KINGSTON, R.I. – Jan. 28, 2025 – The äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBվ’s Gender and Sexuality Center will host a Back in Bloom Open House to welcome new and returning students for the spring 2025 semester. The event, which will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, offers a chance to connect with students and staff, get creative with arts and crafts, and explore the center’s resources.
äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBվ’s Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) offers a safe and welcoming place where all community members can find a variety of resources, and support along with education and engagement programs. Some of the center’s regular events include Safe Zone Workshops and Wellness Afternoons.
Safe Zone workshops are held on the third of each month with advanced training on additional dates. The two-hour workshops are designed to raise awareness on topics affecting the LGBTQ+ community, to build support and a network of allies, and to create safer spaces on the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ campus. To register or to learn more, visit the .
Wellness Afternoons offer attendees an opportunity to participate in a relaxing and revitalizing wellness experience, allowing them to slow down, take a needed pause and learn grounding techniques to help ease stress. Wellness Afternoons are planned for Feb. 5, March 4, and April 2, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. is recommended as space is limited to 25 participants.
For additional information on weekly empowerment and wellness groups, visit the .
Several additional events are planned at the Gender & Sexuality Center this spring. They include:
Thursday, Feb. 27
Fourth Annual Queer, Trans, People of Color (QTPOC) Black History Month Gala, 6 to 8 p.m.
The GSC will host the 4th Annual QTPOC Black History Month Gala, themed “Mending the Fabric: Weaving Together Stories of Resistance.” The event will take place at the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Welcome Center and will feature powerful storytelling, performances, and a communal dinner, all celebrating the resilience and strength of QTPOC communities.
This year’s event will center on the experiences of queer and trans people of color, highlighting how these communities have faced erasure and resistance throughout history. Through storytelling, art, and interactive exercises, the event will engage participants in meaningful dialogue about what resistance means today, fostering a sense of empowerment and collective strength. äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾’s featured speaker this year is Ariel Tavares, a multidisciplinary local artist, as host and keynote speaker. Tavares will lead an interactive storytelling experience. Register .
Friday, Feb. 28 – Saturday, March 1
The Vagina Monologues
The Vagina Monologues return to äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ this spring on Feb. 28 and March 1, in Edwards Hall, as a collaboration between the GSC and the Women’s Center. Sign up to perform or learn more .
March 24-31
30th Annual Symposium (week-long events)
The center’s longest-running series of events includes an Open Mic and Queer Prom and celebrates three decades this year.
Friday, April 18
Lavender Graduation, 6 to 8 p.m.
A special ceremony and dinner to honor äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBվ’s graduating LTBTQ+ graduates. Students, faculty and staff members can nominate other community members for awards presented at this event, for Ally of the Year Award, Outstanding Leader Award, Mentor of the Year Award, and Gender & Sexuality Center Staff Member of the Year Award. Graduating students who wish to participate should r. Award nominations should be .
The Gender and Sexuality Center at äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ serves as a cultural resource that empowers students, faculty, and staff to explore and affirm their diverse and intersecting identities, particularly in gender and sexuality. For more information on upcoming events at the Center this semester, see, follow on social media, email manuela_vadis@uri.edu, or call 401-874-2894.