Ohio University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Center is inviting the campus community to participate — and have a little bit of fun — in two of its upcoming events: PRIDE Graduation and Queer Prom.
PRIDE Graduation, a special pre-graduation ceremony celebrating OHIO’s LGBTQ+ graduates, will take place from noon until 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in Baker University Center 240/242.
The event will feature three guest speakers, and graduates will receive a certificate, a rainbow-themed stole and a special LGBTQ OHIO alumni pin. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to attend the reception, which will include colorful hors d’oeuvres such as rainbow veggie wraps with hummus and a sheet cake with a rainbow flag, according to Jan Huebenthal, assistant director of the LGBT Center.
"PRIDE Graduation is so meaningful because we get to honor our LGBTQ+ graduates who have excelled at OHIO in no small part because of the LGBT Center's long-standing dedication to providing safe, affirming and intersectional learning opportunities,” Huebenthal said. “As we celebrate queer excellence and wish our graduates well for their bright futures, we are grateful to them for sharing their incredible talent and creativity with the LGBT Center.
“In the same breath, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring that all LGBTQ-identified folks find spaces to grow and thrive at Ohio University,” he added.
Queer Prom, this year with the theme “Invasion of the Snatched Bodies,” is slated from 7 until 11 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Walter Hall Rotunda. The annual dance, which is open for everyone and completely free, will include music, food, dancing and special performances.
Huebenthal noted that this year, the drag troupe Uncorked Dolls will perform at the event. There will also be food catered by OHIO Catering and refreshments, and DJ Biggie will provide lights and music for the night.
"Queer Prom is a fun-filled night to let your hair down — if you, unlike me, have hair — dance the night away, cheer on our fabulous drag performers and enjoy some good food and drinks,” Huebenthal added. “Prom is an American high school tradition, but one where LGBTQ students don't always feel welcome. Queer Prom is for everyone — come as you are, make some new friends and be a part of the beautiful diversity of LGBTQ life at OHIO."
Those wishing to attend PRIDE Graduation should RSVP by April 13 by visiting bit.ly/2019OHIOPrideGraduation. Those wanting to attend Queer Prom should RSVP by April 13 at bit.ly/2019OUQueerProm.