It’s LGBTQ+ History Month!
By: Kristen Adams ‘25
October is LGBTQ+ History Month, and USC is honoring this month through a wide range of programming, events, and resources to highlight the milestones and legacy of queer history.
USC Event Calendar
Here’s a highlight of just a few of the many events planned throughout the month.
On October 20 The LGBTQ+ Student Center is hosting PrideFest in McCarthy Quad (between Doheny Library and Leavey Library) from 11 AM to 2 PM. Go with your friends (or meet new friends there!), participate in giveaways, grab some food and refreshments, and enjoy entertainment by student drag performers. The drag troupe United Queendom will also be at this year’s PrideFest!
October 19 International Pronouns Day! The LGBTQ+ History Month Committee is excited to host an event in Hahn Plaza (right outside the Gwynn Wilson Student Union) with educational resources and free pronoun buttons for anyone to pick up! Also, check out this resource provided by the LGBTQ+ Student Center on how to change your pronouns on MyUSC and Zoom.
October 23 Peaks and Professors, a popular student organization at USC that organizes hikes and outdoor adventures throughout California with students and professors, is hosting a 4-mile hike on the Cedar Glen Trail with Gender Studies Professor Diana Blaine. If you enjoy nature hikes and want to join conversations on gender and sexuality, this is the perfect activity for you!
Check out the LGBTQ+ Student Center’s page to learn more about their programs, events, services, and resources for students! Plus, they have an open space in STU 415 (inside the Student Union) that you can visit. There, you can learn more about their support resources, connect with other community members, and have access to a safe space.
Queer Book Club
USC’s LGBTQ+ Student Center has a Queer Book Club that has published a list of book titles to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month! All of the books listed are available to check out any of the USC Libraries. Fun fact: the ONE Archives at Doheny Library has the largest collection of LGBTQ+ books and materials in the world!
LGBTQ+ Student Organizations
Want to get involved in an LGBTQ+ space on-campus, but aren’t sure where to start? Check out this list of all the undergraduate and graduate students organizations at USC, ranging from student assemblies to school-specific groups (like Queer Students in Cinematic Arts).
For example, you can join QuASA (Queer and Ally Student Assembly), a Cultural Assembly that serves as an umbrella organization for Queer student groups. If you are interested in joining a group that addresses feminist concerns and oppression by the patriarchy, you can check out SAGE (Student Assembly for Gender Empowerment). If you are an actor interested in getting involved with an LGBTQ+ theater company, check out Dorothy’s Friends.
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Handbook
Want to play an active role in transforming, shaping, and maintaining USC as an inclusive campus? Check out this comprehensive guidebook designed for both students and professors that was created by a range of USC professors, faculty members, PhD students, undergraduate students, and graduate students.
Important Resources
Importance of Pronouns
This International Pronouns Day, it is important to recognize why pronouns matter. Check out this important article on why using someone’s correct pronouns is crucial to creating an inclusive and safe environment. If you are in the mood to watch a video instead, watch this “What are Pronouns” video!
LGBTQ+ Flags
Do you know why the rainbow is associated with gay rights? How many LGBTQ+ flags are there? Read this article to find these answers out and learn how each LGBTQ+ flag tells the story of the individuals it represents.
Overview of LGBTQ+ History
Provided by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, explore this comprehensive list of primary resources, newspaper selections, personal anecdotes, and educational videos to gain a more thorough understanding of how LGBTQ+ history intertwines with American history.
National Coming Out Day
October 11 is National Coming Out Day! Whether you identify as queer or transgender or bisexual, this is a day of celebration for those have already come out and for those who will come out on their own terms. To learn more about coming out, check out this article from People Magazine.
In the Classroom
The language professors use in their syllabi matter, and so does the correct usage of pronouns during class. Watch this video to learn how you can help make the classroom experience at USC feel more inclusive and safe.
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