"We take time to recognize LGBT identities and the courage it takes to be out in a society that still is ridiculously homophobic," said Jon Hoadley, a social relations and women's studies junior. "There's so much violence and harassment against queer people.
"This is a point where we can say in spite of all that we are still proud of who we are."
National Gay and Lesbian Pride Month is recognized in June as a celebration of LGBT issues and identities, but MSU's Pride Week is held earlier so students still will be on campus to participate in events.
The week-long event is put on each year by various student groups and university offices, which organize demonstrations and projects to both celebrate and educate. This year's schedule includes everything from rallies to a drag show.
"There are some fun events, but there also tend to be some political statement events," said Rae Marcus, public relations coordinator for the Alliance of Lesbian, Bi, Gay and Transgender Students.
New to the schedule this year are the Pride Week movies, which will include films featuring the issues affecting LGBT identities. The films will be shown at various times throughout the week at Wells Hall.
Some students said that this year's Pride Week is particularly important because of the nationwide uproar about same-sex marriage. T-shirts made for event participants emphasize the issue by bearing the slogan "Yes I am … Yes I do."
Hoadley said he hoped that as many people as possible will participate in the week's events and learn about marriage equality and other issues affecting the LGBT community.
"Having pride in ourselves is the first responsibility of these programs," he said. "But the second is to be more visible so other people can see that we're out there and realize these are the people you sit next to in class and that you live next to in the dorms."
"Say 'I Do' With Pride"
Campus march, speak out and kiss-in.
12 p.m. Friday, starting at the fountain behind Student Services Building. The cross-campus march will end up at the Administration Building.
"I Can't Believe It's Not Prom"
8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Union Ballroom. Any attire is acceptable, and the event is free to students.
Q*News Beach Party
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4 p.m. Sunday, parking is behind Beaner's Coffee Shop, 270 W. Grand River Ave.
Join the staff of the Q*News for food and beach games.
"Take Back the Night"
All day Tuesday.
This annual event fights to eliminate sexual assault against women through a variety of displays and programs.
Events include:
• The Silhouettes Project, on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Union lobby. This exhibit will feature life-size cut-outs of sexual assault survivors.
• The Clothesline Project, on display starting at 9 a.m. by Beaumont Tower. T-shirts decorated by sexual-assault survivors will be hung on clotheslines for viewing.
• Speak out, 3-6 p.m. by Beaumont Tower. This event will feature music and an open mic for people to express their views on assault.
• Vigil, 6-7 p.m. at the trees near the Music Building. A pre-march rally will follow.
• March, 8 p.m. starting near the Music Building. The march will be women-identified space; a men's forum will be offered at 7 p.m. at the Union. A post-march rally will follow.
National Day of Silence
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday
Students will recognize this day by handing out fliers about victims of harassment and hate crimes. A gathering for Day of Silence participants will be held at 5:30 p.m. in 441 Union.
Keynote speaker
7 p.m. Thursday, Natural Science Building, Room 128.
John Corvino will be discussing his book "Same Sex: Debating the Ethics, Science and Culture of Homosexuality."
Viva Las Vegas Drag Show
9 p.m. April 23, International Center.
This event will celebrate a person's right to express who they are on the inside.
