SXU Celebrates Pride Month
Saint Xavier University (SXU) is proudly celebrating Pride Month in June with a variety of educational programming for faculty, staff and students.
On June 5, "Get the Scoop on LGBTQIA+" was hosted in the SXU Diner Atrium. The community enjoyed an ice cream social and interactive session where they learned about basic terminology, a historical overview of LGBTQIA+ events and figures, and how to provide support to the Queer community.
"Themes in Mercy" will be hosted June 15 in the Butler Reception Room at 3:30 p.m., where Sister Mary Kay Dobrovolny, Ph.D., vocation minister for the Sisters of Mercy, will discuss where the Sisters of Mercy and Catholicism stand in relation to LGBTQIA+ themes.
From 1 to 4:30 p.m. on June 22, the community can visit the Wiseman Student Lounge to view a poster display featuring significant milestones and people in the LGBTQIA+ movement.
A "Stonewall Uprising" screening and discussion will be held June 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Wiseman Student Lounge. The documentary interviews several of the individuals who were present during the historic Stonewall event and the screening will be followed by a Q&A session.
Josh Bogaski-Baugh, executive director of Student Success and facilitator of SXU's Safe Zone Ally training, says Pride Month is a time to both pay attention to injustices against the Queer community but also proudly celebrate.
"For the first time in its history, the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We have seen a record number of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills introduced in state legislatures throughout 2023 as well as policy changes within organizations, harmful rhetoric in the media, and violence toward the Queer community. These bills and policy changes alike target queer, transgender and non-binary people with the intent to silence, censor, and create barriers to resources which allow individuals to live an authentic life," said Bogaski-Baugh.
"Pride month is important because it brings attention to these injustices. It is a celebration of visibility, empowerment, and affirmation. It symbolizes defiance in the face of oppression, resilience against hate, and above all, unwavering love. Pride is a reminder that Queer existence is valid, it is worth celebrating, and all individuals deserve equal rights," continued Bogaski-Baugh.
Bogaski-Baugh has compiled a Pride Month List of readings, resources and media suggested by friends, allies and colleagues. Community members are also encouraged to participate in the Safe Zone program at SXU, which promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ persons by educating allies on implicit bias, stereotypes, terminology related to sex, gender, sexual orientation, relationships and gender identity expression, as well as the privilege and limitations of oppression. To learn more, visit the Safe Zone webpage.
For any questions related to Pride Month events, please contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence at inclusiveexcellenceFREESXU.