The University of Tennessee at Martin hosted the first of many LGBTQ+ Pride events this semester with the UT Martin Pride Kickoff Cookout on August 25th. The event included free food, t-shirts, music, dancing and a selfie station.
Chancellor Carver spoke at the celebration about the mission that UT Martin pursues, saying, “We want this to be a place where you come, you grow and you leave even better prepared to lead and serve in this great big diverse world.”
He continued by reading off statistics from Trevor Project, a company focusing on LGBTQ+ youth, about mental health and discrimination issues faced in the LGBTQ+ community. He stressed the importance of students being challenged to come together, even though they may be from different backgrounds, and spread a message of love to everyone at the event.
Other speakers included Center of Women and Gender Equality Director Dr. Renee LaFleur and Student Government President Dawson Gremmels. Dr. LaFleur spoke on pride stating, “We are who we are” as she called for students to take pride in their identities.
The speakers wrapped up and the event continued with students, faculty and staff talking amongst each other and taking group photos.
As the event was starting to wind down, it started raining and some students took the opportunity to dance in the rain as a final celebration at the end of the event.
More Pride events will continue throughout the year as this is part of a year-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community on campus.
Other Pride events for the year include:
- LGBT History Month (October)
- Oct. 3 Pride Paint with Care and Women’s Center – 6 p.m.
- Oct. 11 Pride Glow March – 8 p.m.
- Oct. 13 Inclusive Prom – 7 p.m. – UC Ballroom
- Nov. 8 Pride Button Making – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
