Georgetown McDonough MBA celebrates LGBTQ History Month
Celebrating pride month, Honoring LGBTQ+ History, Achievements, and Culture
It is with great excitement that the MBA Program Office welcomes you to help us celebrate this important month, observed from October 1st to October 31st. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, it is immensely important to me that we take time to reflect not only on the rich history of our community, but to also see its ongoing joy and love in the present, especially as we face political challenges both in the U.S. and abroad.
- Hunter Stewart, Associate Director, MBA Program Office (he/him)
Upcoming Events at Georgetown
Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA - LGBTQ+) Conference Sept 26-28, 2024:
The ROMBA Conference is the world's largest gathering of LGBTQ+ business students and alumni, and Georgetown sends one of the largest groups there. This year we had 28-person delegation from Georgetown, including students and our wonderful staff, Hunter Stewart from MBA Program Office and Trudy McCrea from the Career Center.
Additionally, one of our very own alumni, Nishant Makhijani (MBA'24), was honored with the Rich Chicotel LGBTQ+ Leadership Award, recognizing leaders who have gone above and beyond in showing their dedication to the LGBTQ+ community by supporting ROMBA and the broader LGBTQ+ MBA and business communities.
KEGS Identity Stories (10/03): This event celebrates the vibrant and diverse voices of Georgetown McDonough's LGBTQ+ community. We’ll come together to share, listen, and learn from the personal journeys, experiences, and narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals and enjoy drag performances by local drag queen Cake Pop.
Register at HoyaConnect
Queer Support Space - Thursdays, 3:00- 4:00PM, Virtual Zoom Meeting Link.
Hosted weekly by Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) .
This support space is open to undergraduate and graduate students who identify within the queer community. The group aims to provide a safe and confidential place for those looking to discuss topics like identity development, coming out, relationships, family dynamics, and community/university concerns unique to queer students. It is also a place to gain support, give support, and generally share in community with other queer folks. If you’re interested in joining please email jv734@georgetown.edu.
PREVIOUS EVENTS ORGANIZED BY GEORGETOWN:
LGBTQ Retreat with Campus Ministry (Oct. 5-6)
Hosted by: LGBTQ Resource Center and Campus Ministry
Calcagnini Contemplative Center
Chaplains Tea x LGBTQ Resource Center Oct. 8, 3-4 p.m.
Hosted by: LGBTQ Resource Center and Office of Mission & Ministr,
Healy Foyer, Healy Hall
Wednesday Weekly Tea: Dr. Amy Kenny and Disability Cultural Center Oct. 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Hosted by: LGBTQ Resource Center
Office of Student Equity and Inclusion Community Room
Sex in the Dark – Healthy Sexuality at Georgetown and Beyond Oct. 10
Hosted by: Health Education Services, Women’s Center, Student Health Center, LGBTQ Resource Center, Campus Ministry and Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Services
Lohrfink Auditorium, Rafik B. Hariri Building
National Coming Out Day Campus Group Photo
Hosted by: LGBTQ Resource Center
Oct. 11, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Front Steps of Healy Hall
National Coming Out Day
Hosted by: GU Pride and Queer POC
Oct. 11, Time TBA
Red Square
Resources
The mission of the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action is to promote a deep understanding and appreciation among the diverse members of the University community to result in justice and equality in educational, employment and contracting opportunities, as well as to lead efforts to create an inclusive academic and work environment. The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action supports the University’s mission.
Learn more at the IDEAA page
Resources around Georgetown
LGBTQ Resource Center - Did you know? Georgetown is the first Catholic and Jesuit higher education institution to establish an LGBTQ Resource Center (in 2008)
LGBTQ+ Resource Guide: both on- and off-campus resources
Resources for Trans and Non-binary Students: a specific resource guide for transgender and non-binary students
Lauinger Library’s LGBTQ+ & Queer Studies collection
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) hosts a weekly Queer Support Space, Thursdays, 3:00- 4:00PM, Virtual Zoom Meeting Link. This support space is open to undergraduate and graduate students who identify within the queer community. The group aims to provide a safe and confidential place for those looking to discuss topics like identity development, coming out, relationships, family dynamics, and community/university concerns unique to queer students. It is also a place to gain support, give support, and generally share in community with other queer folks. If you’re interested in joining please email jv734@georgetown.edu.
If you’re an FX student who is also a Georgetown employee, consider joining the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG). The ERG has been a huge source of support and community-building for me.
Beyond our campus
Washington, DC is among the most LGBTQ+ cities in the United States. Explore the richness of our local community:
Watch the 37th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race, October 29th
Connect with the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center (“The DC Center”)
Support SMAYL as they empower LGBTQ+ youth in the DC metropolitan area
Engage with the Smithsonian’s LGBTQ history exhibitions and collections
Explore the work of the District’s Mayor's Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs
Read the oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the country, Washington Blade
MBA Student Orgs involved on History Month Planning
How can you support LGBTQ+ Communities?
Read books, watch documentaries, and follow reputable sources to understand the history, challenges, and achievements of LGBTQ+ communities. Keep up with current events and developments in LGBTQ+ rights and issues.
Respect Pronouns: Use people's correct pronouns and names. If unsure, ask respectfully. Avoid Stereotypes: Be mindful of language that reinforces stereotypes or biases.
Encourage your workplace to adopt inclusive policies, such as diversity training and non-discrimination policies. Ensure that schools, community centers, and other public spaces are safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Buy from LGBTQ+ Businesses: Support businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Support policies and legislation that promote LGBTQ+ rights, such as anti-discrimination laws and marriage equality.
Display symbols of support, such as Pride flags or stickers, to show that you are an ally.
Challenge homophobic or transphobic remarks and actions, whether in personal interactions or public settings.
Pride Month is more than just a celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the resilience, diversity, and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. As we honor the progress that has been made, we also recognize the work that still lies ahead in the fight for equality and acceptance. By participating in Pride events, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and fostering inclusive environments, we contribute to a world where everyone can live authentically and proudly.
History of Pride Month
The origins of Pride Month trace back to a riot in June 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. These riotsmarked the beginning of a more assertive and organized effort to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The following year, the first Pride March was held, commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and setting the stage for annual Pride celebrations around the world.