Programs & Events
National Coming Out Day
Each October 11, LGBT Programs & Services and a variety of campus and community partners come together to educate the Carolina community on what it means to be LGBT and offer support and visibility for those in their own coming out process. The day typically includes events on Greene Street as well as conversations, presentations, and gatherings to dialogue about the coming out process. Safe Zone Ally Program training is often held on National Coming Out Day as well.
CommUNITY Picnic
The University of South Carolina is an inclusive community eager to welcoming all new and returning students to campus! Join us during “Carolina Welcome Week” for traditional southern food on the Russell House Patio as well as the opportunity to meet community members from the various LGBT-focused campus and community organizations. Pick up some free Carolina gear, get a tour of campus from a BGLSA representative, and learn about the over 500 trained Safe Zone Allies on campus ready to support you in your collegiate journey.
Quench
Quench sessions provide tools that our LGBT and Ally students can utilize to enhance their success and pride both on campus and in preparation for life after graduation. Each session is co-sponsored with campus representatives and off-campus community members.
Fall 2011
- September – “Out in the Workplace”
- October – “LGBTQ Leadership and Peer Leader Development”
- November – “Family Support”
Spring 2012
- January – TBA
- February – “Financial Aid”
- March –“LGBTQ Health and Wellness”
- April – End-of-Year Reception and Awards Event
Ally Week
Designed to educate the campus community about homophobia and heterosexism, “Ally Week” occurs annually in the spring semester. A variety of events are offered throughout the week, including discussions, educational events outside the Russell House University Union, and opportunities for current allies to make their visibility known on campus as well as increase the number of allies in our community. “Ally Week” is traditionally held in March or April.
OutSpoken Lecture Series
Hear the voices of LGBT and Ally individuals come alive through our OutSpoken Lecture Series. The series is devoted to addressing the LGBT perspective in college and throughout the nation. Lecturers discuss personal coming out stories, experiences serving as an ally, writings and research on the LGBT community, or profiles of significant events or people in the LGBT equality movement.
Ally Development & Appreciation
Our Ally Development & Appreciation events give our allies the chance to meet and mingle, to share their stories of support, to obtain new resources and guidance, and to hear from one of our campus, or greater-Columbia partners. Ally Development & Appreciation events are held once a semester.