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HRC Foundation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program established HBCU OUTLOUD Day, a day for HBCU students, administrators, faculty, and staff to reaffirm their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and celebrate diversity milestones met.
Studies suggest that Black LGBTQ+ students choose to attend HBCUs because they desire a college experience that centers their racial identity and cultural perspective (Squire & Mobley, 2015). However, there can be, at times, a tension present and these chosen Black spaces may conflict with the sexual and gender identities of these students.
This is why HBCU OUTLOUD Day exists - to demonstrate to all students that LGBTQ+ students belong and contribute to the beautiful mosaic of the HBCU legacy.
When is it?
HBCU OUTLOUD Day is held annually on the third Wednesday of October. It is held in October because that is when the LGBTQ+ community commemorates LGBTQ+ History Month.
This year, HBCU OUTLOUD Day will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023
In June 2023, for the first time, the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States. More than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law. The full impact of these laws has yet to be realized, but we do know that 71% of Black youth usually feel worthless or hopeless and 80% have experienced some form of depression.
Together, we can end stigma and discrimination and support an inclusive and equitable campus environment.
Register to receive updates to prepare lessons and activities leading up to the HBCU Outloud Day of Action.
We'll also keep you informed with ongoing monthly updates, free resources, invitations to local youth summits, and more!
Want to know how your HBCU can participate? Find some inspiration by checking out the previous events hosted by various HBCU's below!
Instagram Live w/Surface Level podcast → An empowering conversation discussing the importance of Black LGBTQ+ representation at HBCUs, reducing stigma and bias, and strengthening LGBTQ+ inclusion strategies.
Panelists:
Rishard Butts (he/him), Senior Manager of HRC HBCU Program;
Tony Jermain
Damon Epps
Jordan Randall
#VoteOutLoud 2020 - Panel Discussion → A conversation discussing the importance of voting, what’s at stake this election, holding elected officials accountable, and next steps for Black LGBTQ+ folks post-election.
Panelists:
Leslie Hall (he/him), Director of HRC HBCU Program;
Chadwick Leonard (he/him), Florida State Coordinator, Campus Vote Project;
Christen Whitaker (she/they), Specialist, Black Leadership and Engagement, Planned Parenthood
Mask-uline Identity → Conversation around gender identity and expression, and how/when folks have to conform to their surroundings and environments, particularly Black lesbian identified women. This panel will also discuss toxic masculinity and how stigma plays a huge role in gender roles and how folk are able to live authentically #OutLoud.
Panelists:
Jaeyln Guyton - Chief Officer for Diversity and Inclusion, FAMU Student Government Association
Janelle Edge - Deputy Secretary for Diversity and Inclusion, FAMU Student Government Association
Tiffany Richards - Program Director of LGBTQ Center at University of Florida
Nik Harris - Appointed LGBTQ Advisor - Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
OutLoud Arts & Crafts & OutLoud Speaker Series → Students will be able to paint/draw/ write on the mural to commemorate #HBCUOutLoud Day. The goal is to have the mural filled with creativity that signifies campus inclusiveness and respect for the LGBTQ+ community. Students will also have the option to sign a poster to commemorate the day. Both are being designed to be posted on campus in the student center.
OutLoud Speaker Series →
Featuring Presidential Address by Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Dillard University President and Keynote Speaker,
Justin Calhoun
National Black Justice Coalition
and Howard University
Face the Fear → In celebration of #HBCUOutLoud Day, SSU will be doing HIV/STI testing in partnership with Savannah LGBTQ+ Resource Center. In addition, they will be passing out #HBCUOutLoud Day swag items and encouraging students to post on social media.
All students who are tested will be entered into a raffle to win a $250 book scholarship.
Out at FMU → Instagram Live conversation with two student-leaders, which will discuss life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community attending an HBCU. Conversation will cover ways that HBCUs can better support students, staff, and alumni including: inclusive housing and restrooms, pronoun usage, LGBTQ+ diversity training, creating affirming spaces for Black LGBTQ+ folks, etc.
#HBCUOutLoud Game Night → Alise Maxie, in partnership with Spectrum, LGBTQ+ student Organization, will host a virtual game night for campus via zoom and play Kahoot. This Kahoot will include questions about LGBTQ+ HBCU related history and Black LGBTQ+ history in general. The top three winners will receive an #HBCUOutLoud Day prize box.
P.E.R.I.O.D Spirit Table → Alise Maxie, in partnership with Spectrum, LGBTQ+ student Organization, will host a virtual game night for campus via zoom and play Kahoot. This Kahoot will include questions about LGBTQ+ HBCU related history and Black LGBTQ+ history in general. The top three winners will receive an #HBCUOutLoud Day prize box.
Claflin #OutLoud → Alise Maxie, in partnership with Spectrum, LGBTQ+ student Organization, will host a virtual game night for campus via zoom and play Kahoot. This Kahoot will include questions about LGBTQ+ HBCU related history and Black LGBTQ+ history in general. The top three winners will receive an #HBCUOutLoud Day prize box.
The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission to support the LGBTQ+ community.