Tag: LGBTQ

Stories from Michigan Tech’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion featuring the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.

Celebrating Pride: More Important Than Ever

A paper cut-out of a pride rainbow heart next to six colored pencils lined up in the pattern of a rainbow.
Designed by Freepik

Pride Month, celebrated every June, is a time to honor the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. It began as a commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, a pivotal event in the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Pride is a month filled with joyful parades, festivals, and gatherings, and it’s also a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped LGBTQ history.

Queer and Here: Conversations Beyond Pride Month

Sunshine creating a rainbow in the mist of a lawn sprinkler on a sunny day.

This Pride Month, a few Michigan Tech faculty and staff from across campus gathered for a conversation on being queer in the Keweenaw.

In this roundtable Q&A, Amlan Mukherjee, Erin Matas, Kelly Steelman, Paige Short, and Tom Adolphs share their thoughts and experiences on the importance of representation, connections, and conversations during this heritage month and beyond.

Why do we Celebrate Pride Month?

Van Pelt and Opie Library in spring.

June is recognized as Pride Month—and with the increased visibility of the rainbow flag as a sign of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) pride, it’s hard to miss. But why do we celebrate Pride in June and what’s it all about? What is Stonewall?

In 1969, The Stonewall Inn was a popular New York City gay bar. Regulars included trans women of color, gay men, queer homeless youth, lesbians, professionals, students, and folks in drag. It was an eclectic and exciting environment for drinking, dancing, and socializing.