Six LGBT groups have been planning events for Pride Week since January. 

Brad Freihoefer, LGBT student services coordinator, said Pride Week speaks for itself. It’s about raising awareness, educating and empowering students to be proud of who they are.

“It’s a great week to highlight visibility,” Freihoefer said.

The Iowa Pride Conference occurred from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19 at the Memorial Union. The Iowa Pride Network orchestrated the event, but Iowa State was chosen as the host because of its central location.

Students from high schools and colleges across Iowa were invited to the event.

Gamma Rho Lambda sorority became an official chapter at Iowa State on Saturday too. 

“I think Pride Week is a way to showcase the successes that some of us have had on campus and some of the successes that other people can have too,” said Nicci Port, chair of LGBT Faculty and Staff Association.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, students chalked the sidewalks surrounding the Campanile and Central Campus.

Amy Barnhart, education and outreach officer of LGBT Ally Alliance, said they went out to promote the alliance and Pride Week overall. 

The Closet Door and the Bake Sale will occur today at the Vet Med campus.

The Closet Door is an event sponsored by the LGBTA Alliance, where students can get their picture taken in a free standing doorway holding a sign that says gay, straight, ally etc.

The LGBTA Alliance is pairing with the College of Veterinary Medicine to put this event on. There will be pride-themed baked goods, and all proceeds are going toward the college.

The Pride Week Kick Off also takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. today in the Gallery Room of the Memorial Union; students can come and go as needed.

Freihoefer said it’s a great way to get an overview of what the LGBT community does on campus and what events are going on throughout the week.

Each of the seven LGBT groups will be featured at the event.

“Pride Week is an extension of the world we want to live in and the place we want to be, and the type of campus we have and want to continue to develop,” said Freihoefer.

Tuesday at the Union Drive Community Center in Room 136, a Creating Change Action Workshop will be from noon to 1:30 p.m., which is being sponsored by LGBT Student Services.

Freihoefer said they will be talking about how to make an impact and a difference on campus and what that looks like.

“Whatever’s on their mind, that’s what we’re going to talk about,” Freihoefer said.

On Wednesday there will be Free HIV Testing at the Union Drive Community Center in Room 136 from 12 to 5 p.m., which is being sponsored by Project HIM, a health organization working toward stopping HIV among gay, bisexual and transexual/transgender men.

Freihoefer said they try to encourage people to get tested so they know their status.

“It’s about education and support,” Freihoefer said.

Also occurring Wednesday evening is the LGBTA Alliance general meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Carver Room 0232. It is their last meeting of the year.

Members of Project HIM will also attend the meeting.

Barnhart said they are planning on having a more engaging and entertaining meeting.

“I’m really excited and hopefully we can get a lot of people there,” Barnhart said.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday there will be a Safe Zone 101 Training. It is for graduate students, faculty and staff only.

“The goal of the Safe Zone is really to create visible, welcoming safe spaces on campus relating to sexuality and gender,” Freihoefer said.

In the future, they plan to create an online map of all the locations that are Safe Zone certified.

Also on Thursday will be Take Back the Night, sponsored by The Margaret Sloss Women’s Center. It is at 6 p.m. on the West Terrace of the Memorial Union.

There will be a keynote speaker and a march around campus.

Freihoefer said the goal is to raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence.

On April 25, a Pride Rally will gather in front of Parks Library from noon to 1 p.m. Students will be sharing stories about coming out, being an ally and what that means to them.

Freihoefer said the goal is to be visible, to be proud and to share stories.

“The rainbow flags are going to be out, you bet,” Freihoefer said with a smile.

The annual Spring Drag Show will be at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

Tickets cost $5 for LGBTA Alliance members and $7 for non-members.

“It’s a celebration of gender and gender expression,” Freihoefer said.

Proceeds from the event are going to Youth and Shelter Services, and Food at First.

“Keep Calm and Be Proud” t-shirts are also being sold at the event for $10.

“Participating in these events, you don’t have to be LGBT, but you don’t have to be anything. You can be an ally, you can be gay, you can be straight,” Barnhart said.

Freihoefer said the reason they call it Pride Week is to be proud and visible in a culture and society that’s still working towards being fully inclusive of sexuality and gender.

“We’ve set up a really good foundation to continue to do this, and we’re only going to grow from this,” Barnhart said.

Freihoefer said it’s amazing how all these groups came together. It is truly a representation of the community at Iowa State.

He said he wants to increase pride and visibility and let everybody know that they are here and proud to be Cyclones.

“Iowa State is a great place to live, and work and go to school,” said Port. “I’m excited to see what happens next.”