Library: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month: About LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

About LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month is celebrated at Buffalo State University during the month of April.

Gay Pride, also called LGBT Pride or LGBTQ Pride... [is an] annual celebration, usually in June in the United States and sometimes at other times in other countries, of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identity. Gay Pride commemorates the Stonewall riots, which began in the early hours of June 28, 1969, after police raided the Stonewall Inn bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village neighbourhood. Gay Pride typically involves a series of events and is often capped by a parade involving marchers and colourful floats from the LGBTQ community and its supporters.

"Gay Pride." Britannica Academic, Encyclopædia Britannica, 16 Mar. 2023. academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/Gay-Pride/475466. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

April 2024 events

To celebrate Pride, there are a number of events scheduled on campus for April 2024:

Rainbow Connections tabling in the union
- Tuesday, April 9, 12-1:30pm
- Visit our table to find out more about our weekly discussion group, new campus club, and pride events at Buffalo State.
Out in Faith
- Wednesday, April 10, 3:30pm
- Location: Bulger 214
- Please join us for a panel discussion on the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities, spirituality, faith, and connecting with faith communities.
Bengal Ally Mixer Kickoff
- Wednesday, April 10, 5:30pm - 7pm
- Location: Fireside Lounge (Student Union)
- Join us for our Bengal Ally Mixer on April 10th! Come hang out with your peers and drag queens leading up to our drag show. Enjoy some delicious food, learn about LGBTQ+ wellness resources and more! Can't wait to see you there! For any questions regarding this event, please email sle@buffalostate.edu.
Pride Week Drag Show
- Wednesday, April 10, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
- Location: Social Hall (Student Union)
- Hosted by Jayla Rose, a drag queen seen on Lizzo's "Watch Out for the Big Grrrls," come to the Social Hall on April 10th for our Spring Drag Show! Witness thrilling performances from local drag queens and get ready for an evening you won't forget! For any questions regarding this event, please email sle@buffalostate.edu.
Kiki Ball
- Wednesday, April 10, 9:00 - 11:00pm
- Location: Social Hall (Student Union)
- Stick around after the drag show for a kiki ball hosted by Black Active Minds from 9-11 pm! The theme is decades, so be prepared for even more fantastic performances, food and prizes. For any questions about this event, please contact blackactivemindsBSC or SLE.
Beyond Boundaries' film screening and discussion of Esther Newton Made Me Gay (2022; directed by Jean Carlomusto)
- Thursday, April 25, Reception at 6pm, Film at 7pm
- Location: Upton 230
- Special Guests Esther Newton and Jean Carlomusto
- Trailer

Buffalo State University resources

Women and Gender Studies
"Women and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines gender, sexuality, and women’s experiences. ... At SUNY Buffalo State, students can earn a minor in Women and Gender Studies. The minor is open to people of all genders in every major."
Gender Inclusive Housing
"The main purpose for Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH) is to provide support to students who wish to have a living option that best aligns with their gender identity and to not limit their choices. We recognize that single-gender housing may not be comfortable for all students. Students who sign up for GIH will be assigned to suites in Tower 3 and will be allowed to have roommates/ suitemates from across the gender spectrum. The Residence Life Office believes that it is important to evolve our housing policy to meet the needs of all students and to create a positive, inclusive community."
Gender Inclusive Restrooms on Campus
A list and map of gender-inclusive restrooms at Buffalo State
Name Change Form
"Students who wish to use a “preferred” or “chosen” name now have the means to do so. This process allows the preferred name to appear on class rosters and other local instances. Diplomas and transcripts will continue to use the student’s legal name.
"Students who have graduated or have separated from Buffalo State College and have had a legal name change can now update their name to more properly represent themselves."