Pride Month is dedicated to celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and/or queer, intersex, asexual and two-spirit, or LGBTQIA2S+, communities and histories. It is nationally recognized each year in June, a time when most Spartans have returned home for the summer. Michigan State University celebrates Pride Month in April, allowing Spartans to connect and celebrate pride with one another while they are still on campus.
Two centerpiece events for MSU’s Pride Month were made possible thanks to the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, or GSCC. The Pride Prom, hosted by GSCC and the Alliance of Queer and Ally Students, allows Spartans to comfortably attend a formal dance with whomever they’d like, wearing whatever makes them feel their best. In addition, GSCC’s annual Lavender Reception gives graduating Spartans at all levels of education an opportunity to be honored and congratulated for their hard work.
Make sure you don’t miss this year’s Pride Showcase, sponsored by Arc, University Activities Board, MSU Libraries, Spartan Pride Alliance and the MSU Broad Art Museum. This showcase gives Spartans an opportunity to share their talents with the community and features special collections from MSU Libraries. You also can stop by MSU Broad Art Museum’s zine-making table to create a masterpiece of your own. Go check out your fellow Spartans’ art, poetry, performance, fashion, research and more while enjoying refreshments! The student organization Arc played a key role in organizing MSU’s Pride Month this year. Arc began in 2018 and works to connect LGBTQIA2S+ students across campus to create meaningful friendships and connections in the community. Last year, the organization’s passionate work reorganized and revived the annual MSU tradition of Pride Week.
Pride Month events
All events are listed in Eastern Time.
Monday, March 31
7 p.m. — StARC GAYzing
Come ring in the start of MSU’s Pride Month with a cosmic celebration brought to you by Arc and Abrams Planetarium! As a throwback to Pride Prom 2024, take another trip to the stars! Join us for a night of stargazing, crafting (while supplies last), friends and fun! Stargazing will depend on the weather. MSU ID is required to check in. Register for the event.
Tuesday, April 1
7 p.m. — Queer Quilting: The Fabric of Queerness
Join Arc and the MSU Surplus Store to create a quilting square that can be added to a community-wide quilt while enjoying some nice warm tea. No sewing skills necessary. Register online.
Wednesday, April 2
7 p.m. — Pride Showcase
Brought to us by Arc, University Activities Board, MSU Libraries and the MSU Broad Art Museum, this year’s Pride Showcase will take place at the MSU Union’s second floor Ballroom. Come check out your fellow Spartans’ work as well as special collections from MSU Libraries while enjoying delicious light refreshments. Whether you present or attend, it’s sure to be a creative community-building celebration! Register with Arc.
Thursday, April 3
6 p.m. — Retro Resilience Panel
Made possible by Arc, Counseling and Psychiatric Services, Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities and the MSU Dairy Store, this panel discussion will cover the past and present of being queer in higher education along with a serving of complimentary ice cream. Meet in Akers Room 137 to grab a treat and some knowledge!
6 p.m. — Mafia Night with PRISM
Join PRISM in Wilson Hall G43A to play games of mafia! Feel free to dress up and tap into your inner role player.
Friday, April 4
9:30 a.m. — Breakfast and Binders
MSU TransAction and PRISM is hosting a breakfast at the Union Lake Huron Room! Come get free food and gender-affirming products!
7 p.m. — Pride Prom
GSCC hosts this year’s Pride Prom at the MSU Union’s second floor Ballroom; the theme is “Timeless.” Explore LGBTQIA2S+ fashion of the past and present or get imaginative about what our future fashion could be. Wear what makes you feel good. Enjoy an evening of food, games, music and dancing — with giveaways to the first people who check in!
Saturday, April 5
2 p.m. — Transgender Day of Visibility Clothing Swap
Come to the Salus Center for free clothing, accessories and resources! To contribute, drop off gently used clothing or accessories during resource hours at the Salus Center, Thursdays 9 AM - 1 PM and Sundays 1 PM - 3 PM.
6 p.m. — Game Night
Hosted by Arc, Game Night presents a fun evening of games in Wonders Kiva. There will be drinks, food and games for you and your friends. If you don’t have friends who can attend, come make some new ones! All are welcome, and you are welcome to bring your own favorite games.
Sunday, April 6
1 p.m. — Lavender Reception
The GSCC Lavender Reception in the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center’s Lincoln Room celebrates the academic achievements of all LGBTQIA2S+ Spartans graduating in 2025. All degree levels will be celebrated, whether they graduate this spring, summer or fall. Register on Qualtrics.
2 p.m. — Transgender Day of Visibility Resource Fair
Join community organizations for a TDOV Resource Fair at The Fledge. Resources include vaccine availability, HIV, HEP C and Syphilis testing, Secretary of State mobile office, harm reduction supplies and more.
Tuesday, April 8
7:30 p.m. — Color Me Queer
Brought to us by GSCC, this community dinner provides a space affirming queer people of color. This is the final Color Me Queer of the semester! Food will be provided by Swagath Indian Cuisine in the Multicultural Center Conference Room B.
Wednesday, April 9
4:30 p.m. — Queering Education Panel
Made possible by the College of Education and Strange Matter Coffee, this panel discussion will feature queer educators speaking on their experiences in the field. Attendees will share ideas and build connections with the community. Register for the event for location.
Thursday, April 10
1 p.m. — Apply for a passport at the Salus Center
Join Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope and his colleague Emery in downtown Lansing for support in applying for a U.S. passport! Application form and photo assistance will be available.
1 p.m. — LGBTea Party
Join GSCC in the Student Services Building Room 302 for an hour of fun and delicious tea! Every week, a new hot topic is introduced for visitors to ponder!
Friday, April 11
6 p.m. — QT-Grad Presents: Queer Storytelling
Join us in the Salus Center for an evening of Queer Storytelling, a community collaboration sharing stories of queer joy and resilience.
Wednesday, April 16
2:30 p.m. — Zine Workshop
GSCC is hosting a zine workshop in the Student Services Building Room 110, exploring the history of zines, storytelling, activism and of course making our own zines! Come for all or part of the event, snacks provided.
7 p.m. — Sex Education for All
Join GSCC in the Student Services Building Room 6 for a queer-informed sex education workshop, free pizza and complimentary safer sex supplies! All are welcome.
Thursday, April 17
1 p.m. — LGBTea Party
Join GSCC in the Student Services Building Room 302 for an hour of fun and delicious tea! Every week, a new hot topic is introduced for visitors to ponder!
MSU is committed to uplifting and supporting our LGBTQIA2S+ Spartans. Our community is coming together to support the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center’s Unconditional Love Fund, which provides flexible assistance to students during times of need.