Undecided freshman Rylee Donovan (left) and general business freshman Tracy Payne (right) add their banners to the collection. Vanguard Photographer | Sarah Brege 
Marketing junior Andrew Richard (left) and health science senior Vivian Messerschmidt (right) create their pride flags. Vanguard Photographer | Sarah Brege
The SVSU Pride Center is turning this October into OUTtober. Campus events throughout the month are designed to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.
The month kicked off on Oct. 4 with an OUTtober table–sit featuring pride flag trivia. The fun continued Oct. 6 with a spin-to- win event where students could spin a wheel to win prizes while playing LGBTQ+ trivia.
Both events allowed students the opportunity to meet and speak with Pride Center staff members.
One such staff member is Master of Social Work Abbey Sura who organized the OUTtober itinerary. Sura said she is excited by the student participation so far.
“The turnout has been great,” she said. “We have had the opportunity to interact with over 70 students and educate them on the Pride Center’s services and upcoming events.”
While these events are meant to be fun, the main purpose of them is to teach students about LGBTQ+ matters, culture and the resources available on campus.
“Through understanding LGBTQ+ terminology and awareness of the challenges the LGBTQ+ community has worked hard to overcome presented in our various programs during OUTtober,” Sura said. “It is our hope that students will gain a sense of awareness and kindness for the LGBTQ+ community by attending these events.”
There are more events to come this month, all covering various issues of importance to the LGBTQ+ community.
“[The] … two events I am most excited for are Pins and Pride with Program Board and Guess Who with F.E.M.E,” Sura said.
“At Pins and Pride students will be able to make mini pride flag keychains, buttons, and pins that represent their identities. Guess Who is being hosted by F.E.M.E. and will be a virtual twist on the classic game celebrating LGBTQ+ icons and wrapping up OUTtober.”
Also on the schedule for this month is an ally and advocate event on Oct. 18. Students outside of the LGBTQ+ community will learn how to properly support their LGBTQ+ counterparts.
The next event taking place is LGBTQ+ terminology 101 on Oct. 13. Students will learn about sexuality and gender identity to better understand the terminology associated with both.
Even after this month, there will still be plenty of opportunities for students to get involved with the Pride Center.
“Beyond OUTtober, students can be involved with the Pride Center by attending OUT Group every Monday from 6-7pm in SC111, inside the new Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA),” Sura said.
For more information on OUTtober and related events, visit the Pride Center office located in SC111G on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 AM-6PM.
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