New Mexico State University’s LGBT+ Programs will host OUTober events throughout October to celebrate the LGBTQ community. (Courtesy)
Source: NMSU News Release
DATE: Oct. 2, 2024
WRITER: Carlos Andres López, 575-646-1955
A decade ago, New Mexico State University’s LGBT+ Programs established itself as a safe and welcoming space for all students. It has since grown from a fledgling organization into a full department that serves more than 2,500 individuals each year.
As LGBT+ Programs celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s preparing to mark its 10th year of OUTober at NMSU. For 10 years, LGBT+ Programs hosted a series of activities in the fall to foster a culture of inclusivity and recognize the diverse identifies and voices within the LGBT+ community.
“This is 10 years of LGBT+ Programs and 10 years of OUTober, and it’s really special,” said Sophia Sangwanthong, director of LGBT+ Programs. “When I began as a student, this was a student-run space, and I knew the community deserved a full NMSU department – and I fought for that. LGBT+ Programs now proudly serves more than 2,500 NMSU students from all colleges, majors, races, religions and backgrounds. We have seven student groups running Monday through Thursday nights in our office.”
Sangwanthong added, “My original idea for OUTober was just to bring in fall programming, and now it’s become one of the most anticipated event series on campus, with the OUTober Halloween Drag Show being one of the most popular events at NMSU. I am so proud of this program, my staff and the amazing, diverse and creative LGBT+ students and community of NMSU. OUTober has become part of the fabric of fall at NMSU.”
The festivities will kick off Saturday, Oct. 5, with Pride on the Plaza in downtown Las Cruces. The annual event, hosted by Southern New Mexico Pride and Family, Youth and Innovations Plus, runs from 4 to 10 p.m. It will feature a parade, live music, vendors and resources for LGBT+ individuals and families. LGBT+ Programs will march in the parade and be on site to provide information about its various student groups and activities.
LGBT+ Programs will then team up with NMSU’s Latin American Programs for a live a podcast recording to document queer stories from the border region and recognize Latinx Heritage Month. “Jotx y Recuerdos” will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, in the Corbett Center Student Union west ballroom. Registration is required and open through Friday, Oct. 4, by emailing cgamex@nmsu.edu.
“Partnering with LGBT+ programs during OUTober and Latinx Heritage Month is crucial for highlighting the intersection of queerness and Latinidad,” said Rio López, director of Latin American Programs. “Events like the drag show and the Jotx podcast foster very-much needed visibility for LGBT+ individuals in the Latinx community. These collaborations help to challenge homophobia and transphobia that persist around us.”
To celebrate Coming Out Day, all seven student organizations affiliated with LGBT+ Programs will come together for a rock-climbing event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the James B. Delamater Activity Center.
The following week, LGBT+ Programs, NMSU’s Black Programs and the Creative Media Institute will host a joint screening of Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the CMI Theater in Milton Hall, Room 171. Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist star as tennis players in this tension-filled love triangle.
NMSU’s Black Programs will lead a discussion about the writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in Corbett Center Student Union’s Doña Ana Room on the third floor. The talk is a collaboration between Black Programs, LGBT+ Programs, the Men of Color Initiative and the NAACP Chapter of NMSU.
LGBT+ Programs will then co-host the second annual Anime and Cosplay Convention Wednesday, Oct. 23, along with the Asian Pacific Islander Program, Gay Anime Club, Latin American Programs and Japanese Culture Club. The convention starts at 7 p.m. in the Corbett Center Student Union auditorium.
OUTober will conclude with the 10th annual Halloween Drag Show at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, on the Corbett Center Student Union outdoor stage. Los Angeles-based performer Spacee Kadett will host the show, which will feature ViLette Stratton, Rosita Thorne, Assma Attack and a host of other performers, including NMSU students.
“Having events like the drag show and cosplay con are amazing opportunities to express our creativity and love for all kinds of entertainment media,” said NMSU student Karlita Greta, who plans to perform at the cosplay convention and drag show. “To have opportunities like this on campus really shows how diverse and supportive the NMSU community is, making me a proud Aggie.”
Show sponsors include NMSU’s Residence Hall Association, Aggie Welcome Orientation, Latin American Programs and the Asian Pacific Islander Program.
All OUTober events are free and open to all NMSU students. Pride on the Plaza and the Halloween Drag Show are also open to the public.
“I’m particularly excited for the drag show, as it not only showcases incredible talent but also serves as a powerful platform for self-expression and empowerment, reminding us of all of the beauty of the LGBT+ community and how important it is to serve the students,” said Pavani Kolla, a graduate assistant for LGBT+ Programs. “It’s incredibly fun to work with the performers and students, helping to create the massive atmosphere of joy and creativity you all see.”
For more information about OUTober, follow @nmsu_lgbt on Instagram.
