The Yale LGBTQ Center is always excited to welcome new Yalies during the annual weeks of welcome.  Each year, the center coordinates welcome and orientation events across Yale College and the 14 Yale Graduate and Professional Schools to share more about the community center, library, and programs and services. These are great ways to get acclimated to Yale and get connected to the community.

October is National LGBTQ History Month, the Center uplifts the heritage of the queer and trans pioneers and their allies throughout history. The Center’s Stonewall Library recognizes Banned Books Week in partnership with the American Library Association for an academic look at the historical and contemporary attempts to censure the LGBTQ and allied communities. The Center also recognizes OUT Week, a time focused on the coming out, inviting in, or disclosure processes. This is a time to share histories of significant leaders and narratives and journeys from Yale’s own communities.

Halloween holds a special place in the heart of the LGBTQ community at Yale. The significance of Halloween has undergone several transformations throughout history: from being considered a pagan holiday to eventually becoming an occasion for freedom, festivity, fun, and creativity. Embrace this ongoing legacy and join  in the annual Signature Event, Monster Mash! The theme changes each year, but this is the event you can’t miss. 

Pride starts early at Yale, but Yalies continue celebrations through the end of June (which is National LGBTQ Pride Month).  In April, the Yale LGBTQ Center and various groups across campus host a number of pride events, outings and socials open to all.  These events vary year to year, but always include our annual spring party hosted by the Pride@Yale standing committee, Pride Prom. If you or your organization are interested in hosting or cosponsoring a Pride event, please contact the chair of the Pride@Yale committee.  

Each year the Center recognizes and celebrates the achievements of graduating undergraduate and graduate students. The Lavender Receptions are an opportunity for family, friends, faculty, and staff to celebrate the achievements of Yale graduates. It is also a time for the graduates to acknowledge family, friends, faculty, and staff who have supported them through their journey in search of knowledge and higher learning. Any graduating student can register for private recognition or attend the annual undergraduate or graduate and professional student receptions.

The Center is always excited to welcome alumni back to campus by coordinating open house receptions for each Yale College Reunion.  This is a great opportunity for Alumni to reconnect with other alumni or connect with the staff at the Center to learn more about the current projects and programs.  Visit Yale College Reunions for more information on your upcoming reunion.