UHCL celebrates LGBTQ+ community with Pride Week

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) hosted Pride Week Oct. 14-19 and it was jam-packed with events of all varieties. The week kicked off with Queer Crafts on Monday where students got to create Pride floats and posters for the UHCL Pride Parade that took place later in the week.

On Tuesday, “A Critical Conversation: LGBTQ+ Representation in Media” was held in the Student Services and Classroom Building (SSCB). This event allowed students the opportunity to speak freely amongst their peers about LGBTQ+ issues with the media and representation of their community.

Wednesday featured a “Queer Film and Discussion” event in the SSCB Lecture Hall where the film, “Rocketman” was shown and a discussion about the film’s theme was opened up afterward. An open mic event took place on Thursday which allowed students to express themselves, whether it be through poetry, singing or dancing in a judge-free environment.

The UHCL Pride Parade was hosted on Friday as a grand finale for the week. Floats, banners, costumes and more were all part of the celebration that swept the campus grounds.

“Our Pride2D2 float won for Best Office,” said Director of Orientation & New Student Programs Angie Montelongo. “It was truly a labor of love and we were really happy for the recognition but mostly happy being there to support the Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. We had a great time preparing our float and an even better time at the festive event! We will definitely participate again next year.”

While students at UHCL enjoy the activity-filled events of Pride Week, it is intended to celebrate something much deeper. Annual Pride celebrations began in 1970 as a reaction to a violent police raid in New York where members of the community felt they were treated inhumanely because of their sexuality. The LGBTQ+ community hungered for acceptance and wanted to feel “Pride” about who they are and who they love. Since then, the celebrations have gotten bigger as the LGBTQ+ community fights to change laws and embrace their individuality.

“When the identities of folks are highlighted and celebrated it gives people a voice,” said Director of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Aliya Beavers. “We like for our events to have an educational take away so if one person learns something new about a community or identity, we have done our jobs.”

Beavers believes that holding traditions that are tied to Pride is extremely important. She states that when students feel accepted by their peers and their university, they will look back fondly on their time in college and step into the career world more confident in themselves.

“An educational, informative and fun experience for all was the goal of UHCL Pride Week this year,” Beavers said. “Since some students like to participate in critical dialogues while others are more into self-expression, we host different types of programs so that there is something for everyone.”

Students looking to get involved in next year’s Pride Week can sign up in advance with the Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as volunteers are always welcome. Additionally, Beavers said, The SDEI is always happy to chat with any students who are curious about how to be a supportive ally to the LGBTQ+ community as well.

For more information on the Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office here on campus visit their webpage at www.uhcl.edu.