Queer History Month
Beginning in 2018, each October, the LGBTQ+ Center recognizes and celebrates Queer History Month (QHM). For us, QHM reflects upon and learns from the past while also uplifting the idea that we are constantly creating our own histories as individuals, collectives, and communities. Plus, June, which is celebrated as Pride month, is a tough time to come together in community since it is during the summer!
During Queer History Month, we invite partners from across campus and the community to develop and present their own unique programs and opportunities that engage with LGBTQ+ identities, narratives, communities, and histories and craft a calendar to advertise the numerous offerings available throughout the month.
All Semester Long
Pride Drive: book drive for North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center
WFQ is helping the North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center celebrate their 10-year anniversary with a book drive! After clearing out some of their old books, North Star is looking to refresh their library shelves with new, current LGBTQ+ literature. WFQ has organized a book list through Bookmarks, and community members are encouraged to purchase a book off the list and use code NORTHSTAR20 for a discount on their order (the list has many pages, so feel free to flip through and find a book that speaks to you!). Don’t worry about shipping – WFQ members will pick up the books from Bookmarks and take them to North Star.
The campaign launched on October 1st to coincide with Banned Books Week and will run through the end of the semester. This campaign launches October 1st to coincide with Banned Books Week and will run through the end of the semester.
Help WFQ empower LGBTQ+ readers (young & old) with books that celebrate our beautiful communities and identities! A number of these books are among the most banned and challenged in the U.S. this year, so help us fight censorship and destigmatize LGBTQ content. This library will be a resource to Wake Foresters, Winston-Salemites, and folks who come in from surrounding areas just to be in queer space.
Tuesday, October 3
D.E.A.C. Allies: LGBTQ+ 101
9:00 am | Zoom
LGBTQ 101 is the first workshop in the core trio and offers a general introduction into the LGBTQ+ community, including expanding and questioning assumptions, discussing terminology, and analyzing the experiences of LGBTQ+ people within our communities. D.E.A.C. (Developing Empowering and Affirming Communities) Allies is a workshop series designed to build participants’ knowledge and skills through a scaffolded learning approach. Workshops are designed to deepen knowledge around topics of sexual orientation and gender, and to equip participants with skills for building intentionally inclusive communities that welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Registration is available through Workday Learning or by emailing lgbtq@wfu.edu.
Q-Wake: Queer Bingo Night
6:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Join us in the LGBTQ+ Center on Tuesday October 3rd at 6 pm to play a fun game of Queer bingo and discuss our favorite queer leaders and icons. Food and prizes will be provided.
Wednesday, October 4
Queer History Month Kickoff
2:30 – 4:30 pm | Manchester Plaza
Kick-off Queer History Month 2023 with the LGBTQ+ Center and our community and campus partners! This fun-filled fair will feature food, activities, connection, and community! For the first time, we will feature professional face painters (with glitter!), so stop by and get a fabulously fun look for the evening! Don’t miss out!
Monday, October 9
Queer Abroad Student Panel
1:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Join GPS & The LGBTQ+ Center for a panel discussion and presentation about the experiences of LGBTQ+ students who have studied abroad. Attendees will get the opportunity to hear stories and get their questions answered from panelists from various study abroad programs
Gender Neutrality in the Spanish Language
4:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
In celebration of both Latinx Heritage Month and Queer History Month, join LGBTQ+ Center Director Kayla Lisenby-Denson (they/them/elle) for a casual presentation and conversation on the evolution of gender neutral language in the Spanish language, including a look at some of the ways Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ people have shaped language to better express their identities and experiences and exploration of the fluidity of language, particularly in a queer context. Spanish speakers of all levels, and non-speakers, are all welcome!
Tuesday, October 10
D.E.A.C. Allies: The Gender Binary and Beyond
9:00 am | Zoom
The Gender Binary and Beyond is the second workshop in the core trio and centers on gender, including gender identity, gender expression, and analyzing the myriad ways individuals may experience gender. Participants will develop skills for ensuring spaces and practices are inclusive for people of all genders. D.E.A.C. (Developing Empowering and Affirming Communities) Allies is a workshop series designed to build participants’ knowledge and skills through a scaffolded learning approach. Workshops are designed to deepen knowledge around topics of sexual orientation and gender, and to equip participants with skills for building intentionally inclusive communities that welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Registration is available through Workday Learning or by emailing lgbtq@wfu.edu.
Grad Student Resource Awareness Pop Up: Cookie Break with the Identity Centers
11:00 am | Outside of Benson 311
This pop-up event will give graduate students a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to learn more about the WFU identity centers, making it easier for future engagement during other events or when you need support.
Expect a friendly atmosphere with an opportunity to connect with fellow graduate students. We’ll provide light refreshments as a grab-and-go option so you can nourish yourself while learning about the various resources and support available to you. Come, mingle, and discover how the identity centers can be a valuable part of your academic journey. We look forward to meeting you and creating an inclusive and supportive community!
Wednesday, October 11
National Coming Out Day Selfie Station Pop-Up
All Day | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Drop by the LGBTQ+ Center on National Coming Out Day for a coming out selfie shoot in front of our famed rainbow wall — we’ll have rainbow accessories and signs for you to share what you’re coming out as! Whether you post them to share with the world or take them just for you, no matter what you are coming out as, you are welcome!
Pride Volleyball Game
7:00 pm | Varsity Arena – Reynolds Gym
Support Wake Forest Volleyball Volleyball at this pride-themed home game against Virginia Tech on October 11th at 7 p.m. Arrive early to grab a limited Pride t-shirt (while supplies last) and hang out with LGBTQ+ Center staff!
Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15
Queer Fear Film Festival
a/perture cinema and online
Calling all spooky queers and horror fans! The third annual Queer Fear Film Festival is here! Queer Fear celebrates independent genre films that highlight queer creators and stories, from the campy to the truly skin-crawling – catch 28 new horror and dark genre films from 6 countries (with live filmmaker Q&As after each screening!).
In-Person Screenings @ a/perture cinema
(Downtown Winston-Salem)
Horror Shorts: Friday, October 13 @ 8 p.m.
Weird & Wild Shorts: Friday, October 13 @ 10:30 p.m.
Light Horror Shorts: Saturday, October 14 @ 2:30 p.m.
Big Easy Queens (drag queen noir feature): Saturday, October 14 @ 5 p.m.
It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This (found footage feature): Saturday, October 14 @ 10:30 p.m.
Virtual Screenings
(available online for 24 – 72 hours)
Light Horror Shorts: Sunday, October 15 @ 12:00 p.m.
Big Easy Queens (drag queen noir feature): Sunday, October 15 @ 2:00 p.m.
Horror Shorts: Sunday, October 15 @ 4:00 p.m.
It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This (found footage feature): Sunday, October 15 @ 7:00 p.m.
Weird & Wild Shorts: Sunday, October 15 @ 9:00 p.m.
A limited number of All-Access passes will be available through the LGBTQ+ Center – email lgbtq@wfu.edu to claim your pass today!
Through Saturday, October 14
ZSR Reviews: Queer History Month
ZSR Reviews shelf, main floor ZSR Library
For the first 2 weeks of October, our ZSR Reviews bookshelf (recommended reading from our community of readers) will feature LGBTQ+ titles (fiction and nonfiction) that highlight Queer and Trans voices and center the experiences of LGBTQ+ people. These books are available for any ZSR Library patron to check out.
Monday, October 16
Pride Pack Party
12:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Join the LGBTQ+ Center and the Office of Civic and Community Engagement in the LGBTQ+ Center on October 16th for a Queer History Month service project. This event will give attendees an opportunity to put together pride packs (stickers, notes of affirmation, and more) to be distributed to local youth. Registration requested (and track your volunteer hours!) but not required via wfu.givepulse.com.
Gold and Black Chat
4:00 pm | Intercultural Center (Benson 346)
Join President Susan R. Wente and Vice President for Campus Life, Dr. Shea Kidd Brown for a Gold & Black Chat. These pop-up events provide a space to build meaningful connections between Wake Forest students and administrators, share student experiences and learn about campus updates. This G&B Chat is a pop-up in Benson Center at the Intercultural Center in collaboration with the LGBTQ+ Center and Women’s Center. All students are welcome!
Tuesday, October 17
D.E.A.C. Allies: Skill Development + Practice
9:00 am | Zoom
Skill Development and Practice is the third workshop in the core trio and is primarily focused on providing space for D.E.A.C. Allies participants to put their knowledge into practice. This highly interactive workshop will include opportunities for reflection, dialogue, practice, and more. D.E.A.C. (Developing Empowering and Affirming Communities) Allies is a workshop series designed to build participants’ knowledge and skills through a scaffolded learning approach. Workshops are designed to deepen knowledge around topics of sexual orientation and gender, and to equip participants with skills for building intentionally inclusive communities that welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Registration is available through Workday Learning or by emailing lgbtq@wfu.edu.
Tote Bag Making Party!
4:30 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311) and Women’s Center (Benson 314)
Join the Women’s Center, LGBTQ+ Center, and the Office of Sustainability in the LGBTQ+ Center to make your own tote bags from t-shirts. This event will feature supplies, snacks, and a guided tutorial for upcyclers of all different backgrounds and levels of experience. T-shirts will be provided, or bring your own worn out favorites if you prefer!
Q-Wake: Let’s Talk Leadership with Leadership and Character
6:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Join us in the LGBTQ+ Center on October 17 for a discussion about important leadership qualities and practices with our friends from the Office of Leadership & Character. Food will be provided.
Wednesday, October 18
Proud and Well: Spiritual Wellness and Exploration
12:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Change Agent Interest Meeting
4:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
The LGBTQ+ Center will host an interest meeting for the LGBTQ+ Center Change Agent program; a leadership and community development program aimed to provide an immersive experience in queer movement building and to support changemakers in facilitating programs, events, and initiatives to create positive change for LGBTQ+ communities at WFU. This program will offer students the opportunity to travel to New Orleans, LA, and attend the 2024 Creating Change Conference.
Thursday, October 19
Third Thursdays: Soul Food
12:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Qinfolk QTPOC Kickback
7:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
QinFolk is a space that explores the intersectional experiences of BIPOC LGBTQ+ students in a supportive and affirming environment that fosters community building. This month’s meeting will be a casual meet-up/mixer for queer and trans students of color – undergraduate and graduate students are welcome. Dinner will be provided.
Monday, October 23
Omar Benjamin Memorial Banquet
5:00 pm | Magnolia Room
Spectrum, a WFU student organization that centers and celebrates LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, will host a memorial banquet honoring and celebrating the legacy of former Spectrum president Omar Benjamin (Class of 2020).
Queer Climbing Night
7:00 pm | Reynolds Gym – Climbing Wall
In celebration of Queer History Month, Outdoor Pursuits has partnered with the LGBTQ+ Center in hosting a Queer Climbing Night at the Reynold’s Gym Climbing Wall on October 23, from 7-9 pm. Come celebrate Queer History Month by trying something new and active, or climbing something familiar in a fun and friendly community. Our friendly staff will orient participants to our climbing wall and give those interested a new-to-climbing lesson. Registration is requested but not required.
Tuesday, October 24
Queer First Year: Hallo-Queen Party
6:30 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Join us in the LGBTQ+ Center on Oct.24 for an LGBTQ+ inclusive Halloween celebration for first-year students. This event will feature a prize for the best Halloween costume and fun activities for all! All first-year undergraduate students are welcome and food will be provided.
Wednesday, October 25
Rainbow Rendezvous: Horror Movie Trivia
3:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Thursday, October 26
LGBTQ Rights in North Carolina Panel Discussion
12:00 pm | Law School TBD
Q-mmunity Jam Sessions: Karaoke Night
6:00 pm | Zick’s Underground
Join the LGBTQ+ Center for a night of musical entertainment in Zick’s Underground. This session will feature Karaoke and Open Mic opportunities for members of the WFU community. Food will be provided. All are welcome, so dust off your vocal cords and join us for a fun night of community and entertainment!
Friday, October 27
Sneakylinks and Ghosting: Cookie Decorating and a Conversation
12:00 pm | LGBTQ+ Center (Benson 311)
Drop by the LGBTQ+ Center to hang out with the Office of Wellbeing and decorate cookies while connecting with others in conversation about relationships and communication styles.
The Past, Present, and Future of Me
3:30 pm | WakerSpace
This program will feature an art therapy prompt geared towards personal exploration of identity to embrace the past present, and future. Participants will be guided on the specific prompt and have space to independently create a meaningful and personal visual expression of their intentions, hopes and goals for the future of themselves and the Queer community. Activity will be co-led by Jessica Bass (Nationally Board Certified Art Therapist) and Katie Whitley (Psychologist).
Saturday, October 28
QHM Service Opportunity: Party Set-Up
3:00 pm | NorthStar LGBTQ+ Community Center
Volunteers requested to help with set-up for Northstar LGBTQ Community Center’s Halloween Party. If interested, please visit wfu.givepulse.com to sign up and learn more.
Sunday, October 29
Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus: Considering Matthew Shepard
3:00 pm | Brendle Recital Hall
In October of 1998, Matthew Shepard, a young, gay student at the University of Wyoming in Laramie was kidnapped, severely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in a lonely field under a blanket of stars. Five days later, when Matt passed away, the world was watching. Craig Hella Johnson responded with the concert-length work Considering Matthew Shepard. This three-part fusion oratorio speaks with a fresh and bold voice, incorporating a variety of musical styles seamlessly woven into a unified whole, setting texts by poets including Hildegard of Bingen, Lesléa Newman, Michael Dennis Browne, and Rumi alongside passages from Matthew’s personal journal, interviews with his parents, and newspaper reports.
In addition to the concert itself, musicologist Dr. Ryan Whittington, a WFU alumnus, will give a pre-concert talk at 2:00 pm in the band room adjacent to the Recital Hall, offering insights that promise to enrich the overall concert experience. You can read a blog post he authored about this piece here. There will also be an interactive Q&A session post-concert, offering attendees a platform to delve deeper into the themes and experiences shared during the performance. We’re still finalizing the panelists for the post-concert Q&A but just received confirmation that author/activist Kevin Jennings will be on hand to participate along with conductor/WFU Chorus Director Dr. Chris Gilliam.
Exclusive Offer for WFU Students
In a bid to make this profound musical experience accessible to LGBTQ+ students, we are providing free access to this event. Students can redeem their complimentary tickets using the discount code WFU4MATTHEW9 during checkout. Tickets must be reserved in advance and quantity may be limited.
How to Reserve a Ticket:
- Visit this link and input the number of Adult General Admission tickets requested.
- Click Next until you get to the Discount Code page.
- Enter the code WFU4MATTHEW9 and click “Apply.”
- Enter your information on the next screen and complete the order.
For questions regarding ticket reservations, please contact the Symphony Box Office at boxoffice@wssymphony.org or 336.464.0145.
Tuesday, October 31
Crafting with WFQ
4:00 pm | WakerSpace
LGBTQ+ staff and faculty and those interested in the WFQ Affinity Group are invited to hang out with WFQ at Wakerspace from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Tuesday, October 31 for some craft projects, relaxed social time, and Halloween spirit! Pizza, sweet snacks, and hot cider will be provided – your q’raft options include decorating a tote bag, making an Eras-tour-esque friendship bracelet, and/or any other make you can dream up with the tools and materials of Wakerspace! Costumes/Halloween gear encouraged but not required! [Please note: unfortunately, due to safety regulations in the Wakerspace, kids are not allowed at the event.]
Previous Queer History Months at WFU
