Multicultural Programs Blog

Why is LGBTQ+ History Month in October and How Can I Celebrate?

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LGBTQ+ History Month was first proposed in 1994 by Missouri teacher, Rodney Wilson, but it wasn’t until 1995 that it became a nationally observed month. While both Pride Month and LGBTQ+ History Month celebrate those who identify as LGBTQ+, the history month is dedicated to education. October was chosen because National Coming Out Day falls on October 11th. This holiday commemorates October 11th, 1987, when 500,000 people came together for March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

How Can I Celebrate?

Missouri State University’s own LGBTQ+ Student Services, as well as Melaqueer and Student Activities Council, have collaborated on events for faculty, staff, and students.

OCT. 3, 2-3:30p, Multicultural Resource Center PSU 101

Queer Person of Color Panel

Listen as Missouri State students and a faculty member share their experiences.

OCT. 4, 6-8:30p, PSU Cafeteria

Karaoke with the Queen

Come karaoke with some local drag queens!

OCT. 10, 8a-8p, Multicultural Resource Center PSU 101

Big Button Giveaway

Come check out and grab our free, handmade pronoun and flag pins!

OCT. 18, 7-8p, PSU Theater

LGBTQ+ Guest Speaker

Speaker is To Be Announced! Can you guess who it is? Here are some hints:

  • The first out transgender actor with a featured role in a Marvel film
  • He appears in the musical finale to landmark Amazon series Transparent
  • This year, he had his first lead role in Netflix’s upcoming animated show: “Dead End: Paranormal Park” where he will voice a gay, Jewish, trans teenager navigating life

OCT. 21, 6-8p, PSU Ballroom

Let’s Vogue! Drag Show

To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month coming to an end, a drag show with local queens will take place!

Educate Yourself!

Register for Safe Zone Training

 

 

Multicultural programs and LGBTQ+ services welcome new assistant director

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Shy Wells is the new assistant director for multicultural services/LGBTQ+ student services. A former student, Wells is a Springfield local. 

Wells graduated in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in medical terminology and is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work online while leading a valuable campus resource. 

A shared perspective 

Wells knows what it’s like to start in a new place.  

“I was an online, two-time transfer student who was not sure if I had a place on campus,” Wells said. “It was not until I came to the Multicultural Resource Center that I discovered that I did have people around me who looked, thought and believed in the same things that I did.” 

These personal experiences are what Wells will keep with her as she serves in this position.  

A passion for advocacy

Wells has actively advocated for marginalized groups and doesn’t plan on stopping. 

In addition to previously working with teens and young adults in mental health crises, Wells has also earned certificates in trauma-informed care, ABA therapy, crisis intervention, and group therapy. 

They have extensive experience in advising LGBTQ students and families and building relationships within the Springfield community. 

Looking ahead 

Wells is working towards a future where LGBTQ+ student services are not utilized solely by students. 

“My hope for LGBTQ+ student services is to have more staff and faculty participate in our Safe Zone training,” they said. “I think we have a huge disconnect with our students who are LGBTQ+ as well as our students who are underrepresented, marginalized, or misrepresented.”  

In addition, Wells wants to continue their involvement with the university community. 

“I plan to begin more collaborations with our community to make campus more welcoming and create more allies for our students.” 

Wells wants to create more meaningful connections between LGBTQ+ student services and the student body. 

“I think one thing I wish students knew was that you do not have to identify yourself as LGBTQ+ to be an ally or show support,” Wells said. “This goes for much more than our LGBTQ+ students. This stands true for our students from nearly all backgrounds, religions, abilities, ages, and genders.” 

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