Author: mateotebar94

Throughout June, CUNY students were invited to participate in a special three-part virtual series exploring LGBTQ+ culture, history, and storytelling from around the world. Presented by Oscar Wilde Tours, each session offered an engaging look at queer heritage through art, tradition, and influential figures.

June 11 – India and Japan: Two Asian Countries and Their LGBTQ+ Traditions
Participants explored the rich queer histories embedded within two distinct Asian cultures. The session highlighted ancient texts, traditional narratives, and contemporary movements, illustrating how LGBTQ+ identities have been expressed and understood across time.

June 12 – The LGBTQ+ Secrets of the Metropolitan Museum
This event uncovered the lesser-known LGBTQ+ stories behind iconic artworks housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students learned about queer themes represented in ancient Greek sculpture, Renaissance portraiture, and modern art, including nuanced interpretations of figures like Gertrude Stein.

June 18 – The LGBTQ+ Secrets of Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery
Attendees took a virtual journey through Paris’ famed Père Lachaise Cemetery, exploring the lives and legacies of queer cultural figures such as Oscar Wilde and Gertrude Stein. The presentation highlighted their contributions to literature, art, and LGBTQ+ history.

All three events were free, virtual, and open to CUNY students, offering a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Pride Month through global perspectives on queer identity and culture.

This event was made possible through generous funding from the NYC City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Caucus and the Office of the Mayor, and was supported by the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.

The SPS Pride Club hosted an in-person jewelry-making workshop at Beaded Kraft, where students came together to design their own custom charm bracelets. This hands-on, creativity-focused event offered a fun and relaxed space for students to connect, express themselves, and build community through art.

With materials provided and guidance from the studio, participants were able to explore their creative styles while making a personalized keepsake. Space was limited to the first 10 students, creating an intimate and engaging experience.

This event was made possible through generous funding from the NYC City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Caucus and the Office of the Mayor, and was supported by the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.

The SPS Pride Club hosted a virtual conversation featuring guest speakers Umut Dursan and Dirk Correia, who shared personal and professional insights on navigating the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and career life.

This informal, discussion-style event invited the speakers to reflect on their experiences doing queer-affirming work while also living authentically as LGBTQIA+ professionals. They spoke about challenges, sources of support, workplace dynamics, and the importance of community care in sustaining both career success and personal well-being.

The conversation was followed by an open Q&A, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and engage more deeply with the speakers about career development, identity balance, and navigating professional spaces as LGBTQIA+ individuals.

This event was made possible through generous funding from the NYC City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Caucus and the Office of the Mayor, and was supported by the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.

The SPS Pride Club, in collaboration with guest organization Hacking the Workforce, hosted a two-part virtual workshop series focused on strengthening digital safety skills for CUNY SPS students.

Part I offered an open session for all SPS students, introducing core cyber hygiene practices such as password security, device protection, safe browsing habits, and strategies to reduce online vulnerability. Participants learned practical tools to safeguard their digital presence in academic, professional, and personal spaces.

Part II provided a more targeted session for LGBTQIA+ students, centering the unique digital risks that queer and trans communities may face. This workshop addressed identity-based online harassment, privacy protection on social platforms, safe community engagement, and resources for maintaining digital autonomy. The session emphasized empowerment, community care, and strategies for navigating online spaces safely and confidently.

Together, the series equipped participants with accessible, actionable skills to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and protect their online identities.

This event was made possible through generous funding from the NYC City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Caucus and the Office of the Mayor, and was supported by the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.

Empowerment Self-Defense Workshop, specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals, members of the disability community, allies, and all students! This inclusive and supportive session is aimed at providing practical skills and strategies to help you build confidence, set boundaries, and enhance personal safety in various situations.

Workshop Highlights:

Empowerment Exercises: Build resilience and self-trust through interactive activities.

Assertiveness Training: Learn to communicate boundaries effectively and with confidence.

Physical Techniques: Simple, adaptable self-defense moves for people of all ability levels.

Situational Awareness: Tips for recognizing and responding to potentially unsafe situations.

This event was made possible through generous funding from the NYC City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Caucus and the Office of the Mayor, and was supported by the LaGuardia and Wagner Archive

In a celebration of identity, community, and resilience, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) held its first-ever Lavender Graduation Ceremony on May 6. Co-sponsored by the CUNY SPS Office of Student Life and the Pride Club, the event honored the School’s LGBTQI+ graduates with the theme of “Lavender Dreams.”