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Emporia State has begun its events for Campus Pride Month this April. Despite being nationally recognized in June, ESU, along with many other colleges and universities across the U.S., takes the opportunity every April to celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Six events will be held during the month of April to celebrate Pride Month, including a drag show at Bourbon Cowboy.
This year’s theme, outlined in a campus-wide email by Senior Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Nyk Robertson, is Strength in Solidarity to “spotlight the power and resiliency of the community and its allies.”
Brandy Nance, LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) coordinator, said Pride Month provides visibility that is critical for LGBTQIA+ people.
“We deserve to be visible and present just like everybody else. So it’s super important to still recognize that and honor that,” Nance said.
These events are open to everyone wanting to attend. Nance said that the presence of LGBTQIA+ allies at these events is important to the community.
“It means a lot to the (LGBTQIA+) community when allies show up…it can serve as an educational tool as well,” Nance said.
When asked about what they think of Pride Month, Percy Holt, senior interdisciplinary studies major said campus Pride Month is an exciting experience that allows the LGBTQIA+ community on campus to celebrate themselves and have a voice at ESU.
“I also feel like it’s really good to show possibly some of the students that are coming into their identities or haven’t come out yet to know that this is a safe place for you to do that,” Holt said. “There’s a community here for you whenever you’re ready.”