For Long Beach State members of the LGBTQIA community and allies, this month goes out to you. Throughout October, ASI Beach Pride Events (BPE), Multicultural Affairs and various other campus partners will be hosting an array of events in celebration of “coming out” and taking pride in one’s identity.
OUTober kicked off with a noontime concert on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Southwest Terrace. Mariachi Arcoiris, the first ever LGBT mariachi band, performed and free tacos were offered. The events continue throughout the month, emphasizing pride in your identity and tips for becoming an ally for the community.
2017 OUTober and Drag Bingo Recap
The next program is “Unpacking Cisgender Privilege: Tools for Becoming a Stronger Ally” and will take place on Thursday, Oct. 11, in USU 304. As described by Rebecca-Melissa Macareno, program assistant for Beach Pride Events, “These events are open to the campus community - those who identify as LGBT and allies. It is a great opportunity for allies to learn about the community through events that they themselves have created.”
Over the years, OUTober has grown in both attendance and number of events since its introduction several years ago. This trend is sure to continue as awareness increases both on- and off-campus. The month will culminate with the annual Drag Bingo, hosted by BPE on Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the USU Ballrooms. We hope to see you at these spectacular events!
For more information on OUTober, visit www.csulb.edu/oma.
