Student Resource Center Blog

Pride Fair at Missouri State University

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Celebrating Love, Identity, and Inclusion

Missouri State University continues to demonstrate its commitment to inclusion by hosting its second annual Pride Fair, an event that unites students, and community members in celebrating LGBTQ+ pride. This event serves as a vibrant showcase of the university’s dedication to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all.

Make sure to mark your calendar for this year’s Pride Fair and join in the celebration of love, identity, and inclusion! October 24th, 2024 at PSU Atrium.

 

What Is the Pride Fair?

The Pride Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of self-expression, identity, and community. With numerous activities, informational booths, and opportunities for students to engage with LGBTQ+ organizations, the Pride Fair offers a unique platform for education and advocacy. Attendees can meet organizations that offer resources for LGBTQ+ students.

 

Why Does the Pride Fair Matters?

At its core, the Pride Fair is about visibility. For many students, it serves as a reminder that they are seen, valued, and accepted for who they are. It’s a place where identities are not only acknowledged but celebrated. The fair develops a sense of belonging and empowers LGBTQ+ individuals by connecting them with supportive communities on and off-campus.

 

Missouri State University’s Role in Promoting Inclusivity

Missouri State University is continuously working to create a campus environment where inclusion is not just acknowledged but celebrated. Events like the Pride Fair are just one example of the university’s commitment to creating an inclusive campus for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The university’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center plays a vital role in supporting these initiatives, offering safe spaces and resources throughout the year.

 

Get Involved!

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, the Pride Fair is a fantastic opportunity to engage with a vital part of campus culture. Every effort helps create a more inclusive environment at Missouri State University.

Meet on- and off-campus organizations that support our community, enjoy free food, and win all-new MSU Pride T-shirts and tote bags! This event is open to all and is proudly organized by Multicultural Programs.

 

Be sure to attend this year’s Pride Fair at the PSU Atrium and take part in a day filled with celebration, learning, and pride!

National Latinx Heritage Month and Fiesta Time

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What Is Latinx Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

When is Latinx Heritage Month? 

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan 20 years later in 1988. The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community.

Why Do We Celebrate Latinx History Month?

Latinas and Latinos have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy.

Representation matters. Latinos and Latinas continue to shape our nation as business owners, activists, artists, public servants, and more. From serving in the U.S. military to being champions in the fight for civil rights, Latinas and Latinos remain strong leaders and changemakers.

It’s crucial to make sure that the contributions of the Latino community are showcased, and that Latinas and Latinos have a voice. Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is one of the largest racial/ethnic groups. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation for the better. 

The office of multicultural programs hosts events each year that represent the history of Latinos/Latinas over the centuries. Each school year in September, we celebrate Latinx Heritage month however, we don’t stop there. We include Latinx community focused events throughout the school year beyond the month of September. This helps to continue the conversations and celebration of those apart of the Latinx community every day, not just during Latinx Heritage month.

Upcoming events:

FIESTA TIME

Join the Office of Multicultural programs and URSI for our annual event: Fiesta Time! A fiesta is a celebration and derives from the Latin word festus, which means “festive, joyful, or merry”.  Enjoy a fabulous night of dancing, authentic catered food, and celebration of heritage! This event will take place on September 23rd from 6-8 pm in PSU Ballroom East. We hope to see you there!

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.” 

Explore multicultural programs at MSU