LGBTQIA2S+ HISTORY MONTH 2021

The San Antonio College LGBTQIA2S+ History Month Committee invites you to attend an array of events from Oct. 11 to Nov. 16. LGBTQIA2S+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Two-Spirit, with the + affirming a spectrum of other identities.

In the words of Marsha P. Johnson, “History isn’t something you look back at and say it was inevitable, it happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities.”

Historically, LGBTQIA2S+ communities have often existed outside of societal norms. Queer culture is deeply rooted in coping with widespread discrimination and oppression. Even today, as LGBTQIA2S+ acceptance is on the rise, institutions of systemic bigotry remain.

Nevertheless, sharing stories of resistance and resilience allows queer communities to flourish and thrive. Join us in celebrating LGBTQIA2S+ history and examining its impact on communities today. This isn’t survival. It’s the Magic of Queer Resilience.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Entire month - submissions due Nov. 11
LGBTQIA+ History Month Scholarship
Currently enrolled SAC students are invited to apply for the 2021 LGBTQIA+ History Month Scholarship. Applicants will address the theme of queer resilience in any form of creative expression, including writing, audio, video, and digital or physical art. Three scholarships of $500 each will be awarded. For more information on the prompt, eligibility, and submission guidelines, see the flyer here. All applicants must complete the cover page form (located at https://bit.ly/3utSoK5) to accompany their submission.

Monday, Oct. 11
9 to 11 a.m.
Loftin Student Center Atrium
National Coming Out Day Celebration
In honor of National Coming Out Day, stop by the Loftin Student Center and learn about resources available for the LGBTQIA2S+ community (whether “out" or not!) at SAC and across San Antonio. Celebrate Pride with free goodies from the Office of Student Life, Student Advocacy Center, and Pride Center San Antonio!

Monday, Oct. 11
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Zoom* [Pre-register for this event at https://bit.ly/3ArPpnl] & LSC Fiesta Room
Two Spirit Identities
Co-Sponsored with Mi Gente Heritage Month
In celebration of Indigenous People's Day and National Coming Out Day, join us for a conversation with Charlie Amáyá Scott (they/them/theirs and she/her/hers) and Ben Olivares (they/them) about "Two Spirit Identities."

You can tune into the Zoom conversation on your own by registering at this link OR you can attend a screening in the Fiesta Room of the Loftin Student Center! SAC student attendees will be eligible to win door prizes.

Tuesday, Oct. 19
6 to 7 p.m.
Zoom [Pre-register at https://bit.ly/3m9nX8e]
A Conversation with San Antonio’s District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez
Jalen McKee-Rodriguez made history in June 2021 as the first openly gay Black elected official in Texas. At this event, McKee-Rodriguez will discuss his journey to advocacy and answer questions from the SAC community. SAC student attendees will be eligible to win door prizes!

Friday, Oct. 22
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Zoom [Pre-register at https://bit.ly/PronounsOct22]
Validating and Affirming Using Pronouns
Facilitators: Dr. Aisha Woods Zarb-Cousin, Jeremy Motley, Dr. Aurelia Rocha and Dr. Marianne Bueno
What’s all this talk about using proper pronouns to create an inclusive environment for everyone? Come find out in this interactive session. Participants will learn the importance of pronouns and create a welcoming environment for all. A few lucky participants will win prizes!

Wednesday, Oct. 27
2 to 3 p.m.
LSC Fiesta Room
Alamo Area Resource Center (AARC) Presentation
At this event co-sponsored by GSA, Dimitri Rodriguez (AARC Prevention Specialist and 2018-2019 SAC GSA Vice President) will discuss the history of HIV/AIDS and share prevention and treatment education. Come by to learn, ask questions, and pick up some queer-themed swag made by local artisans!

Wednesday, Oct. 27
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m.
SAC Mall 
Alamo Area Resource Center (AARC) HIV Testing
AARC’s mobile testing unit will be offering free HIV testing to the SAC Community in the Mall Area (in front of Loftin Student Center) before and after their presentation.

Thursday, Nov. 4
6 to 8 p.m.
SAC Mall 
GSA Movie Night & Story Time with Mx. Minerva
Co-Sponsored by the SAC Gender and Sexuality Association (GSA)

GSA and the LGBTQIA2S+ History Month Committee will be hosting an outdoor screening of a queer-themed, family-friendly film (movie selection is forthcoming). Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy not only the film, but also a story about acceptance read by Mx. Minerva before the screening. Limited numbers of free children’s books will be provided, and snacks will be available for all

Friday, Nov. 11
4 p.m.
Deadline to submit your piece for the LGBTQIA+ History Month scholarship
For more information, see the description at the top of this page and refer to the flyer. All applicants must complete the cover page form located at https://bit.ly/3utSoK5.

Tuesday, Nov. 16
11 a.m. to Noon
Zoom [Pre-register at https://bit.ly/3oBxp7g]
Pride Center’s State of our Community Film Screening and Panel on Resilience
During the summer of 2018, a coalition of San Antonio community members studied LGBTQ+ health and resilience in South Texas and published their research in a 2020 report. At this event, the San Antonio Pride Center and Dr. Amy L. Stone (Trinity) will screen their State of our Community documentary to discuss their findings and reflect upon the resilience of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity.

*Note for this Zoom event: You must be signed into your Zoom account to join us. SAC Community: Sign up at https://alamo.zoom.us/ for a free Zoom account. Community members: Sign up at https://zoom.us/ for a free Zoom account.

The Committee thanks SAC Student and LGBTQIA2S+ Advocate Jeremy Sarten for crafting this year’s theme.