Sacred Heart University hosted a Pride Week from Nov. 10 through Nov. 15 with the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) holding multiple events in celebration. Ranging from brunches and creative activities to discussions on LGBTQ+ rights around the world, Pride Week highlighted the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Maurice Nelson said Pride Week is a testament to Sacred Heart University’s dedication to creating a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
“Celebrating Pride Week allows us to acknowledge and honor the LGBTQ+ members of our community and underscore the importance of diversity in all forms,” said Nelson.
This year, Pride Week featured a range of events designed not only to entertain, but to educate and build a supportive community. GSA began the week with a Sunday brunch in Linda’s, setting a welcoming tone for students, faculty, and allies.
Junior Lexi Louros, President of GSA, said these events are not only about celebration, but also about fostering an understanding and allyship within the SHU community.
“We held several events throughout the week: Pride Brunch, Guess That Song, Make-A-Pin, The People’s Joker, LGBTQ+ Rights Around the World, LGBTQ+ Sex Ed, Speed Friending, Queeraoke, and Queer Mixer. My personal favorites were Pride Brunch and LGBTQ+ Sex Ed,” said Louros.
Associate Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, Kyle Humphreys, said the events give students an opportunity to create friendships and allow students to feel represented.
“Normally, we only run events Monday to Friday, but GSA thought it would be fun to kick off the week with something special. These gatherings allow students to connect more informally, creating bonds that often carry forward into GSA’s other events and bi-weekly meetings. The goal of such events is to create a campus where everyone has a place to feel seen and valued,” said Humphreys.
Each day offered unique ways to engage, from lighthearted activities to impactful workshops on LGBTQ+ rights around the world. This lineup doubled last year’s events, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and importance of Pride Week on campus.
Sophomore Elle Lombardo, GSA’s Social Media Chair said the events and meetings held by GSA foster a welcoming and relaxing environment for students.
“I really love these events specifically because they give us a chance to get to know our members and just chill out,” said Lombardo.
Educational events like “LGBTQ+ Rights Around the World” serve to expand students’ understanding of global challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. This session, along with other events like LGBTQ+ sex education and speed friending, encouraged open, judgment-free discussions, creating spaces where students could freely explore issues related to identity.
“There’s a lot we still need to do to fight for rights here, but understanding the situation in other countries gives us a chance to look beyond our borders,” said Humphreys.
An essential element of Pride Week at Sacred Heart is its inclusivity, and how everyone can have a place in these spaces. Anybody, regardless of their identity or affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community, was encouraged to attend.
“The only thing we really want is for people to have respect for others’ identities, even if they don’t fully understand them. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you are willing to learn from them,” said Humphreys.
The Sexuality and Gender Equity (SAGE) Center also welcomes students’ feedback and ideas, continually evolving its offerings to ensure they meet the needs of Sacred Heart’s diverse community.
Students interested in getting involved with GSA can follow their social media, @shu_gsa on TikTok and Instagram and the SAGE Center’s account, @sageatshu. Additionally, you can join the mailing list by emailing Louros at lourosa@mail.sacredheart.edu. Students are encouraged to attend the biweekly meetings on Tuesdays at 8:00 pm in the Multicultural Center.
