WYOMISSING, Pa.–The Penn State Berks Diversity Committee, in collaboration with the Rainbow Alliance student organization, is holding a student art competition to celebrate LGBT History Month in October. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries.
Penn State Berks students are invited to submit their original artwork inspired by an LGBT cultural or historical figure along with a short paragraph describing the piece and the inspiration behind it. All types of artwork will be accepted, including photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, poetry, music, fashion, dance, makeup and crafts. Entries should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 11, to Colleen Tillger at [email protected] or Cheryl Nicholas at [email protected].
Penn State Berks supports students who identify as LGBTQ+. Sharon Pitterson-Ogaldez, coordinator of diversity and international programs at Penn State Berks, stated, “The Office of Diversity and International Affairs at Penn State Berks provides support, resources and advocacy for students who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as education and programs that promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion of members of the LGBTq+ community on campus.” For more information, contact Pitterson-Ogaldez at [email protected].
In addition, students can find community and support by joining the Rainbow Alliance Club. For more information, contact club president Emily Kern at [email protected] or the adviser Cheryl Nicholas, at [email protected].
About LGBT Month
LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was founded as Lesbian and Gay History Month in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, the first openly gay public school teacher in Missouri. The month of October was chosen because two marches held in 1979 and 1987 to advance gay rights, occurred during that month in Washington D.C. In addition, Oct. 11 is national Coming Out Day.
