October Awareness

The Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion and Center for Women’s Studies will be observing including LGBTQ+ History Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October. There will be various events, workshops, and exhibits to help educate our campus community.

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LGBTQ+ History Month

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LGBTQ+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer history locally, nationally, and internationally. The month brings attention to the history of the gay rights movement and other related civil rights movements. It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson. In October, we recognize and honor the following LGBTQ+ related celebrations: 

October 8, 2022 - International Lesbian Day 

A commemoration that orignated in New Zealand to celebrate lesbians and lesbian culture around the world that has gained popularity across the globe. 

October 11, 2022 - National Coming Out Day

A celebration of coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a time to create environments in which people can safely come out.

October 19, 2022 - International Pronoun Day

Observed the 3rd Wednesday of October, International Pronoun Day seeks to make asking, sharing, and respecting personal pronouns commonplace.

October 20, 2022 - Spirit Day

People wear purple to stand with LGBTQ+ youth and speak out against LGBTQ+ bullying.

October 26 - Intersex Awareness Day

Intersex Awareness Day is celebrated in October to commemorate the first intersex protest, which took place in Boston, MA.

October 23-29 - Asexual Awareness Week 

Observed the last full week of October, Asexual (Ace) Awareness Week is a campaign to educate about different asexual identities and experiences.

We invite you to join us in a month of celebration of LGBTQ+ history and the work that still needs to be done to ensure equality for all people.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

image with text saying October 2022 Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast health is important. Be sure to educate yourself on the risk factors, warning signs, and self-examination. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has created a month of education, empowerment, action, community, and hope!

Check it out below: 

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Also be sure to stop by the Center for Women’s Studies and Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion on the 1st floor of Rice Hall to visit the Breast Cancer Honor Tree, which will be on display from Oct. 1st - 31st.

picture of tree 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

graphic with text saying Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In the late 1980’s, October was chosen as the month to observe National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It serves as a time for us to acknowledge the strength and determination of domestic violence survivors. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides a theme each year to help mobilize efforts during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The October 2022 theme is: #WeAreResilient

Domestic violence is a serious issue and is prevalent in Alabama. According to the NCADV, 37.5% of Alabama women and 29.5% of Alabama men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.

The Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion and Center for Women’s Studies supports survivors of domestic violence and we remain committed to creating educational opportunities to help prevent unhealthy and harmful relationships.  

Awareness Celebrations

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The Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion and the Center for Women’s Studies want to commemorate and honor these important awareness months!

Check out our calendar of events observing LGBTQ+ History Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

October 1st - 31st - LGBTQ+ History Month Display (Collier Library)

October 1st - 31st - Breast Cancer Awareness Month Display (Rice Hall, 1st Floor)

October 5th - Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Join us in the GUC Atrium from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm to receive a purple ribbon for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention and make a journal (while supplies last). 

October 10th - Coming Out and Staying Safe

Join us in Communications 126 from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm for a workshop on coming out and staying safe. We will be painting mini canvases and celebrating you being you!

October 11th - National Coming Out Day

Join us in the GUC Atrium from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm to get a pride flag and pin. We are celebrating all people and identities!

October 11th - Safe Zone Training

We invite all faculty, staff, and graduate students to learn how to best support LGBTQ+ students. Training held in the GUC Loft from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  Registration is required!

October 18th - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Join us in the GUC Atrium from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm to receive a pink ribbon supporting breast cancer survivors and honoring those lost.

October 25th - Domestic Violence Awareness

Join us in the GUC Atrium from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm to receive a purple ribbon for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention and add your handprint to our artwork acknowledging “These Hands Don’t Hurt”.