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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Black History Month
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Women's History Month
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CSGD Celebrates Pride Month
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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 date for the 2025 ceremony will be announced.
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?
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. Lavender Graduation is open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class.
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 Recognition (Check back in spring 2025!)
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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.
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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!
