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.
"Pride Month is important because it celebrates the dignity, visibility, and rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, fostering acceptance and understanding in communities worldwide," said Josh Bogaski-Baugh, executive director of advising and career readiness as well as the facilitator of SXU's Safe Zone Ally training and RSO advisor of Spectrum Alliance.
On June 6, the community stopped by the SXU Diner Atrium for "SAGE Letter Writing," where they wrote cards and letters to LGBTQIA+ elders. SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services to LGBTQIA+ older individuals and their caregivers.
On June 10, the workshop "All You Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask About the LGBTQIA2S+ Community" was hosted virtually. The community learned the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity and explored best practice around pronouns and being more inclusive.
On June 17, the community can join "Queerness in Animation: Disney's Evolving Definition of Family" in McGuire Hall at 2 p.m. Professor Allen Babiarz-Lina will dive deep into how Disney is communicating family in modern times as its traditional definition changes.
"LGBTQIA Inclusion in the Church: A Generation X Experience" will be hosted virtually on June 25 at noon. The community can join Reverend Jason Elliott, an Episcopal deacon, to learn how much has changed within the church in a single generation.
"Pride Month festivities at a Catholic college is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, reminding us that love and kindness transcend all boundaries. These celebrations help queer students feel seen and valued, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within our faith-based community," said Bogaski-Baugh.
The community can also celebrate Pride with a collection of books, films, documentaries, and more at SXU's Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library and partake in events around the city of Chicago. The Chicago Public Library is another excellent resource for events, book recommendations, displays and more that honor all aspects of queer life, history and culture.
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.