The University of Toledo is recognizing LGBTQA History Month with several events throughout October.

The Office of Excellence and Multicultural Student Success, LGBTQA Initiatives and Spectrum UT are dedicated to serving the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and allied students. 

“LGBTQA History Month is important because it allows us to reflect back on the roots of our movement,” said Melissa Brodsky, a second-year student majoring in bioengineering, who is vice president of Spectrum UT. “While we have made many advancements in the past few months, it is to important to recognize that we came from struggle. October is the month to celebrate where the LGBTQA community has been and where it is going.”

Events began last week and run through the end of the month concluding with a Halloween Ball on Oct. 31. Some highlights include:

Thursday, Oct. 10
•  “Banned Books: Censorship of LGBTQ Content in Books for Youth” by Dr. Sharon Barnes, UT associate professor of women’s and gender studies, 3:30 p.m., Carlson Library Fifth Floor. This event is part of the University’s 16th annual UT Banned Books Week Vigil.
•  Spectrum Hate Crimes Vigil, 8 to 10 p.m., Student Union Steps.

Friday, Oct. 11
•  National Coming Out Day Celebration, noon to 2 p.m., Student Union Room 2500. Stop by and receive a “Gay? Fine by me” T-shirt and show your support.

Wednesday, Oct. 16
•  Keynote address by Kate Bornstein, gender activist, author, playwright and performance artist, 8 p.m., Scott Park Auditorium.

Click here for a full list of events for LGBTQA History Month.