History of GAYpril at Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Rutgers students have adopted this affectionate term for their celebration during the month of April. “GAYpril” is an opportunity for the entire campus to involve itself in educational and celebratory programming on queer and trans communities and issues.
Past featured guests include: TS Madison, Big Freedia, Latrice Royale, Nico Santos, The Prancing Elites, Lena Waithe, Jujubee, and more.
Save the dates!
Events are from March 31 – May 6, 2025.
More events are being finalized and added to the list below.
Please check back often for more details and updates!
Let’s Talk Support: Focus Group for Non-binary, Trans, and Agender Students
Monday, March 31 | 03:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
We want to hear YOUR voice. All non-binary, trans, and agender students are invited to a focus group to share their needs and concerns. Light refreshments will be provided.
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
GAYpril PRIDE Hot Breakfast & Black Cartoons
Wednesday, April 2 | 09:30 a.m. EST while supplies last
Paul Robeson Cultural Center
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet from Fritz and learn about upcoming GAYpril programs while being in good community. Come to de-stress, make new friends, or simply be.
Menu includes: French Toast Bake, Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Local Bagels, Home Fries, Pastries, Bacon and Sausage, Fruit Salad, Cinnamon Streusel, Hot Coffee and Tea
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
COSPONSOR: Paul Robeson Cultural Center
PROM NIGHT: SparkNight - GAYpril and LGBTQIA+ Pride
Thursday, April 3 | 05:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers University Zimmerli Art Museum
Kick-off Prom Night with Pride! SparkNight is the free art party at the Zimmerli, inviting everyone to explore art, engage their creativity, and have fun! Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride at Rutgers University and in the New Brunswick community as we showcase the queer art of drag as well as the important contributions of queer artists on view. Free and open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments.
FREE transportation will be provided from the Zimmerli Art Museum to Trayes Hall for Queer Prom!
Pre-register here for free visitor parking, which allows you to park in Lots 11, 16, 26, 30, & College Avenue Deck. Until this process is completed, your vehicle is not registered and you may receive a citation. Special event parking and special event permits are only for visitors to the university and does not include free metered parking. Faculty, staff, and students must park only in lots where they are authorized to park. Please note, this is a unique link for this event and not valid for any other dates or events.
- For directions to campus parking lots, search by the lot number on the Rutgers map.
- Lot 16 is the closest to the Zimmerli, located behind the museum. For directions, you also may use the address 536 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, which is the building located next to the lot entrance.
COSPONSOR: The Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Queer Prom 2025: Fairy Tale Fantasy
Thursday, April 3 | 07:00 – 11:00 p.m. EST
Douglass Student Center | Trayes Hall
Queer Prom is BACK. Step into a magical night where fairy tales come to life—whether you’re the daring hero, the mischievous villain, or something in between! Join LLEGO and SJE for a Queer Prom filled with enchantment, celebration, and community. Dress to impress in your most whimsical, regal, or darkly charming attire, and get ready for a night of music, dancing, and unforgettable memories!
PURCHASE TICKETS & JOIN THE ROYAL COURT
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities and LLEGO
Small Group Training w/ Rutgers LIFTS
Sunday, April 6 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. EST
College Avenue Gym | Main Fitness Room
Please join Rutgers LIFTS at the College Ave Gym for a free small-group training session. This beginner-friendly intro to strength session is an hour-long full-body workout. The session is private only to registrants, and we have the space for ourselves!
Jeopardy Night w/ Aro & Ace Alliance and Being Black & Queer
Tuesday, April 8 | 07:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Come join the AAA and BBQ for some boba and snacks and the chance to play Jeopardy to learn about some Aro and Ace people, cartoon characters, artists, and flags!
Queer Priest Panel w/ Queer and Christian (QuaC)
Tuesday, April 8 | 07:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Graduate Student Lounge
Back for a second year! Join local clergy from across the queer spectrum as they tell their stories and answer your questions. Find out more about the intersection of queerness and spirituality. Ask the questions you've always been dying to ask!
GAYpril Drag Show
Tuesday, April 8 | 07:15 – 11:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Multipurpose Room
Get ready for a night of dazzling performances, fierce energy, and unapologetic self-expression at RUPA x SJE GAYpril Drag Show! Join us as we celebrate the art of drag with an incredible lineup featuring the iconic Alisha Day alongside talented student performers Sadiva, Sockeye Salmon & King Quai, and Elizah Cream.
After the show, stick around for a photo op with the performers, where you can meet and celebrate the stars of the night while also enjoying pizza and refreshments.
Hosted by: Rutgers University Programming Association (RUPA) and the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Gaydar Plate Making w/ Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs)
Tuesday, April 8 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel | Pavlovsky Student Office
Make your own Passover seder plate themed with all of your favorite queer qualities! Supplies, instructions, and food will be provided!
Black Love and Sexuality Talk
Wednesday, April 9 | 05:00 – 07:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Black Love and Sexuality Talk is a roundtable discussion meant to discuss what it means to be black and in love with other black people. The goal is to discuss the history of black love, how it is depicted in the media, and how can we learn more about black love in the LGBTQ+ world.
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
Olfactory Optics: Decolonizing Fragrance w/ LLEGO and Transmissions
Thursday, April 10 | 07:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
In collaboration with transitions, we will be hosting "Olfactory Optics: Decolonizing Fragrance" on Thursday, April 10! We'll be learning about fragrance and even get a chance to sample some fragrances!
Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse Pride Game
Thursday, April 10 | 08:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
SHI Stadium on Busch Campus
Join us for a Pride-themed women’s lacrosse game where Rutgers will take on USC in SHI Stadium, where players and spectators come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusivity and support through sport.
Hosted by: Rutgers Athletics & the Women’s Lacrosse Team
Hear Me Out w/ Aro & Ace Alliance
Friday, April 11 | 05:45 – 07:45 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
The Aro and Ace Alliance presents a “Hear Me Out” event where we are asking people to bring their most unconventional crushes to place on a cupcake! Inspired by the trend online, come join the club as we talk about our most insane fictional crushes.
Queer History Happy Hour w/ the Honors College
Tuesday, April 15 | 06:30 – 08:30 p.m. EST
Honors College | Druskin Lounge
Join the Honors College LGBTQ+ Affinity Group and LGBTQ+ Learning Collaborative for a fun and interactive "Queer History Happy Hour." There will be a presentation going over notable individuals and events within the queer community, mocktails, and the chance to win a prize during LGBTQ+ trivia. Come spend some time with us this GAYpril. We can't wait to see you on April 15th in the Druskin Lounge.
Scarlet Speaker Series ft. Tan France
Tuesday, April 15 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Multipurpose Room
Join us for a discussion with Tan France, the star of Netflix's Emmy-winning series Queer Eye. Tan is also a best selling author of Naturally Tan, podcaster, fashion designer and entrepreneur. Seats are limited and must be reserved on getINVOLVED! This event is open to Rutgers Students, Faculty, and Staff. 10 Students from the RSVP list will be selected to participate in the Meet and Greet following the discussion.
Doors open at 7:00pm
Moderated Q&A: 8:00pm
Feel, Write, Heal: Learning to Build Community Through Zines w/ the Center for Latino Arts & Culture
Wednesday, April 16 | 01:00 – 05:00 p.m. EST
Center for Latino Arts & Culture | 1st Floor Conference Room
The Center for Latino Arts and Culture (CLAC) is excited to host this zine workshop to explore the ways we can use this medium to tell our story. This workshop will create a space for queer students to honor their identities in a way that is creative and interactive!
COSPONSORS: Queer Caucus, Latino Student Council, Rutgers Union Estudiantil Puertorriqueña
GAYpril Rock Climbing w/ Wil Vargas
Wednesday, April 16 | 06:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
College Avenue Gym | Rockwall
Get active for GAYpril! Come be in community with us and Wil Vargas, CAPS Counselor, for an evening of affirming rock climbing. No need to be an experienced climber—all experience levels are welcome!
Lip Sync Battle w/ LLEGO & Latin Images LLC
Wednesday, April 16 | 07:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Bishop Quads | Latin Images LLC
Join LLEGO in collaboration with Latin Images LLC, a vibrant and empowering celebration of queer Latin culture! This high-energy event will feature powerful lip-synch performances, and contestants will battle it out for the grand prize. With audience voting, live entertainment, and a grand finale showdown, this event promises to be a great night.
Quill and Chill: Crafting for Pride w/ HOPE & CAPS
Thursday, April 17 | 03:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Join CAPS and HOPE for a colorful and creative quilling workshop celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride. This inclusive event welcomes everyone to express their true colors through the art of quilling. You’ll have the opportunity to create a unique and vibrant quilled design that reflects your individuality. Come for the art, stay for the community, and leave with a masterpiece that showcases your pride. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Let's quill, chill, and celebrate life with every fold.
COSPONSOR: Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
Film Screening & Talkback - “Dirty Computer: Emotion Picture” w/ the Diversity Peer Educators
Thursday, April 17 | 06:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Join us for a screening of Janelle Monáe's groundbreaking film, Dirty Computer! 🌟
As part of Rutgers Gaypril celebrations, this event is proudly hosted by the DPEs, LLEGO, and BBQ. 🌈
Experience the visionary storytelling and stunning visuals that have captivated audiences worldwide. We will watch the film and be in discussion about the intersectional frameworks that impact race, gender, and radical thought. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be in community and conversation through the lens of music, identity, and freedom dreaming. Refreshments will be provided!
COHOSTS: LLEGO and Being Black & Queer
Club SJE: Pa-JAM-a Party! Ft DJ Dale Danny
Friday, April 18 | 02:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Get ready to swap your sneakers for slippers and your jeans for jammies—because the ultimate chill-meets-hype event is here! Club SJE is your chance to turn up in total comfort while dancing to the hottest beats spun live by our guest DJ, Dale Danny, who knows how to keep the energy high.
🎶 Live DJ • Lights • Vibes
🛌 Pajamas Required – The comfier, the better!
🕺 Nonstop dancing
Whether you're rocking footie PJs, matching sets, or your favorite oversized tee, this is where style and sleepwear collide. Come for the music, stay for the vibes—because the only thing better than a night out is one where you never had to get dressed for it.
To attend this event, please RSVP via Rutgers GetInvolved.
Queercoded Hackathon w/ Out in Tech and oSTEM
Saturday, April 19, 12:00 p.m. - Sunday, April 20, 06:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Room 108
Queercoded is Out in Tech's first LGBTQ+ hackathon event, coding with pride! Our event aims to organize a community event to give visibility to LGBTQ+ students in the tech industry. The hackathon will consist of opportunities for mentorship, workshops, social activities, chances to win prizes, and more.
Cereal Night w/ Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs)
Tuesday, April 22 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel | Pavlovsky Student Office
Join us for a topsy-turvy night of a cereal breakfast for dinner. There will be optional related game activities as well!
Camp Classics at the CLAC w/ the Center for Latino Arts & Culture
Wednesday, April 23 | 07:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
Center for Latino Arts & Culture | 1st Floor Conference Room
Bring your blanket and we will serve the popcorn! Join us for a screening of "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything"
Spinning Session w/ Rutgers LIFTS
Thursday, April 24 | 09:00 – 10:00 a.m. EST
Werblin Recreation Center
Join Rutgers LIFTS for a free spinning session at Werblin Rec Center! The spin class is beginner-friendly and will provide endurance training through biking!
Annual Students of Color Picnic w/ LLEGO
Friday, April 25 | 01:00 – 03:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities | Lawn
Join LLEGO at our annual Students of Color Picnic, the last event of the academic year! Come celebrate with QTPOC and allies to end the semester and school year off right with games, food, fun, and community!
Safe(R) Space
Friday, April 25 | 02:00 – 05:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Academic Building | Room 2100
Join us for one of our Spring Safe(R) Space sessions.
Safe(R) Space is a campus-wide program designed to visibly identify students, staff, and faculty peers who support the LGBTQIA+ population, understand some of the issues facing LGBTQIA individuals, and are aware of various LGBTQIA-affirming resources on campus. Our spring dates will only be in-person sessions.
Pride Pool Party w/ Recreation
Friday, April 25 | 06:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Werblin Rec Center | Patio Pool
A vibrant and inclusive event celebrating LGBTQ+ students and allies during GayPril. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with music, games, and a welcoming atmosphere that fosters community and connection. Join the Aquatics team at Rutgers Recreation to swim, socialize, or relax.
To ensure we provide a safe and welcoming Rec for EveryBODY, single-use, gender-neutral changing spaces and restrooms will be available throughout the event. A check-in table will be located in the lobby of the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center for any questions or additional information. Attendees are also welcome to store their belongings in designated areas of the pool deck during the party.
Pride Shabbat w/ Rutgers Hillel
Friday, April 25 | 08:00 – 09:30 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel
Come celebrate queer joy and pride with a free Shabbat dinner that is open to anyone and everyone! If you'd like to attend dinner, it starts at 8 pm, and all services (reform, conservative, and orthodox) begin at 7 pm.
Black Joy, Unity & PRIDE Line Dancing: A SpringFest x Gaypril Program w/ the Paul Robeson Cultural Center & Black Student Union
Monday, April 28 | 07:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Campus | The Yard
Come through and experience our dynamic celebration of Black joy, unity, and PRIDE, and do some line dancing! We’ve all been wanting to pop our fans and get our boots on the ground or learn the Tamia dance. This inclusive event brings our diverse community together through movement, honoring Black culture while creating space for authentic expression. Join us for this unforgettable SpringFest kickoff that unites us all in rhythm, pride, and solidarity!
COSPONSORS: Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities, Scarlet Divas
Birthday Party w/ Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs)
Tuesday, April 29 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel | Pavlovsky Student Office
Celebrate your birthday (or unbirthday ;D) from this past semester with this end-of-academic-year farewell party! Party games and cake will be involved.
Camp Classics at the CLAC w/ the Center for Latino Arts & Culture
Wednesday, April 30 | 07:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
Center for Latino Arts & Culture | 1st Floor Conference Room
Bring your blanket and we will serve the popcorn! Join us for a screening of "Bottoms".
Rainbow Graduation
Tuesday, May 6 | 05:00 - 08:00 p.m.
Livingston Student Center | Livingston Hall
Rainbow Graduation honors the achievements of Rutgers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and nonbinary, queer, intersex, asexual, and other queer spectrum (LGBTQIA+) undergraduate and graduate students. The event acknowledges the challenges and triumphs experienced in their careers here at Rutgers University. We use this occasion to honor students who have continued our traditions of pride and activism. The celebration is a complement to a traditional graduation ceremony, such as University Commencement or other celebrations hosted by academic departments.
Gaypril Throughout the Years
