Historically, Highline has always celebrated diversity on campus and this year is no different with the 13th annual LGBTQIA+ week. ‘’More Than Just Rainbows: Still here, Still Queer’’ will be a weeklong extravaganza full of free event sponsored by CCIE, CLS, LGBTIA+ Task Force and the Q Center.

There is something for everyone including film, arts, sports, and games. The highlight of the week will be the ‘’Bring Out Your Light,’’ blacklight dance party, featuring DJ Femmeboitoy. This week of events is something you won’t want to miss! Here is a preview of the events to come on each day: 

Monday, October 9 – The week will start off with a film & discussion of “Being Thunder,” an award-winning documentary. Watch an inspirational movie that explores gender identity and expression. Join your peers and share your thoughts on the film. 

Tap into your creative side with blacklight T-shirt decorating. Make an awesome shirt to show off at the blacklight dance party! You may bring your own shirt or be provided with one. Both of these events will take place at the Federal Way HUB, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. 

Tuesday, October 10 – If you can’t make it on Monday, no worries! Blacklight t-shirt decorating will continue from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., in the Inter-Cultural Center (Building 8-204). Bring some friends to make some wearable art to prepare for the blacklight party.

Stick around for ‘’Make a Racket,’’ pride sports night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come out to play badminton, pickleball, volleyball, or soccer at the Highline pavilion (Building 27). Let’s get active and show some pride. Everyone is welcome regardless of athletic experience or ability. 

Wednesday, October 11 – Join the second film & discussion of “Every Body,” a 2023 documentary that explores the intersex experience. An LGBTQIA+ must-watch movie according to viewers. Movie starts at 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in Building 7. 

Activities will continue with ‘’Play Time,’’ an arts game show with Chino Gonzalez and Merri Ann Osborne. The games include dancing, singing, improv, community art, trivia, and more. Grab a friend and participate in these exciting games in Mt. Constance, Building 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Thursday, October 12 – Drumroll for the finale…the Blacklight Dance Party! Bring all your friends to dance the night away. Enjoy some music from DJ Femmeboitoy. Don’t forget your blacklight T-shirts and neon, pride attire. Connect with your peers and community while having a fun, safe place to let loose. 

Don’t miss out on the event of the week from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Building 8 on the first floor. This is our time to show our pride and honor ourselves and others.

For all our LGBTQIA+ students and allies, we hope Highline campus will be a safe place for self-expression and community.