Pride Month 2024 is here! With the end of the spring semester and the start of the summer, many colleges across the country are gearing up to celebrate Pride.
Did you know that 16% of college students identify as LGBTQ+, according to a 2019 Association of American Universities survey?
These students face unique challenges on campus. According to the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute, “Nearly one-third of LGBTQ people (32.6%) experienced bullying, harassment, or assault at college, compared to 18.9% of non-LGBTQ people. Specific forms of adversity were experienced by twice as many or more LGBTQ than non-LGBTQ people.”
Moreover, a 2022 report from The Trevor Project states, “Overall, one in three (33%) LGBTQ college students seriously considered suicide in the past year, and 7% reported a suicide attempt in the past year.”
These statistics show how important it is for college faculty and staff to support, include, and celebrate LGBTQ+ learners. From LGBTQ+-friendly mental health help to affinity groups promoting a sense of belonging, making your college campus welcoming to these students and their allies is always a point of pride in June … and all year round.
“Pride Month serves as a time to not only spotlight the history and impact of the LGBTQ+ community but also work toward creating a diverse and inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom,” says the educational organization Think Together. And that’s important in June and every day of the year!
5 Simple Ways to Celebrate Pride Month 2024 on Campus
- LGBTQ+ movie night on the lawn
- Open mic night or concert for your LGBTQ+ students
- An LGBTQ+ speaker series with community leaders on campus
- A display of LGBTQ+ books at your library
- A campus Pride parade!
From hanging up signs and banners to hosting a Pride party, there are many ways to celebrate. Want a little more inspiration? We’ve got you …
Even More Fun Ways to Celebrate Pride Month 2024 with Ideas from Our Community College Partners
Want even more ideas on how to celebrate Pride Month 2024? Our community college partners have some great examples! Here is a roundup of excellent Pride celebrations you can leverage this year and beyond.
6. Mascot, Logo, Hashtag — Check! Allan Hancock College
“It’s #PrideMonth, and Hancock is celebrating the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of our LGBTQ+ community.”
This June, why not Pride-up your logo … and mascot while you’re at it? Oh, and don’t forget the #PrideMonth hashtag!
7. Early Birds: Cerro Coso Community College‘s Pride Month 2024
“Why are we celebrating in April/May and not during Pride Month (June)? Stop by one of our events in Ridgecrest during CC Pride Week to find out!”
Some colleges celebrated Pride Month 2024 early this year. If being an early bird means you’ll have better participation, then why not? After all, it’s colorful to have Pride all year long.
8. Show the Love: University of Hawaii at Manoa
“This month and year-round, we celebrate exactly who you are – Be you, be proud!”
The University of Hawaii at Manoa does a great job showing the love with fabulous student pictures for Pride Month.
9. I Saw the Sign: Henry Ford College
“Students from SAGA and HFC staff installed a pride flag display in the quad area of the main campus today. The display will remain through the end of Campus Pride Month to support members of the LGBTQ community and promote diversity of identity and expression.”
Speaking of showing the love, why not show your pride on your signage? Make your campus a colorful reminder for LGBTQ+ students that they belong.
10. Cool and Crafty: Kankakee Community College‘s Colorful Pride Month 2024
“KCC students celebrated Pride Month with a fun arts & crafts project … tie-dye!”
A little rainbow tie-dye, anyone? Interactive art projects like this are fun for the whole community!
11. School Spirit, Rainbow Swag: Miami Dade College
“Today, #MDCWolfson Student Life is celebrating PRIDE Month with a splash of color! Show off your PRIDE by tagging us with the hashtag #WolfsonPRIDE! Winners will receive a special surprise to celebrate this month.”
This one is a throwback to the pandemic, when students had to celebrate solo. However, sponsoring raffles with your branded hashtag never goes out of style, especially when celebrating Pride Month 2024!
12. Share a Rallying Story: Western Technical College
“We wanted to share a great Pride Month story. This is Dan Britten, a Western BIS Welding trainer who works with Trane. For a few years, Dan has helped make flag poles for the The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection. Sometimes, individuals would try to steal their pride flags. Dan helped weld a pole and holders that make it difficult to tear down these flags. This is how we can all be allies! Finding ways you can help those marginalized.”
Take pride in your community this Pride Month 2024 with great stories of allyship!
How does your college plan to celebrate Pride Month 2024? Tag us on social media, and we’ll add your post to our blog!
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