Celebrating the fifth annual Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Awareness Week, the New Mexico State University Sexual and Gender Diversity Resource Center presents fun and informative events for March 31-April 4.
“This week is a way to share the history of the GLBTQ culture and diversity,” said Jessica Spohn, coordinator for SGDRC. “Diversity is not just race and ethnicity, it’s sexual orientation, gender identity; it’s many things.”
The week features events centered on a safe space and provides awareness to help create a knowledgeable and empowering campus culture. All events are open to the NMSU community.
“This is a time where you can connect with other students who are like you or just want to learn new things,” Spohn said. “It gives you that safe space to come and ask questions.”
Kicking off the events is the Festival of Colors on the Corbett Center Student Union Outdoor Stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, March 31. Live music, information tables and a special performance are planned. The festival serves as a resources fair and networking opportunity for students, faculty and staff. Lunch will be provided by Sodexo.
From 5:30-8 p.m., SGDRC will show “Angels of Sex,” at the Health and Social Services Annex. The film, set in Spain, is about bisexuality and polyamory in relationships.
From 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, performer C.N. Alexander will present “Hate! An American Love Story,” in the CCSU Auditorium. HALS tells the story of eight diverse characters. Her one-person performance focuses on the issues of racism, sexism, bigotry, tolerance, sexuality, sexual identity and faith.
“Sexversations with Becca Tieder” in the CCSU Auditorium provides a safe and comfortable space to get an important conversation about sexual health started. This event takes place from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 2. Participants will learn how to address touchy topics, recognize myths and facts about sexual health.
The week’s most popular event, the drag show, will wow the audience in a performance by Albuquerque and Las Cruces performers from7:30-10 p.m. Thursday, April 3, in the CCSU Ballrooms. Student group Stonewall Queer Straight Alliance will also perform, entertaining the audience through dance and music, while educating about gender expression, diversity and acceptance.
From 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 4, in the CCSU East Ballroom will be the final event, Queer Slam Poetry Competition, a student-run slam poetry night. Students, faculty and staff will perform pieces competition-style with a GLBTQ theme. This event helps celebrate diversity through expressing sexual and gender identities or orientations.