Programs

We host several annual events that involve students, faculty, staff and the Grand Rapids community.  These events are intended to educate, spread awareness or are sometimes just for fun!  Below we have provided descriptions of these events. Grand Valley's LGBT calendar will be constantly updated to reflect already scheduled events.  If you are interested in helping out with any of the events we sponsor, or have an idea for an event, please contact us. 

National Coming Out Day is generally on October 11, and nationally celebrates the process we call “coming out,” where LGBT people everywhere tell their friends and family about their true identity.  Contact: Jazz McKinney

Halloween Party & Dance is on October 31!  This is a fun time for everyone to come and enjoy some food, dancing and costume-wearing! 

Transgender Day of Remembrance is typically on November 20 across the nation.  While discovering their identity can be a positive experience for many transgender people, many more experience violence and even murder because of who they are.  We will spend this day remembering those we have lost, and honoring those who are surviving. 

AIDS Day is nationally recognized on December 1 to promote awareness and education on HIV and AIDS and the people living with the disease. 

Creating Change Conference, created by The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to provide an environment where activists, leaders and students can come together to create an inspiring and strengthening community.  This year it will be held in Detroit from February 6-10, 2008.  If you are interested in attending this conference, please contact Milt.  Please also visit the conference website for more information.

Midwest BLGTA College Conference will be held at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign this year from February 22-24, 2008.  The conference is the oldest regional LGBT conference of its kind.  If you are interested in attending this conference, please contact Milt.  Please also visit the conference website for more information.

The JJ & Joe Discussion on drag vs. trans culture will be on March 12, 2008.  It should be really interesting, so bring your questions! 

GVSU's Third Annual Drag Show will be during the week of March 17, 2008.  The Royal Family will be performing as always to a huge crowd of Grand Valley students.  

The Day of Silence is typically around April 14-16 and is designed to promote awareness on the difficulties LGBT students face every day and the silence they are forced to keep.

Lavender Graduation is typically in March or April and is a ceremony designed for our LGBT graduates to celebrate their GVSU career with family and friends.