By Jonah Grinkewitz
ODU will hold its third annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Month from April 2 through April 30.
Presented by the Women’s and Gender Equity Center, the observance was started in 2022 by Andrew Garber, coordinator for LGBTQIA+ programs and services at Old Dominion University.
Although national Pride Month is in June, Garber wanted to give students a chance to celebrate before they left for summer.
“Each event is an opportunity to find connection and community, across all identities,” Garber told ODU News last year.
This year’s highlights include the inaugural LGBTQIA+ Pride Fest on April 18 and a Rainbow Graduation on April 30. Other events include a pride prom, drag brunch and zen relaxation session hosted by the Queer Resilience Coalition.
This year’s schedule is below. You can also learn more about ODU’s LGBTQIA+ initiatives on the Women’s and Gender Equity Center’s website.
- April 2: Dine N’ Drag and Sex Bingo, 7-9 p.m. in North Cafe in Webb Student Center. RSVP.
- April 9: Zen Zone, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Virginia Rice Webb Room in Webb Student Center. Opportunity for students to relax with their peers while participating in chill activities and listening to lo-fi music. Co-sponsored by the Queer Resilience Coalition.
- April 12: Pride Prom, 7-10 p.m. in North Cafe in Webb Student Center. Hosted by ODU Sexuality and Gender Alliance.
- April 16: Queer Cafe, 12-2 p.m. in the Rivers Room in Webb Student Center. Opportunity to build community and participate in craft-making. Co-sponsored by the Queer Resilience Coalition. RSVP.
- April 18: Pride Fest and Picnic, 12-3 p.m. on Kaufman Mall. Will include LGBTQIA+ resources, performances and opportunities to connect with local organizations. RSVP.
- April 30: Rainbow Graduation, 5:30-7 p.m. in North Cafe in Webb Student Center. LGBTQIA+ students who are graduating this spring will receive their rainbow graduation cords. RSVP to participate.