Pride Month
In 1969, members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies participated in demonstrations at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, protesting the infringement of their civil rights and unfair treatment by the police. History views that moment as a turning point in the fight for equality for the LGBTQ community, which is why June is celebrated globally as Pride Month.
The University of Cincinnati and the UC Alumni Association are excited to celebrate Pride Month 2023. With several events happening that offer opportunities to participate, including the Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 24, we look forward to connecting with alumni this month throughout June.
If you are interested in volunteering for the LGBTQ+ Alumni Network, please reach out to Maurice Stewart at Maurice.Stewart@foundation.uc.edu. In the meantime, like and follow the Facebook page for more regular updates.
Pride Month Events
2023 Alumni Pride Mixer
Thursday, June 15
Celebrate Pride Month with LGBTQ+ Bearcats and allies at OTR StillHouse! On June 15, faculty, staff and alumni from area universities will come together for an evening of networking and celebration as we commemorate the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. All are welcome.
2023 Cincinnati Pride Parade
Saturday, June 24
Join the Bearcat community as we show off our pride at this year’s Cincinnati Pride Parade. “Cincinnati Pride” provides an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together to promote inclusion and acceptance. Alumni, students, faculty/staff and friends are invited to march together representing the University of Cincinnati.
Pride Month Spotlights
Vincenzo Volpe, PhD CCM ’23 (He/Him), is a fife specialist with the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps in Washington, D.C. His academic research focuses on the history of the LGBTQ+ community in classical music.
Jules Madzia, PhD, A&S ’17, ’23 (She/They), was recognized with the 2023 Presidential Medal of Graduate Student Excellence for her scholarly work, leadership, character and service to the university.
Dylan Mulvaney, CMM ’19 (She/They), is a Broadway actress and TikTok star. Her TikTok series, “Days of Girlhood,” has amassed more than a billion views. Dylan strives to create spaces where individuals can live authentically.
Leisan Smith, A&S ’99, CECH ’03, was the founding director of UC’s LGBTQ Center and is currently chief equity officer for the Columbus School for Girls.
Isaac Smitherman, CEAS ’23, was Student Body President for the 2022-23 academic year. He championed student transit, diversity, reproductive rights, and aiding student groups across campus.
Lauren Melanie Duncan, CEAS ’11, ’15, Bus ’11 (She/Her), is an engineer with GE Aviation and has served as the global transgender advocate for GE’s Pride Alliance.
Latoya Watson, CECH ’10, (left) co-founded The Black Pearl Experience, an organization that provides for a celebration of Black LGBTQ+ culture in Cincinnati, especially through art and music.
Scott Knox, Med ’83, Law ’85, is a Cincinnati attorney specializing in protecting civil rights, fighting discrimination and a host of other legal issues for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Jim Obergefell, CECH ’90, was the plaintiff in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court case in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage in the U.S.
Maggie McKinley, A&S ’00, is UC’s Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator. She provides strategic direction on initiatives ranging from policy development to student-athlete welfare to equity and inclusion.
Nominate a Bearcat
Nominate a Bearcat alumnus for a future heritage or awareness month alumni spotlight.
Make a Gift
Make a gift to the LGBTQ Discretionary Fund to support the students and programs of the LGBTQ Center.
LGBTQ Center
The LGBTQ Center supports the mission of the University of Cincinnati through a commitment to diversity, equity, leadership development, and intellectual inquiry with particular respect to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Center is an inclusive campus community that welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and provides support, resources and advocacy. The Center facilitates LGBTQ+ visibility by promoting and enhancing understanding, acceptance and awareness regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Learn more about the LGBTQ Center.
Ways to Be Involved and Make a Difference
- Attend an upcoming LGBTQ Alumni and Friends event.
- Update your communications preferences to learn more about opportunities to get involved.
- Support the LGBTQ Discretionary Fund.