Oakland University to share LGBTQ pride at Ferndale, Motor City festivals
Representatives from Oakland University will be participating in two of Michigan’s largest LGBTQIA festivals – Ferndale Pride and Motor City Pride – during the month of June as part of the Out on Campus Initiative.
“The Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) is incredibly pleased to continue our partnership with Undergraduate Admissions on the Out on Campus Initiative by taking part in Pride Festivals around the Metro Detroit area for the second consecutive year,” said Grace Wojcik, coordinator of the GSC at OU.
According to Wojcik, representatives from the GSC and Undergraduate Admissions will have an informational booth set up at Ferndale Pride from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, and at Motor City Pride on June 9 and 10.
“These events are a great way for us to recruit potential students and reconnect with alumni, which was the most rewarding outcome from our participation in last year's festivals,” Wojcik said.
The university’s participation in this year’s events is a continuation of the Out on Campus Initiative, which was developed during the 2015-2016 academic year with the intent of communicating a sense of affirmation to OU’s current, future and potential LGBTQIA population, as well as creating awareness for the GSC.
“The Out on Campus Initiative demonstrates Oakland University’s commitment to providing an inclusive and accepting atmosphere to the LGBTQIA community,” she said. “No matter your sexual orientation or gender identity, or if you are simply an ally to the community,” Oakland University can be considered a safe place for you to call home.”
In 2017, Oakland University was ranked as the most LGBTQ-friendly campus in the state of Michigan by the Campus Pride Index, which rates both colleges and universities using a five-star rating system.
Based on a variety of factors, including LGBTQ policy inclusion, academic life, student life, campus safety, housing and residence life, and other relevant practices, OU received a ranking of four-and-a-half out of five stars.
“As the most LGBTQ-inclusive campus in the state of Michigan, it's important for us to demonstrate our supportive and inclusive environment in these visible ways,” Wojcik said.
To volunteer at the Ferndale Pride event, sign up here. To volunteer at Motor City Pride, contact Grace Wojcik at [email protected].
For more information on LGBTQIA issues and the Out on Campus Initiative, visit the Gender and Sexuality Center, or contact [email protected].