As October unfolds, the LGBTQ+ community at Augustana College is in full swing celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, a vital time dedicated to recognizing the rich history, ongoing struggles and significant contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. This annual observance not only honors the resilience of those who have fought for equality and acceptance but also serves as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
This year, the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity (OSID) alongside Sam Wright, OSID’s assistant director and LGBTQ+ coordinator, organized a variety of events and initiatives. Wright’s aim is to promote advocacy and foster a sense of belonging among students and allies alike.
“It’s vital for students to learn about the historical context of LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing struggles we face,” Wright said. “Understanding our history is key to advocating for our future.”
The celebration began on a powerful note with the “Queerly Beloved” panel, held on Tuesday Oct. 1 in The Brew from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. The panel featured a lineup of speakers who brought their unique perspectives on the challenges and triumphs faced by LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history and today. One panelist, representing LGBTQ+ support organization The Project as its community relations and development coordinator, was Viminda Shafer.
“It’s not just a celebration; it’s a time for education and reflection on the strides made and the work that still needs to be done,” Shafer said.
Her words echoed through the room as students, faculty and local advocates gathered to both learn from and share stories with each other. Strides have indeed been made since the days of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, in which LGBTQ+ protesters lashed back at New York City police, who had conducted forceful riots of local gay bars. Such strides have been made possible through the power of community, a reminder that panelist Rev. Rich Hendricks was sure to give.
“You don’t have to be in it alone,” Hendricks said. “There are wonderful organizations out there that are looking for people with your enthusiasm and ideas.”
Hendricks is the pastor at Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities in Davenport, IA, but his activism runs further. He has co-founded three organizations including One Human Family QCA, a local action group dedicated to “addressing issues of discrimination, hatred and injustice in our communities.” The ‘wonderful organizations’ Hendricks was referring to were not just his own, though; Queerly Beloved also offered students a resource fair.
Among the groups present was Quad Citians Affirming Diversity (QCAD), the longest-established queer organization in the Quad Cities. A glance at qcadoutforgood.org’s Services’ page shows a list of LGBTQ+ safe local businesses and a network of community resources and organizations.
“We offer support groups and other resources to help LGBTQ+ youth and adults navigate their identities,” Leidig said. “Our ‘Safe Connect’ program [ensures] that individuals know where they can find support.”
On campus, student organizations like the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) promote inclusivity through weekly meetings open to all students. GSA, in addition to community events like Queerly Beloved, also advocates for change and inclusivity within Augustana. First-Year Vicente Medina shared their positive experience as a new member.
“We’re able to talk openly about our experiences, which helps us grow as individuals. It’s comforting to know that we’re not alone in our struggles,” Medina said.
GSA hosted a table at the event, offering informative flyers and welcoming students to join. Members of GSA and the student body will have the opportunity to enjoy other events throughout the month and year.
“We’re hosting an event for National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, focusing on voting issues,” Keela Sawyer, the GSA vice president, said.
The event, called “Come Out, Speak Out, Vote,” is centered around the real struggles facing the LGBTQ+ community today. For both political and social reasons, home is not a welcoming place to many. Through events like these, Augustana can work to be that space of acceptance and pride, especially as they become so needed.
As fall creeps in, there are Quad Citizens and Augustana students facing a holiday season away from home. Present at Queerly Beloved was Clock, Inc., a local nonprofit seeking to provide the sense of togetherness so commonly associated with the holidays. Their director of operations, Adam Peters, said that Clock hosts annual gatherings during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“If you happen to be stuck here for those holidays, we want you to come on down to Clock,” Peters said. “We have a great community that shows up on those days, which can be very hard for a lot of people.”
Clock also offers a range of counseling and group therapy services and hosts a gender-affirming-clothing closet stocked with free-to-take clothing and chest binders. Such resources are vital in experimenting with appearance and self-expression in safety. For students who don’t identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, events like Queerly Beloved can be powerful opportunities for learning and growing as allies.
“Understanding our history is key to advocating for our future,” Wright said.
Throughout October, students can expect more inclusive and educational events made possible by the work of students, faculty and community members alike. The Project will bring free STD and HIV testing to Augie on Oct. 14 and 25. A celebration will be held in the You Belong Here Lounge to honor the significance of being authentically seen on International Pronouns Day, Oct. 16. “Queer Coffee with Clock, Inc.” on Oct. 28 will provide a chance to connect with students and Clock representatives alike.
In the meantime, learning about inclusivity and LGBTQ+ history is crucial to upholding an accepting Augie community. To those reading and all who are not, you are queerly beloved; be proud, be good and be you.
“We want you to be your authentic self, the end,” Peters said.
