Pride Month
Fifty-three years ago, 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 2022 after two years in which in-person activities could not be held as usual. With several events happening that offer opportunities to participate, including the Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 26, 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 us directly at (513) 556-4013 or morinme@foundation.uc.edu. In the meantime, like and follow the Facebook page for more regular updates.
Pride Month Spotlights
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.
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.
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.
Further action is required to make this image accessible
One of the below criteria must be satisfied:
- Add image alt tag OR
- Mark image as decorative
The image will not display on the live site until the issue above is resolved.
Nominate a Bearcat
Nominate a Bearcat alumnus for a future heritage or awareness month alumni spotlight.
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.