Lafayette to celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month

For the third year in a row, Lafayette College will host a series of events throughout October to commemorate LGBTQIA+ History Month and the diverse histories and experiences of those in the LGBTQIA+ community. 

LGBTQIA+ History Month, while also meant to recognize queer people, is different and distinguished from Pride Month. While Pride is celebrated in June and commemorates the Stonewall riots, LGBTQIA+ History Month is held in October and is centered around education on, and appreciation of, the accomplishments and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

“LGBTQIA+ History Month is really like other heritage months where we’re more focused on trying to educate, celebrate, and honor queer history, while Pride Month is more of a celebration,” explained Gabby Hochfeld, assistant director of intercultural development and coordinator for Gender and Sexuality Programs. 

Laurel Kennedy ’30

Hochfeld, the coordinator of this month’s events, was accompanied by a committee of students who brought ideas to the table for the festivities. One of those students was Laurel Kennedy ’30, a first-year passionate about both soccer and queer joy.

“I know how hard it can be for student-athletes who are also queer and just trying to build community,” Kennedy says. “So knowing I might have been able to help at least one person feel more comfortable and seen… that’s what I’m in it for.”

Another key player in planning this year’s events was Ferrah Reid ’27, Hochfeld’s intern. Reid was introduced to LGBTQIA+ History Month last year when the Association of Black Collegiates (ABC), a club she was the secretary of, partnered with Gender and Sexuality Programs (GSP) for a Black queer game show event during Black History Month.

This year, Reid has focused her energy on bringing communities together and finding opportunities for partnership between organizations on campus.

Ferrah Reid ’27

“I’m really hoping a lot of different demographics come to our events, because I want everybody to feel like they have a space,” Reid says. “I think there needs to be a focus on collaboration and involving different communities.”

Reid was the main force behind the Voguing as a Praxis event (Oct. 13), which will bring back Lafayette alumnus Jamal McIntosh ’24 to lead the workshop.

LGBTQIA+ History Month will feature a variety of other opportunities across campus throughout the month, including Coming Out Day (Oct. 6), Drag Story Hour (Oct. 8), and a Queer Disability Justice Workshop (Oct. 22).