![Holding up T-wolves, the tour group poses for a picture in the Chinese classroom. Sophomore Lydia Ou, junior Phu Trung and senior Yushan Pan gave a tour to Taiwanese diplomat Andrea Yang on Nov. 8. “I was so excited when I heard I would get to give the tour because it’s a big deal,” Ou said. “She’s from the US embassy for Taiwan, so she’s really important. I’m so privileged [to get this opportunity] and I’m so excited.” Photo by Skyler King](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Main-Taiwan.jpg)
When thinking about celebrations that honor LGBTQIA+ individuals, Pride Month, which occurs in June, is typically what comes to mind. However, the month of October is just as important for queer and LGBTQIA+ people around the nation.
Each October, LGBTQIA+ History Month recognizes the achievements, history and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. Missourian history teacher Rodney Wilson was at the forefront of selecting October as LGBTQ+ History Month, primarily to have it coincide with National Coming Out Day, which occurs annually on October 11.
Every year, in true Archer style, the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) board hosts an event to celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month and National Coming Out Day. Although National Coming Out Day is Oct. 11, due to scheduling conflicts, the board hosted the event on Oct. 8. Because of the new date, the board coined the day,”October gay-th.”
The rainbow-filled courtyard was packed with students singing and dancing to the music of queer artists. A popular artist among the crowd was Chappell Roan, a queer pop icon of the 21st century. Stationed in the courtyard were bracelet and lanyard making stations, along with free stickers and face gems. There was also a poster wall where students could write names of inspirational queer individuals in their lives or in the world.
GSA board member Vivi Arnold (’26) said the intention of the event was to convey to the community that Archer is a safe and inclusive space that embraces queer individuals with open arms.
“I think it’s important to have this space to remind people that they’re safe here, and that it’s just cool to be queer,” Arnold said. “Everyone is welcome, and we would love to have you here.”
GSA Board member Senior Bryce Collis said she remembers attending and appreciating the pride celebration, more than five years ago, in her sixth grade year.
“I remember specifically being in sixth grade and not even knowing I was queer and just loving the Coming Out Day celebration. It really let me know that this community was one that would support me no matter what, not just in my queerness, but just also in total,” Collis said. “As a whole, this community is so supportive, and the amount of people that come out and celebrate National Coming Out Day is always so wonderful to see.”
Grace Ryan (’25) attended the celebration and said she enjoyed the complimentary stickers and face gems. Ryan also said she appreciated the event because it provided a safe space for students to be vulnerable about their identities with the larger Archer community. Ryan noted the importance of celebrating National Coming Out Day as well as LGBTQIA+ History Month because celebrations of pride should not be confined to the month of June.
“I think it’s very beneficial that the celebration is not during Pride Month in June,” Ryan said. “It’s essential to appreciate people’s identities year round, not just limited to one month”
GSA board member Max Speck (’26) highlighted the necessity of celebrating National Coming Out Day as well as LGBTQIA+ History Month. Frequently, corporate America capitalizes off of Pride Month celebration, diminishing it’s true meaning and significance, making October even more important for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I appreciate that it’s not in June, because I feel like June — Pride Month — becomes this really corporate thing,” Speck said. “I feel like it’s great to have a smaller scale celebration that focuses much more on the individual person.”
The event was open to all students, meaning many allies of the queer community attended, too. Junior Lucy Kaplan, who identifies herself as an ally, said it is just as essential for non-queer people to celebrate this event to show support and love for those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
“It’s really awesome to see everyone having fun and participating and celebrating such a fun day that deserves celebrating. It’s always good to celebrate when people can be themselves,” Kaplan said “Any opportunity to celebrate a part of you is always really, really wonderful and really, really fun.”
This story was originally published on The Oracle on October 14, 2024.