Today, the Human Rights Campaign is hosting its second annual National #HBCUOutLoud Day, an important opportunity for students and allies to learn more about LGBTQ communities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through independently-run events at various HBCU campuses, the HRC Foundation created and utilizes this day to raise public awareness about the HBCU LGBTQ community, and encourage people to create more inclusive cultures on their campuses and in the wider world.

"#HBCUOutLoud Day is a time to celebrate HBCU LGBTQ resilience," said HRC President Alphonso David. "The Human Rights Campaign established the day as a way to provide the HBCU community with an opportunity to show their pride and chart a path for even greater LGBTQ inclusion on their campuses. The day is an opportunity for HBCU students, alumni and allies to connect over their unique shared experiences and explore solutions to the challenges facing HBCUs and Black LGBTQ people.”

“As a member of the LGBTQ community at an HBCU, it is especially affirming to see that my university is making special efforts to make sure that I feel included on campus,” said Johnathan Doe, senior at Shaw University and president of P.E.R.I.O.D (Peer, Evolution, Regarding, Injustice of Discrimination). “My experiences with HRC’s HBCU program has inspired me to start the first-ever LGBTQ student group at my university, and I just know that this year will inspire more students to work to create change on their own campuses and in the greater world.”

As part of #HBCUOutLoud Day, HRC is today hosting #VoteOutLoud2020, a discussion on the importance of voting, the issues at stake in the presidential election, and how to continue the fight for Black LGBTQ liberation after the election. The discussion will feature Director of HRC HBCU Program Leslie Hall, Campus Vote Project Florida State Coordinator Chadwick Leonard and Planned Parenthood Specialist in Black Leadership and Engagement Christen Whitaker.

In addition, several HBCUs are independently hosting events to honor #HBCUOutLoud Day, including:

• Mask-uline Identity: Conversation on gender identity and expression centering Black lesbian identified women. Florida A&M University
• OutLoud Mural: Students will commemorate the day by creating a mural honoring LGBTQ inclusion. Dillard University
• OutLoud Speaker Series: Dillard University President will give a presidential address and Justin Calhoun will give a keynote address on the importance of LGBTQ inclusion on campus. Dillard University
• HIV/STI testing: Savannah State University
• Instagram Live: Discussion about life as a member of the LGBTQ community attending an HBCU and what can be done to create more inclusive campus cultures. Florida Memorial University
• Game Night: Virtual Kahoot game night about LGBTQ, HBCU and Black history. Prairie View A&M University
• Public Education Campaign: Shaw's LGBTQ student organization will celebrate HBCUOutLoud Day by tabling and passing out swag items and encouraging students to post online. Shaw University
• OutLoud Forum: Discussion highlighting experiences and resilience of Black LGBTQ students in South Carolina. Claflin University

This year, even in the midst of a global pandemic, HBCUs and student leaders are stepping up and showing their commitment toward LGBTQ inclusion. Last year, HRC had three #HBCUOutLoud Day participating schools and this year we have over 15. Participating schools include colleges and universities that have student leaders who commit to providing programming that centers LGBTQ students during the yearly event and work with their administration to establish more inclusive campus cultures.

The HRC Foundation’s HBCU Program mobilizes and supports HBCUs in enhancing policies and services that promote excellence in LGBTQ inclusion, equity and engagement. The program focuses on promoting individual competencies and collective action, empowering leaders and stakeholders and building a network of committed leaders in pursuit of eliminating stigma and enriching the college experience for LGBTQ students and the entire student body.

HRC’s HBCU Program was founded to support LGBTQ students at HBCUs by providing resources and trainings to advance affirming and supportive college campuses. The program is supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the David Bohnett Foundation. For more information about HRC’s HBCU Project, visit www.hrc.org/hbcu.