Pride Awareness Month at UF begins March 19 and will include speakers, a drag show and an indie-rock band performance.
The month starts with an opening ceremony featuring gay actor and filmmaker John Waters.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Reitz Union, and it is free and open to the public.
Pride Awareness Month public relations director Jessica Pincus said she expects about 2,000 people to attend events throughout the month.
The Pride Awareness Month event began at UF in 2000, she said.
Although the month’s events are mainly aimed at UF students, the Gainesville community is welcome to attend.
“This year, we’re focusing a lot more on having more diverse events,” she said.
Indie-rock band Uh Huh Her will perform on March 26 at the Reitz Union as part of the celebration.
Poet Andrea Gibson will speak, and another female speaker will discuss being queer in the Islamic community.
Students will also be able to “paint their orgasms” as part of the event.
UF student organizations such as RUB Entertainment and Accent Speakers Bureau will co-sponsor some of the events, Pincus said.
