Roo Welcome Ice Cream Social

The Roo Welcome Ice Cream Social takes place during the first week of the Fall Semester. In collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ student organizations, LGBTQIA Programs and Services hosts an information fair with free ice cream. Join us on the University Walkway to make new friends and reunite with old ones.

Thursday, August 25, 2022
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
UMKC University Walkway

Ally Photo

The LGBTQIA+ Ally Photo is an annual event where students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a photo to show visible allyship to the community. The photo is hung in the Rainbow Lounge and posted on the website and on social media.

April 2023

Pride Lecture Series

Launched in 2007, this annual lecture series brings thought leaders from the LGBTQIA+ community to our campus. Sponsored by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, past guests have included Staceyann Chin, Janaya Khan, Laverne Cox, Dustin Lance Black and many other incredible individuals.

More Information on the Pride Lecture Series

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed internationally on November 20 each year. At UMKC, we host a vigil, accompanied by a reading of the names of those lost in the past year due to anti-transgender violence. Participants are also invited to speak about what this day means to them and how transphobia affects our communities.

Support resources are provided at the end of the event.

Thursday, November 17, 2022
4 p.m.
University Playhouse, or Jazzman's Coffee Stage for inclement weather

LGBTQIA+ Student Leadership Retreat

The LGBTQIA+ Student Leadership Retreat is an educational opportunity for students who are or want to be more involved in LGBTQIA+ leadership opportunities on campus.

Saturday, September 24, 2022
9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Registration for the Leadership Retreat is closed.

Pride Month

UMKC's Pride Month takes place in April and consists of several student-planned and led events throughout the month. It's a time for education, reflection, action and pride.

We will post the Pride Month calendar in the Spring.

Lavender Graduation and Pride Awards

Lavender Graduation Ceremony

In May, we join colleges and universities across the country in celebrating the successes and achievements of our LGBTQIA+ community. Lavender Graduation was created to honor these students’ successes, and we hope all Roos can look forward to joining us for our annual Lavender Graduate Banquet including Pride Awards. We invite all students, faculty and staff to join us for this evening of celebration!

Pride Awards Banquet

We recognize outstanding individuals in the UMKC community who have contributed to the betterment of our LGBTQIA+ community through education, support, programming or activism. These awards honor those who have contributed to the areas of service and outreach, establishing a safer and more welcoming environment at UMKC.

Pride awards

• Collaborative Excellence Award recognizes departments whose collaborative efforts have resulted in new or improved resources and services for LGBTQIA students, faculty, staff or community members.
• Jim Wanser Award recognizes an individual who has volunteered hours of service to the UMKC LGBTQIA+ community or the greater Kansas City LGBTQIA+ community. This person has gone above and beyond in helping to create a better community for all, and has served as a model of excellence for establishing community and volunteering.
• LGBTQIA+ Student of the Year Award recognizes a student for outstanding leadership, dedication, and service within the University, or in the community, that has resulted in new or revitalized resources, services, or programs for the LGBTQIA+ community. This individual works to foster community to establish coalitions among the greater UMKC and Kansas City community. This individual serves as a role model for their peers, and demonstrates a commitment to queer leadership, advocacy, activism, or education.
• Outstanding Alum Award recognizes one UMKC Alum who works toward fostering an inclusive community, at UMKC or in the community in which they live and work, where their commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community serves as a model for current and future UMKC alums.
• Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award recognizes LGBTQIA+ or ally faculty or staff who contribute to a positive campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This may be through offering LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum, expanding LGBTQIA+ research in their discipline, challenging and working to improve campus policies and climate, providing thoughtful and inclusive programming, and/or going above and beyond to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff.
• Rising Star Award recognizes one area high school student whose leadership and service have resulted in a tangible gain for LGBTQIA+ students (such as Gay/Straight Alliance), or whose energies have created a more friendly, inclusive environment at their high school. This individual demonstrates promise toward continuing their positive LGBTQIA+ leadership in future endeavors.

Beginning of May, 2023

Register for the Banquet as a Lavender Graduate or Attendee

Nominate someone for a Pride Award

Pride in the City

Formerly known as the UMKC Pride Breakfast, this event raises funds to support LGBTQIA+ students. Organized in partnership with the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, Student Affairs and University Advancement, Pride in the City is one of our most treasured traditions of support for the UMKC LGBTQIA+ community.

LGBTQIA+ Programs and Services

Explore our programs and services