Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Five ways to celebrate Pride in June
Compiled and written by the staff and students of the LGBTQA+ Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Discover the first LGBTQA+ historical marker in Nebraska
The state historical marker – the first to honor an openly LGBTQA+ person – was installed in fall 2022, outside of Andrews Hall at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Dr. Louis Crompton was an LGBTQA+ advocate who taught UNL’s first course on LGBTQA+ studies and advised the first LGBTQA+ group on campus.
At 10 a.m. June 20, the community and public are invited to a dedication ceremony for the marker and celebration of Dr. Crompton’s legacy. RSVPs are encouraged.
Attend a Pride event
Events and celebrations are happening across the state of Nebraska throughout the summer. Starting in June, you can find festivities in Scottsbluff, Alliance, Hastings, Lincoln, and Omaha.
In Lincoln, the Star City Pride is set for June 9 & 10 at Matt Lot #18 in the Haymarket District. The two-day festival will have great local entertainment and vendors. The annual Pride Parade is slated to start at 9 a.m. June 18 at the Nebraska State Capitol.
Read books by LGBTQA+ authors
Reading LGBTQA+-themed books - especially those written by LGBTQA+ authors - is an excellent way to connect with the community and learn about the amazing diversity of talents and experiences.
You can support these authors and their works by renting from a local library or by purchasing their titles from local LGBTQA+-affirming businesses. In Lincoln, visit the bookshops A Novel Idea; Francie & Finch; Bluestem Books; and Indigo Bridge.
The LGBTQA+ Center's library has more than 1,200 books and media resources for Huskers to check out at no cost. The library is open Monday–Friday year-round.
Display visible signs of Inclusion
This is a great and easy way to signal to LGBTQA+ persons and allies that your space, office, business, and home are a safe place. Examples include:
- Wearing ally stickers and buttons and flying a LGBTQA+ flag, available online here.
- Putting out messages saying All Are Welcome.
- In the UNL community, individuals can request a LGBTQA+ Inclusive Card to display in their office space. If you have one of the older Safe Space or Ally cards, visit the LGBTQA+ Center in the Nebraska Union to exchange the card(s) for the new version.
Donate to LGBTQA+ causes
There are so many organizations that provide vital services to LGBTQA+ people, and making a financial donation is a great way to support your local organizations.
You can directly benefit UNL students with a charitable donation to the LGBTQA+ Student Support Fund though the University of Nebraska Foundation. The fund assists current students who experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses causing short-term financial hardship that requires immediate attention to keep the student enrolled.