Willamette is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, which runs throughout October. Willamette's Salem campus celebrated Pride Week Oct. 16–20 in recognition in LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day. LGBT History Month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a history teacher in Missouri.
We spoke to Willamette University's Queer Student Union (QSU) president Emery Kerani BA'26 (he/they) about what LGBTQ+ History Month means for QSU and other members of the community.
Why is LGBTQ+ History Month meaningful to you?
Kerani I think in particular, LGBTQ+ History Month is meaningful because it highlights something we’ve been told doesn’t exist. Especially now, it’s so incredibly important that people know that queer folks have been around forever (and will continue to be around).
What would you like the community to know about the Queer Student Union?
Kerani: QSU is a fun place to come hang out and be in community. We have a variety of different activities at meetings and we’re working on getting community partnerships set up so that we can foster more connections with the queer community outside of Willamette’s campus.
What is your organization doing to recognize the month?
Kerani: We’ve been highlighting a Carson Grant research project at the last few meetings, which chronicles Willamette’s queer history and was made by a former QSU president. We’re also opening up meetings for members to present to each other on aspects of queer history (or queer present) that interest them.
What individuals/organizations/movements from LGBTQ+ history do you particularly admire?
Kerani: I’m drawn to learning about ACT UP and the movements for queer rights that took place during the AIDS crisis. It was a time of incredible tragedy for the queer community, but it also showcased our resiliency in many ways. I’m especially inspired by Larry Kramer, David Wojnarowicz, Paul Monette, and Félix González-Torres.
What can students and the Willamette community do to recognize the month?
Kerani: The simplest way to recognize the month is to learn about queer history. There are so many stories out there that haven’t been heard as much as they deserve, so seek them out and share them.