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October is nationally observed as LGBTQ+ History Month—a time to recognize the history of the gay rights movement and those who made a difference in those movements.  

CU Boulder celebrates Pride in October (rather than June), as most students are not on campus during the summer. Our campus community not only celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and identities, but also uses this time to learn about queer and trans ancestors who have helped us move forward.  

Morgan Seamont and Sonja Benton, staff members in the Pride Office within the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, are responsible for running many of the Pride Month events.  

“At the heart of Pride events is the idea of being proud of who you are, of standing up for who you are, and of rejecting the stigma that is often part of our experience,” Seamont said. “In short, LGBTQ+ people  were told to conform, to play by the rules, and to just be ‘normal.’ Being proud of yourself has meant shedding the shame associated with these practices and to start celebrating who you are regardless of the hate and fear that some people and societies express.”   

The importance of Pride 

Pride has become a way for LGBTQ+ people to empower themselves, find inspiration from each other and our ancestors, and acknowledge the resiliency of our community. Pride is a way to actively fight the stigma that society has placed on LGBTQ+ people.  

“We celebrate holding hands with our partners, we mark our identities with colorful flags, we find inspiration in what our queer and trans ancestors went through, the courage they had to wear what they wanted, to love who they loved, and to fight for their rights,” Seamont said. “We recognize the resiliency of our community—we have always been here and always will be. We will thrive no matter what. We will gather together to form families in our own ways. We celebrate our cultural heritage through comedy, through drag shows and through art.” 

Get involved 

While CU recognizes Pride during this month, you can celebrate and learn about queer history year-round. Here are a few ways to get involved: 

• Learn about Pride flags: Get to know the origins of various LGBTQ+ flags and the identities they represent with the Pride Office’s flag guide.  
• Check out recommended reads and films: Review LGBTQ+ Education Resources from the Pride Office and from University Libraries. 
• Attend events: Learn and connect with fellow Buffs at . 

Connect with the Pride Office 

The Pride Office wants people within the community to know that CU sees you, supports you and celebrates the diversity you bring to our campus.  

“It can feel hard to celebrate, especially when times are hard. But the best part of being queer and trans is the joy inherent in even our most difficult histories,” said Benton. “I look back at my queer and transcestors and see them singing and dancing in the face of so much hardship. That is a tradition we want to continue, that is key to queer and trans culture and key to the events we hold. That even when the topic is hard, we face it head on with knowledge that we are endlessly creative and can find euphoria in our existence.” 

Check out upcoming events, visit the Pride Office in C4C N320 or email pride@colorado.edu.