LGBTQIA+ Signature Events

We bring people together for a variety of events throughout the year that help us reflect on the history and culture of LGBTQIA+ people and highlight current issues facing our communities. Join us in our efforts to make UMKC a welcoming place for all Roos.

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Roo Welcome Ice Cream Social

The Roo Welcome Ice Cream Social takes place during the first week of the Fall Semester. In collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ student organizations, LGBTQIA Programs and Services hosts an information fair with free ice cream. Join us on the University Walkway to make new friends and reunite with old ones.

Thursday, August 25, 2023
12 pm–2 pm
UMKC University Walkway

 

 

LGBTQIA History Month

October is celebrated at LGBTQIA History Month across the world, separate from June's Pride Month (which commemorates the Stonewall Riots), this month gives our community a chance to learn more about our shared histories and culture. Throughout the month, our office offers additional educational programs and events to help our community make better sense of the long history of LGBTQIA folks, in Kansas City and beyond.

History Month begins on October 1

 

National Coming Out Day

The LGBTQIA+ Ally Photo is an annual event where students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a photo to show visible allyship to the community. The photo is hung in the Rainbow Lounge and posted on the website and on social media.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023
11 am-1 pm
Student Union 2nd Floor

 

 

Transgender Week of Celebration

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed internationally on November 20 each year. At UMKC, we host a vigil, accompanied by a reading of the names of those lost in the past year due to anti-transgender violence. Participants are also invited to speak about what this day means to them and how transphobia affects our communities.

Support resources are provided at the end of the event.

This year, Transgender Week of Celebration starts on November 13

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed internationally on November 20 each year. At UMKC, we host a vigil, accompanied by a reading of the names of those lost in the past year due to anti-transgender violence. Participants are also invited to speak about what this day means to them and how transphobia affects our communities.

Support resources are provided at the end of the event.

Thursday, November 16, 2023
4 pm-5 pm
Student Union 402

 

World AIDS Day Bingo

Stressed from getting ready for finals? Take a break and join us for some fun bingo with fabulous hosts while we dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions around HIV/AIDS. Between rounds of bingo, take some time to learn more about PReP and PeP, HIV prevention strategies and resources, the lasting impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, get connected to free and confidential HIV testing, and help us break down the stigmas around living with HIV. This event is open for all UMKC students, there is no purchase necessary and the games are only for fun!

Friday, December 1, 2023
2 pm-4 pm
Student Union 302

 

A Very LGBTQIA Valentine's Day & Palentine's Day

Valentine's Day can be tough for many LGBTQIA folks, especially when they don't see themselves reflected in our celebrations of Valentine's Day. Our office makes sure that everyone can get in on the fun of telling others how you feel with inclusive Valentines and Valentine's Day activities.

The following day, February 15, we get to celebrate Palentine's Day where we celebrate our ASPEC community and the many ways to express friendship and intimacy that exist outside of allosexual and alloromantic relationships!

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Thursday, February 15, 2024

Pride Month

UMKC's Pride Month takes place in April and consists of several student-planned and led events throughout the month. It's a time for education, reflection, action and pride.

We will post the Pride Month calendar in the Spring.

Ally Photo

The LGBTQIA+ Ally Photo is an annual event where students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a photo to show visible allyship to the community. The photo is hung in the Rainbow Lounge and posted on the website and on social media.

April 2023

Lavender Graduation and Pride Awards

Lavender Graduation Ceremony

In May, we join colleges and universities across the country in celebrating the successes and achievements of our LGBTQIA+ community. Lavender Graduation was created to honor these students’ successes, and we hope all Roos can look forward to joining us for our annual Lavender Graduate Banquet including Pride Awards. We invite all students, faculty and staff to join us for this evening of celebration!

Pride Awards Banquet

We recognize outstanding individuals in the UMKC community who have contributed to the betterment of our LGBTQIA+ community through education, support, programming or activism. These awards honor those who have contributed to the areas of service and outreach, establishing a safer and more welcoming environment at UMKC.

Pride awards

  • Collaborative Excellence Award recognizes departments whose collaborative efforts have resulted in new or improved resources and services for LGBTQIA students, faculty, staff or community members.
  • Jim Wanser Award recognizes an individual who has volunteered hours of service to the UMKC LGBTQIA+ community or the greater Kansas City LGBTQIA+ community. This person has gone above and beyond in helping to create a better community for all, and has served as a model of excellence for establishing community and volunteering.
  • LGBTQIA+ Student of the Year Award recognizes a student for outstanding leadership, dedication, and service within the University, or in the community, that has resulted in new or revitalized resources, services, or programs for the LGBTQIA+ community. This individual works to foster community to establish coalitions among the greater UMKC and Kansas City community. This individual serves as a role model for their peers, and demonstrates a commitment to queer leadership, advocacy, activism, or education.
  • Outstanding Alum Award recognizes one UMKC Alum who works toward fostering an inclusive community, at UMKC or in the community in which they live and work, where their commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community serves as a model for current and future UMKC alums.
  • Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award recognizes LGBTQIA+ or ally faculty or staff who contribute to a positive campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This may be through offering LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum, expanding LGBTQIA+ research in their discipline, challenging and working to improve campus policies and climate, providing thoughtful and inclusive programming, and/or going above and beyond to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff.
  • Rising Star Award recognizes one area high school student whose leadership and service have resulted in a tangible gain for LGBTQIA+ students (such as Gay/Straight Alliance), or whose energies have created a more friendly, inclusive environment at their high school. This individual demonstrates promise toward continuing their positive LGBTQIA+ leadership in future endeavors.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Register for the Banquet as a Lavender Graduate or Attendee

Nominate someone for a Pride Award

 

LGBTQIA+ Programs and Services

Explore our programs and services