Idaho State Welcomes Community to LGBT History Month Events

Join us for Idaho State's second annual celebration of LGBT History Month, where we highlight the often-overlooked history of LGBT history in the U.S. and around the world—an important part of our shared story that we hope will inspire and educate!

"I am so excited to be able to organize our second annual celebration of LGBT History Month here at Idaho State! This series of events is so important to me because LGBT people are so often excluded from the standard history curriculum," said event organizer, Professor Edward Kammerer. "Events like this help show how the struggle for LGBT rights is part of a long history in the United States -- and across the globe. LGBT History is an important part of our shared history and I hope folks attending these events learn something new about our community."

The series will feature a diverse range of events, from art exhibitions and film screenings to thought-provoking discussions on LGBTQ history, culture, and activism. Topics will explore the history of LGBTQ rights, the global significance of drag culture, and the creation of pride flags, with presentations by ISU faculty, including professors from the Departments of Political Science, Art, and History. These events are designed to engage the community, sparking dialogue and expanding understanding of LGBTQ contributions to history and society.

All events are free and open to the ISU and Pocatello community. For more information, please contact Professor Edward Kammerer at edwardkammerer@isu.edu or visit the website. 

The full lineup of events includes:

Visibility, Art Show

• Reception: October 1, 6 p.m., Fine Arts Building main floor

• Exhibit: October 16-27, Gallery hours 12-6 p.m.

• Location: J.B. Davis Gallery, Fine Arts Building, Room 105

• Event description: Exhibition showcasing artwork created by LGBTQ artists working in our community.

Drag Around the World

• Date: October 3, 5:30 p.m.

• Location: Clearwater Room, Student Union Building (SUB)

• Event description: Drag is a worldwide phenomenon and an important part of the LGBTQ community but it varies from country to country. Join Dr. Johnson as he explains how drag looks in different cultural contexts.

The Lavender Scare Screening

• Date: October 9, 6 p.m.

• Location: Liberal Arts Building room 324

• Event description: Screening of The Lavender Scare, a documentary about the federal government’s attacks on LGBTQ people, followed by a discussion led by Dr. Robey and Logan Bowman.

• Sponsored by: The Department of History

Gay USA Screening

• Date: October 15, 6 p.m.

• Location: Bengal Café in the Student Union Building

• Event description: Screening of Gay USA, a look at Gay Pride events across the country — filmed in 1977. After the film, Dr. Kammerer will discuss the history and politics of LGBTQ Pride events.

• Sponsored by: The Department of Political Science

On Common Ground: Plant Your Flag

• Date: October 17, 3 p.m.

• Location: Bengal Café in the Student Union Building

• Event description: Learn about the history of the Gay Pride Flag and the many other LGBTQ community flags that have been created — and make your own!

Queer Photography: A History

• Date: October 22, 1 p.m.

• Location: Fine Arts Building room 401

• Event description: Join Prof. Benavides for a discussion of the history of photography, art, and the LGBTQ community.

Book Talk: “Terms of Exclusion”

• Date: October 23, 1 p.m.

• Location: DRC/Zoom

• Event description: Zein Murib will discuss their award-winning book Terms of Exclusion, exploring the history of the LGBTQ movement and how it often excluded marginalized members of the community.

Film Screening: “The Ladies Almanack”

• Date: October 30, 1 p.m.

• Location: Fine Arts 409B

• Event description: Screening of The Ladies Almanack, followed by a Q&A with Director Daviel Shy.

LGBT History Month Trivia Night

• Date: October 30, 6 p.m.

• Location: North/Middle Fork, SUB

• Event description: Show off your knowledge of LGBTQ history at our Trivia Night! Lots of prizes for winning teams! The more events you attend this month, the more clues you’ll receive for trivia night.

• Trivia night prizes are generously donated by local businesses.