LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates learning and creating community

Luther College is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month in October with a guest speaker, a film showing and participation in Decorah Pride Week events.  

“While Pride Month is in June for many organizations, Luther is focusing on LGBTQ+ History month in October,” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement. “We celebrate heritage months during the academic year in order to maximize efforts and reach the widest community audience.”

All of these events are free and open to the public. 

On Friday, Oct. 11, Coming Out Day will be honored with an all-day tabling event in the Dahl Centennial Union lobby, hosted by the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support and the Wellness Office. “Our all-day tabling event will provide a supportive and informative space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies,” said Michelle Boike, assistant dean and director of CIES. “This is a perfect opportunity to connect, educate, and foster a sense of community.”

Gina Weekley, Luther’s 2024 Queer History Month Speaker

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, CIES presents Queer History Month Speaker Gina Weekley, in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. Gina Weekley, an influential voice in the LGBTQ+ community, will be sharing her insights and experiences with a focus on the history and ongoing struggles of queer individuals. 

“Gina Weekley is an engaging, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable presenter,” said Roberto Coral, CIES office manager. “Her own personal and professional experiences give her a unique perspective on the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. Her training services provide practical and empowering ideas on how to create an inclusive environment.”  

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, in Valders 206, the Monthly Movie will feature “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. 

Decorah Pride Week events will be held Oct. 8–12. Please see Decorah Pride’s website for complete details about all events. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, the Pride Parade will include many local guests and organizations, followed by a Party in the Park. Multiple groups from Luther College will participate in the parade and the party. 

One event of Decorah Pride Week will feature Luther’s musical talent in concert: queerPOPERA at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Impact Coffee in downtown Decorah. The music will include pieces by Verdi, Bernstein, Donizetti, Sondheim and other composers, as well as visual art, dance and instrumental collaborations. The performance will conclude with a closing dance party, with music by Driftless Jazz. 

The mission of queerPOPERA, founded by Jaime Webb, guest lecturer in voice at Luther, is to showcase the diverse narratives of the LGBTQ+ community through the emotive power of opera. 

The Oct. 12 concert will feature Luther faculty and staff Adrianna Tam, Andrew Last, Andrew Whitfield, Camille Balleza, Carla Hanson, Jaime Webb, Nicholas Shaneyfelt and Rachel Storlie; alumni Aidan Spencer, Ava Shively, Jana Lundell (dancer), Marie Sauze, Olivia Luster and Sasha Tomasevich; and students Arin Kyllo, Erin Daniel, Jaime Bizarri, Kelly Ristau (visual artist) and Malaika Hale.