June is Pride Month nationally (although it’s celebrated at Mizzou in April so students are able to take part in festivities!) To recognize Pride Month, we share a few Mizzou and local resources, training opportunities and events for those who identify as part of this community and/or for becoming an LGBTQ+ ally:
Learn More
- Request a Safe Space Training for yourself, your office and/or your organization via the University of Missouri LGBTQ Resource Center. Safe Space is a training designed to give you the tools and knowledge you need to be an effective ally.
- The Mizzou LGBTQ Resource Center shares a guide on Gender Pronouns, including understanding their importance and how to be an ally in their usage.
- The Mizzou Libraries provides a list of LGBTQ Reading Recommendations, including those for coming out, family and friends, and dealing with discrimination. The LGBTQ Resource Center also has a library of books, magazines and educational DVDs for check-out or reading/viewing in their office at G225 MU Student Center. (Hours may vary outside of academic semesters.)
- Learn more about and consider joining a campus organization whose purpose relates to the mission of the LGBTQ Resource Center. See their list online and read more about the organizations in a story from Student Affairs.
- Subscribe to the LGBTQ bi-monthly newsletter for announcements and upcoming events.
- Organizations such as GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, and Youth Engaged 4 Change have resources and suggestions online for learning to be an ally.
Show Your Support
- The Mid-Missouri Pridefest will be held Sept. 24-25 at Rose Music Hall and is free and open to the public. Learn more at their website.
- All Mizzou community members are invited to be part of the Pride Photo each fall, as part of Coming Out Week (typically held mid-October). Keep an eye on the LGBTQ Resource Center website for more information.
- Participate in Pride Month events on campus in April each year. Follow the LGBTQ Resource Center on the web or on Twitter.
In June we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the end to slavery in the United States. The name of the holiday references the date, combining “June” and “Nineteenth.” Mizzou will observe this holiday on Monday, June 20. In recognition of the upcoming celebration, we share a few resources for learning more about Juneteenth, as well as ways to recognize the day.
Learn More
- Learn more about Juneteenth at sites online including Juneteenth.com, the History Channel and PBS.
- The New York Times shares a list of different ways to learn about Juneteenth, including through art, food, podcasts, photographs and articles to reflect on.
Show Your Support
- Juneteenth.com suggests a number of ways to celebrate, including ideas for the workplace, the community and in the home.
- Juneteenth events in Columbia include:
- Family Fun Fests: Juneteenth Jamboree. Learn more about this important holiday through music, dance, arts and other activities. Held at Cosmo Park from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15; coordinated by Columbia Parks and Recreation.
- Juneteenth PBS Film Series. Wednesdays in June, the Mizzou Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity is partnering with City of Columbia Parks and Recreation to screen an informative PBS documentary on the history of Juneteenth. Begins at 6 p.m. each Wednesday evening in June at the Armory Sports Center.
- June 15: “A Place for Families”
- June 22: “Soldiers, Cowboys & Indians”
- June 29: “Spotlight on Unsung Heroes”
- Juneteenth Parade. Begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18, in downtown Columbia.
- Juneteenth Celebration for Small Businesses. Rock Quarry Park will host small businesses of Missouri coming together to bring products to the public, Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.