the Penn State community. The program will feature a panel discussion following the performance from Ladi Glori, a Baltimore-based spoken word artist, actress, author, and abolitionist. Ms. Glori's work explores the intersection of truth, self-love, and societal norms, and she is a survivor of sexual assault. Her dynamic performances, which fuse poetry, music, and activism, seek to "Maximize Truth, minimize shame." A diverse range of perspectives will be represented on our panel, featuring UHS Physician Dr. Mellinger, R-VOICE Director Yvette Willson, performer Ladi Glori, and other valuable contributors.
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Grad Game Night
Thursday February 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., HUB LL011
Graduate students, come hang out with the CSGD on February 6 for an evening of board games, food, and fun! Games will be available in the center, but you are welcome to bring your own as well.
Cheers Queers: A Grad Social
Wednesday March 5, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Chumley's
Join us at Chumley's for some free appetizers and a chance to network with fellow graduate students! Don't miss out on the good food and great connections!
