Queer Resource Center Traditional Programs 

Queer and Trans Orientation Events (August/September)

Queer and trans orientation events are intended to welcome new and returning students to the Amherst College community and to introduce the campus resources available to queer and trans students. Orientation events include: Queer Queries-Voices of the Queer Class, QRC Open House, Movie Night, etc.

Queer History Month (October)

Queer History Month celebrates queer and trans history. Queer History month is observed during the month of October in the United States to honor National Coming Out Day and the first march on Washington by queer and trans people in 1979. The QRC aims to educate the Amherst College community on queer and trans history and coming out through events and programming throughout the month of October. We celebrate and honor all identities inclusive of our intersecting identities- race, class, ability, sex, gender, national origin, age, and religion.

National Coming Out Day (October 11th)

National Coming Out Day is a celebration of queer and trans lives.  Many use this day to come out to family, friends and loved ones because of the support provided by others.  The queer community can come together through sharing the common experience of coming out. 

Trans Empowerment Week (November)  

Trans Awareness Week is a week dedicated to embracing trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals.  Events are intended to support the transgender community and to educate others about transgender and gender identity topics and issues.

World AIDS Day (December 1st)

World AIDS Day is a day of awareness and a day to show support for those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. The QRC aims to educate the campus community about the importance of getting tested and best practices for prevention. We strive to break down the stereotypes and stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS and the queer community.

Pride Week (May)

Pride Week is a full week of events intended to celebrate the queer community. Events often include a Kick-off BBQueer, movie showings, workshops, guest speakers and our annual "Advocate, Support, Love" t-shirt Campaign.

Lavender Graduation (May)

Amherst College’s Lavender Graduation is a commencement celebration recognizing the achievements and lives of Queer and Trans students as they commence their life journeys. Each graduating student invites a special individual to share that student’s hopes, dreams, and memories of Amherst College with the audience. Amherst College, as an institution, celebrates their leadership, academic, personal successes and achievements.