U of M Spring Pride Kicks Off Local Pride Season

From Minneapolis East and West Banks to St. Paul, the three vast segments of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus will celebrate a full-spectrum, Roy G. Biv week March 29-April 5, when our very own Gopher land will be covered with hundreds of rainbow flags supporting Queer Student Cultural Center (QSCC) Spring Pride. The public can expect a week of engaging and informative events.
With the overarching goals of celebrating the diversity and culture of the queer community, educating it on issues applicable to the lives of queer students, and advocating for the inclusion and equality of all persons regardless of sexual or gender orientation, QSCC and its committed team consistently are working in innovative ways to employ its mission, and Spring Pride is no exception.

“We want to have more people come to our space, to feel comfortable with their sexuality, and know that there’s a place where they can connect with other students like them, and feel safe,” according to Daniel Will, QSCC Fund-raising Coordinator.

The goal of Spring Pride is to help create awareness for the GLBT community, to promote and support the GLBT lifestyle, and to educate the public on issues vital to the GLBT community.

“We are expecting that during and after Spring Pride, the GLBTA community can feel empowered and educated to live their lives with pride,” Will adds.

The weeklong celebration kicks off March 30, 11 AM-1 PM, with a rally at Coffman Union Front Plaza, where local queer Nerdcore band Tough Tough Skin will play at Noon, followed by a presentation by OutFront Minnesota Community Organizer Kelly Lewis at 12:30 PM.

A screening of Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen at Coffman Union on March 31,12:30 PM, includes free lunch, followed by a Transgender Commission Gender dialogue.

A day of health and wellness workshops at Coffman Union on April 4, starting at 11 AM, covers everything from résumé writing to self-defense.
The most anticipated event is the drag show on March 27 at University Radisson Hotel. Having previously drawn more than 400 eager viewers, it features many colorful performances by QSCC’s very own, as well as showcasing the talents of a number of Gopher students. A donation of $2, which goes toward future advocacy work and event planning, is suggested.

Not only will the U of M campus be bound to have an aesthetically brighter appearance, but also the aura emanating during this week of pride will speak to empowerment and positivity. Meant to educate and celebrate all things queer at the university, this celebration is one you’re not going to want to miss.

QSCC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, welcomes donations, which are tax-deductible, to further its mission.

For details on all Spring Pride activities, including any schedule changes, visit www.qscc.org.