LGBTQIA+ History Month
The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs recognizes LGBTQIA+ History Month throughout October. During this time, we acknowledge the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people through the development and implementation of various programs and events.
Questions?
Contact Danny Cortez at d-cortez1@neiu.edu.
Need accommodations?
To request accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at least 48 hours in advance at sds@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4598.
Please note: Not all events are open to the general public. The audience is noted for each event. Events noted as "NEIU community" refer to NEIU students, employees, retirees and other University stakeholders (i.e. members of the Board of Trustees).
2026 Events (Oct. 1-31)
All events are free.
Colors of Pride: Community Canvas Painting
Friday, Oct. 2
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: NEIU community
Join the Pedroso Center for a creative opening event where students and employees can contribute to a shared LGBTQIA+ Pride-themed canvas. This will be a relaxed community art activity centered on identity, joy, visibility and belonging.
Open Mic: My Story, My Pace, A National Coming Out Day Gathering
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: Open to the public
This supportive LGBTQIA+ History Month gathering will feature Channyn Lynne Parker, an advocate and leader in Chicago's LGBTQIA+ community. This event will center identity, reflection, safety and belonging. It will create space for participants to reflect on their journeys at their own pace, whether they are out, questioning, private, exploring or still finding the words for their experience.
Sex Education 101
Sex Education 101
Thursday, Oct. 8
Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: NEIU students
Student Health Services will host a conversation on sexual health, safer sex, consent, communication and LGBTQIA+ inclusive resources in a supportive, judgment-free space.
Q-Spot: Pride & Heritage
Q-Spot: Pride & Heritage
Monday, Oct. 12
Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: NEIU students
Join LGBTQIA+ professionals as they sharing their experiences with identity, workplace belonging, networking, professionalism and career growth. This event will be held in collaboration with the Office of Career Development.
Queer History You Didn't Learn in School: A DVAM & LGBTQIA+ History Month Trivia Event
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 14
Time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: NEIU students
The K(NO)W More campaign is dedicated to ending sexual violence by increasing awareness inspiring action and fueling culture change. Join the K(NO)W More team for an interactive LGBTQIA+ history trivia event exploring Stonewall, ballroom culture, key activists and organizations that helped shape the movement. Students can compete in teams, win prizes, enjoy snacks and learn about healthy relationship resources along the way.
Movie Screening: “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”
Monday, Oct. 19
Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: NEIU students
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s novel of the same title, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” centers on the friendship between two teenage Mexican-American loners in 1987 El Paso who explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult road to self-discovery. This event will create space for students to reflect on queer Latine representation and coming-of-age stories.
Q-Spot: Game Day
Monday, Oct. 26
Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: NEIU students
Q-Spot is an NEIU LGBTQIA+ student affinity group that regularly meets in the Pedroso Center. Attend this Q-Spot gathering and enjoy connection, games, conversation, snacks and community care.
Ballroom, Chosen Family and Queer History: “Pose” Screening and Discussion
Friday, Oct. 30
Time: noon-2:00 p.m.
Location: Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
Audience: NEIU community
As we close LGBTQIA+ History Month, this event will focus on ballroom culture, chosen family, queer and trans communities of color, and LGBTQIA+ history.